Human Rights (Enforcement) Act

Application of Act

(1)

This Act applies to the enforcement of human rights and freedoms guaranteed under Chapter Four of the Constitution.

(2)

This Act shall apply to the enforcement of human rights by a competent court.

(3)

Save as provided, this Act shall not apply to investigation, protection or enforcement of rights and freedoms by the Uganda Human Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Section analysis Source-linked statutory analysis Source linked

Approved statute annotation. Statutory quotations are matched to this consolidation and judicial passages are linked to judgments. Check the primary sources alongside this analysis.

What this section does

Scope rule

This section defines when and how “Application of Act” applies.

“(1) This Act applies to the enforcement of human rights and freedoms guaranteed under Chapter Four of the Constitution.”

Primary legislation Source quotation matched

Practical effect

Confirm that the matter and forum fall within this section before applying the Act's remaining provisions.

Deterministic editorial synthesis — not a substitute for the statutory text Editorial synthesis approved

Elements or requirements

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

3

(1) This Act applies to the enforcement of human rights and freedoms guaranteed under Chapter Four of the Constitution.
(2) This Act shall apply to the enforcement of human rights by a competent court.
(3) Save as provided, this Act shall not apply to investigation, protection or enforcement of rights and freedoms by the Uganda Human Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Judicial interpretation

Express propositions in source-matched passages from judgments citing this section.

3

Citing judgments are indexed, but no express interpretive proposition has yet passed the passage-verification threshold. Open Judicial treatment for the citing passages.

Related provisions

No express internal or cross-Act reference appears in this section.

Amendment notes

No section-specific amendment note or instrument-level amendment history appears in this consolidation.

Interpretation

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires

"application" means an application to a competent court under Article 50 of the Constitution for redress in relation to the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under Articles 20 to 45 of the Constitution;

"competent court" means the High Court or a Magistrate's Court;

"Minister" means the Minister responsible for justice;

"non-derogable rights and freedoms" means rights and freedoms listed in Article 44 of the Constitution;

"Rules Committee" means the Rules Committee established under the Judicature Act;

"subordinate court" means any court lower than the High Court or established under the Magistrates Courts Act, or the Local Council Courts Act;

"victim of a human rights violation" means a person who suffers a human rights violation and includes the person's immediate family or dependants or any other person whose rights have been violated as a result of the violation of the victim's rights and freedoms.

Section analysis 3 source-matched judicial passages Source linked

Approved statute annotation. Statutory quotations are matched to this consolidation and judicial passages are linked to judgments. Check the primary sources alongside this analysis.

What this section does

Definition

This section supplies the definitions or statutory meaning governing “Interpretation”.

“In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires "application" means an application to a competent court under Article 50 of the Constitution for redress in relation to the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under Articles 20 to 45 of the Constitution;”

Primary legislation Source quotation matched

Practical effect

Use this definition when interpreting other provisions that employ the language addressed by “Interpretation”.

Deterministic editorial synthesis — not a substitute for the statutory text Editorial synthesis approved

Elements or requirements

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

6

"competent court" means the High Court or a Magistrate's Court;
"Minister" means the Minister responsible for justice;
"non-derogable rights and freedoms" means rights and freedoms listed in Article 44 of the Constitution;
"Rules Committee" means the Rules Committee established under the Judicature Act;
"subordinate court" means any court lower than the High Court or established under the Magistrates Courts Act, or the Local Council Courts Act;
"victim of a human rights violation" means a person who suffers a human rights violation and includes the person's immediate family or dependants or any other person whose rights have been violated as a result of the violation of the victim's rights and freedoms.

Judicial interpretation

Express propositions in source-matched passages from judgments citing this section.

7

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

80 courts to higher courts. Note: Section 2 of the Human Rights Enforcement Act 2019 defines a Competent Court to mean "a High Court or a Magislrale Courl.

Dickson Mubiru and Another v Uganda (Criminal Appeal 104 of 2024) [2026] UGHCCRD 8 (9 February 2026)

[2026] UGHCCRD 8 · High Court · 2026-02-09

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

On the issue whether the Applicants are victims of human rights violations, counsel for the Applicants cited Section 2 of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act, Capl2, which defines a victim of human rights violation as a person who suffers a human rights violation and includes an immediate family member or dependent or any other person whose rights have been violated as a 10 result ofthe violation ofthe victims' rights and freedoms.

Sheikh Abdu Rashid Mbazira Buyondo and Higenyi Aramathan Noordin alias Taata Abdulrazak v Uganda (Miscellaneous Application No.23 of 2025) [2025] UGHCICD 17 (27 October 2025)

[2025] UGHCICD 17 · High Court · 2025-10-27

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

Section 2 of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act, 2019 provides that; -

Lutaaya v Attorney General and 6 Others (Miscellaneous Cause 256 of 2021) [2024] UGHCCD 131 (20 August 2024)

[2024] UGHCCD 131 · High Court · 2024-08-20

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

Related provisions

Judicature Act Local Council Courts Act Magistrates Courts Act

Amendment notes

No section-specific amendment note or instrument-level amendment history appears in this consolidation.

