Quick guides
Short, plain-English answers to common Ugandan legal questions — with a link to the fuller resource when you need it.
What is a caveat on land in Uganda?
A caveat is a statutory notice you lodge on a land title to protect an interest you claim in the land. While it is in force, the registrar will not register a transfer, m…
What is a certificate of title in Uganda?
Under the Registration of Titles Act, a certificate of title is conclusive evidence that the named person owns the land, held free of interests that are not registered on…
Can I evict a tenant without a court order in Uganda?
The Act forbids ending a tenancy except under the Act or the agreement (s.34), and sets minimum notice periods you cannot shorten by contract (s.38). For rent default bey…
What is spousal consent for land in Uganda?
The Land Act gives every spouse security of occupancy on family land (s.39) and forbids dealing with family land without the spouse's prior consent (s.40(1)). A transacti…
How long do I have to sue in Uganda?
The Limitation Act sets the clock running from when the cause of action arises. Common periods are six years for contract and tort, and twelve years to recover land. Spec…
Is a verbal contract binding in Uganda?
A contract needs offer, acceptance, consideration, capacity and intention to create legal relations; none of those requires writing in general. However, the Contracts Act…
Do I need letters of administration in Uganda?
The Succession Act says no right to an intestate's property can be established in court without letters of administration (s.187), and intermeddling with the estate befor…
What is probate in Uganda?
Under the Succession Act, probate can be granted only to an executor appointed by the will, expressly or by necessary implication (ss.178–179). You apply by petition in E…
Is my customary marriage legal in Uganda?
The Customary Marriage (Registration) Act recognises a marriage celebrated according to the customs of a community where one party belongs to it (s.1). The marriage is va…
Can I be fired without notice in Uganda?
Termination without the required notice is unlawful (Employment Act s.58). Summary dismissal — instant dismissal without notice — is permitted only where the employee has…
What is unfair dismissal in Uganda?
Under the Employment Act, the employer must prove the reason for dismissal; if it cannot, the termination is unfair (s.67). A fair procedure — explanation and a hearing —…
What are my rights when arrested in Uganda?
The Constitution protects an arrested person: you must be told the reason for the arrest, you have the right to a lawyer and to remain silent, and you must be brought bef…
What is bail in Uganda?
Once charged in court, an accused may apply for bail. A magistrate can grant bail for offences within its jurisdiction (Magistrates Courts Act s.75), and the High Court c…
Do I need to register my business in Uganda?
You can register either a business name (for a sole proprietor or partnership trading under a name) or incorporate a company. A company, once registered, is a body corpor…
What is the small claims limit in Uganda?
The Judicature (Small Claims Procedure) Rules let individuals and small businesses recover smaller debts quickly and with restricted use of advocates (r.5). The exact cei…
How do I object to a URA tax assessment in Uganda?
The Tax Procedures Code Act lets a dissatisfied taxpayer object to an assessment within the statutory window, setting out the grounds precisely (s.26). URA reviews the ob…
What is an Express Penalty Scheme ticket in Uganda?
The Express Penalty Scheme is set up by regulations under the Traffic and Road Safety Act, letting traffic officers issue a fixed penalty for prescribed minor offences (E…
What does the Data Protection and Privacy Act cover in Uganda?
The Data Protection and Privacy Act applies to anyone who collects or processes personal data. It requires data to be processed lawfully and for a specified purpose, kept…
What is a statutory declaration in Uganda?
Unlike an affidavit (which is sworn for use in court proceedings), a statutory declaration is a solemn declaration of truth made before a person authorised to administer …
What is a power of attorney in Uganda?
A power of attorney lets your chosen attorney do the acts you specify, from operating a bank account to selling land. A general power gives broad authority; a special pow…