How to apply for a domestic-violence protection order in Uganda
In brief
A victim of domestic violence (or their representative) may apply to a magistrate's court for a protection order under the Domestic Violence Act, Cap. 123; a complaint may also be made to a local council court where the victim or perpetrator resides. The application is supported by an affidavit and must be heard within forty-eight hours of filing (s.9). The court can issue an interim protection order at once where domestic violence is shown prima facie, lasting up to three months (s.10), before issuing a full protection order (s.11). Domestic violence is itself an offence, and the victim's consent is not a defence (ss.3–4).
1. Governing law
The Domestic Violence Act, Cap. 123 (2023 Revision) prohibits domestic violence in a domestic relationship and makes it an offence punishable by a fine of up to forty-eight currency points or imprisonment of up to two years, or both, with power to order compensation to the victim (s.3); the victim's consent is not a defence (s.4). A complaint may be made to a local council court where the victim or perpetrator resides (s.5), while magistrates' courts have jurisdiction over protection orders (s.8). A victim or a victim's representative applies to a magistrate's court for a protection order, supported by an affidavit and in the prescribed form; the court issues summons to the respondent and must hear the application within forty-eight hours of filing, and may sit outside ordinary hours where the victim would otherwise suffer undue hardship (s.9). Where domestic violence is shown prima facie and immediate protection is needed, the court issues an interim protection order, which lasts for a maximum of three months (s.10), pending the issue of a protection order (s.11) whose contents are set by s.12; orders are enforced under s.15. The Family and Children Court has a parallel role where a child is involved (s.16). Statutory text verified against the consolidated Laws of Uganda as at 31 December 2023. Sourced from the Uganda Legal Information Institute (ulii.org).
2. Key statutes & rules
- Domestic Violence Act, Cap. 123 (2023 Revision) — s.3 (prohibition; offence: fine up to 48 currency points or two years, plus compensation); s.4 (consent not a defence); s.5 (complaint to a local council court); s.8 (magistrates' court jurisdiction); s.9 (application for a protection order; affidavit; hearing within forty-eight hours); s.10 (interim protection order; maximum three months); s.11 (issue of protection order); s.12 (contents); s.15 (enforcement); s.16 (Family and Children Court).
3. Practical guidance
If you are in danger, you can complain to a local council court where you or the perpetrator lives (s.5), or apply to a magistrate's court for a protection order (ss.8–9).
Prepare the application in the prescribed form, supported by an affidavit and any reports you rely on (s.9).
Ask for an interim protection order for immediate safety — the court can grant one on a prima facie showing, lasting up to three months (s.10).
Attend the hearing, which must take place within forty-eight hours of filing; the court can also sit outside normal hours in urgent cases (s.9).
If the order is breached, enforce it (s.15); domestic violence is itself an offence and the abuser's claim that you consented is no defence (ss.3–4).
This note is a practitioner orientation, not legal advice, and does not create an advocate–client relationship. Ugandan law changes and chapter and section numbers were revised in the 2023 Laws of Uganda. Verify every statute, rule and authority against the current primary source — and the specific facts of your matter — before filing or relying on it.