Enforcement of human rights and freedoms

(1)

In accordance with Article 50 of the Constitution, a person or organisation who claims that a fundamental or other right or freedom guaranteed under the Constitution has been infringed or threatened may, without prejudice to any other action with respect to the same matter that is lawfully available, apply for redress to a competent court in accordance with this Act.

(2)

Court proceedings under subsection (1) may be instituted by-

(a)

a person acting on behalf of another person, who cannot act in their own name;

(b)

a person acting as a member of, or in the interest of a group or class of persons;

(c)

a person acting in the public interest; or

(d)

an association acting in the interest of one or more of its members.

Section analysis 3 source-matched judicial passages Source linked

Approved statute annotation. Statutory quotations are matched to this consolidation and judicial passages are linked to judgments. Check the primary sources alongside this analysis.

What this section does

Statutory power

This section confers or regulates the statutory power described as “Enforcement of human rights and freedoms”.

“(1) In accordance with Article 50 of the Constitution, a person or organisation who claims that a fundamental or other right or freedom guaranteed under the Constitution has been infringed or threatened may, without prejudice to any other action with respect to the same matter that is lawfully available, apply for redress to a competent court in accordance with this Act.”

Primary legislation Source quotation matched

Practical effect

The power must be exercised by the authorised decision-maker, within the conditions and purpose stated in the section.

Deterministic editorial synthesis — not a substitute for the statutory text Editorial synthesis approved

Elements or requirements

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

6

(1) In accordance with Article 50 of the Constitution, a person or organisation who claims that a fundamental or other right or freedom guaranteed under the Constitution has been infringed or threatened may, without prejudice to any other action with respect to the same matter that is lawfully available, apply for redress to a competent court in accordance with this Act.
(2) Court proceedings under subsection (1) may be instituted by-
(a) a person acting on behalf of another person, who cannot act in their own name;
(b) a person acting as a member of, or in the interest of a group or class of persons;
(c) a person acting in the public interest; or
(d) an association acting in the interest of one or more of its members.

Judicial interpretation

Express propositions in source-matched passages from judgments citing this section.

26

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

[16] Section 3 of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act clearly provides as follows; "(1) In accordance with article 50 of the Constitution, a person or organisation who claims that a fundamental or other right or freedom guaranteed under

The Uganda Journalists Association v The Attorney General & 9 Others (Miscellaneous Cause 64 of 2021) [2024] UGHCCD 190 (13 November 2024)

[2024] UGHCCD 190 · High Court · 2024-11-13

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

[12] Section 3 of the Human Rights Enforcement Act, 2019 provides as follows; "(1) In accordance with article 50 of the Constitution, a person or organisation who claims that a fundamental or other right or freedom guaranteed under the Constitution has been infringed or threatened may, without prejudice to any other

Sekajja and Others v Attorney General and Others (Miscellaneous Cause 71 of 2021) [2024] UGHCCD 16 (19 January 2024)

[2024] UGHCCD 16 · High Court · 2024-01-19

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

Counsel contended that Article 50 of the Constitution of the republic of Uganda and Section 3 of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act 2019 provides in effect that any person or organization may seek to enforce Human Rights and other Fundamental Freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution in competent court of law him/herself or on behalf of another person, a class of persons or in public interest.

Unwanted Witness (U) Ltd v Attorney General and 4 Others (Miscellaneous Cause No. 50 of 2021) [2022] UGHCCD 228 (24 October 2022)

[2022] UGHCCD 228 · High Court · 2022-10-24

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

Related provisions

No express internal or cross-Act reference appears in this section.

Amendment notes

No section-specific amendment note or instrument-level amendment history appears in this consolidation.

Enforcement of rights and freedoms by High Court

(1)

The High Court shall hear and determine any application relating to the enforcement or violation of -

(a)

non-derogable rights and freedoms guaranteed in Article 44 of the Constitution;

(b)

other rights, duties, declarations and guarantees relating to fundamental and other human rights and freedoms envisaged in Article 45 of the Constitution;

(c)

rights and freedoms restricted under a law made for purposes of a state of emergency; and

(d)

rights and freedoms which are preserved by this Act, to be determined by a magistrates court, where the remedy sought by the applicant is beyond the pecuniary jurisdiction of that court.

(2)

An application under subsection (1) shall be in the form prescribed by regulations and may, unless the High Court determines otherwise, be heard in open court.

Section analysis 3 source-matched judicial passages Source linked

Approved statute annotation. Statutory quotations are matched to this consolidation and judicial passages are linked to judgments. Check the primary sources alongside this analysis.

What this section does

Jurisdictional rule

This section establishes the jurisdictional rule for “Enforcement of rights and freedoms by High Court”.

“(1) The High Court shall hear and determine any application relating to the enforcement or violation of -”

Primary legislation Source quotation matched

Practical effect

A litigant should establish this jurisdictional basis before asking the court to determine the merits.

Deterministic editorial synthesis — not a substitute for the statutory text Editorial synthesis approved

Elements or requirements

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

6

(1) The High Court shall hear and determine any application relating to the enforcement or violation of -
(a) non-derogable rights and freedoms guaranteed in Article 44 of the Constitution;
(b) other rights, duties, declarations and guarantees relating to fundamental and other human rights and freedoms envisaged in Article 45 of the Constitution;
(c) rights and freedoms restricted under a law made for purposes of a state of emergency; and
(d) rights and freedoms which are preserved by this Act, to be determined by a magistrates court, where the remedy sought by the applicant is beyond the pecuniary jurisdiction of that court.
(2) An application under subsection (1) shall be in the form prescribed by regulations and may, unless the High Court determines otherwise, be heard in open court.

Judicial interpretation

Express propositions in source-matched passages from judgments citing this section.

25

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

Section 4 of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act provides for the Enforcement of rights and freedoms by the High Court stating that; (1) The High Court shall hear and determine any application relating to the enforcement or violation of a) non derogable rights and freedoms guaranteed in Article 44 of the Constitution; b) other rights, duties, declarations and guarantees relating to fundamental and other human rights and freedoms envisaged in Article 45 of the Constitution c) ………………. d) Rights and freedoms w

Tumukwasibwe v Tumukwasibwe (Miscellaneous Cause 29 of 2023) [2023] UGHCFD 106 (1 November 2023)

[2023] UGHCFD 106 · High Court · 2023-11-01

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

Section 4 of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act 2019, provides that the High Court has jurisdiction to determine matters concerning enforcement of human rights guaranteed under the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (as amended).

Ssebunya v The Attorney General (Miscellaneous Cause 27 of 2021) [2023] UGHC 409 (7 August 2023)

[2023] UGHC 409 · High Court · 2023-08-07

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

[58] Under Section 4 of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act, applications for human rights enforcement within the domain of the High Court shall be in the form prescribed by Regulations.

Law Development Centre v Hon Mabikke (Miscellaneous Application No. 203 of 2021) [2023] UGHCCD 69 (31 March 2023)

[2023] UGHCCD 69 · High Court · 2023-03-31

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

Related provisions

No express internal or cross-Act reference appears in this section.

Amendment notes

No section-specific amendment note or instrument-level amendment history appears in this consolidation.

Enforcement of rights and freedoms by magistrates courts

(1)

A magistrate's court shall hear and determine an application relating to the enforcement or violation of human rights and freedoms guaranteed in Chapter Four of the Constitution in any of the circumstances not referred to in section 4(1) .

(2)

The application under subsection (1) may be made in any language, orally or in writing or in any other form, as may be prescribed by regulations.

(3)

Where the application is made orally or in any language other than the language of court, the magistrate shall reduce it in writing in the language of court.

Section analysis Source-linked statutory analysis Source linked

Approved statute annotation. Statutory quotations are matched to this consolidation and judicial passages are linked to judgments. Check the primary sources alongside this analysis.

What this section does

Statutory power

This section confers or regulates the statutory power described as “Enforcement of rights and freedoms by magistrates courts”.

“(1) A magistrate's court shall hear and determine an application relating to the enforcement or violation of human rights and freedoms guaranteed in Chapter Four of the Constitution in any of the circumstances not referred to in section 4(1).”

Primary legislation Source quotation matched

Practical effect

The power must be exercised by the authorised decision-maker, within the conditions and purpose stated in the section.

Deterministic editorial synthesis — not a substitute for the statutory text Editorial synthesis approved

Elements or requirements

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

3

(1) A magistrate's court shall hear and determine an application relating to the enforcement or violation of human rights and freedoms guaranteed in Chapter Four of the Constitution in any of the circumstances not referred to in section 4(1).
(2) The application under subsection (1) may be made in any language, orally or in writing or in any other form, as may be prescribed by regulations.
(3) Where the application is made orally or in any language other than the language of court, the magistrate shall reduce it in writing in the language of court.

Judicial interpretation

Express propositions in source-matched passages from judgments citing this section.

2

Citing judgments are indexed, but no express interpretive proposition has yet passed the passage-verification threshold. Open Judicial treatment for the citing passages.

Related provisions

Section 4 · Enforcement of rights and freedoms by High Court

Amendment notes

No section-specific amendment note or instrument-level amendment history appears in this consolidation.

General provisions on human rights suits

(1)

A suit for the enforcement or protection of human rights and freedoms shall, where possible, be instituted in the court in whose jurisdiction the alleged violation took place.

(2)

Where a person is in doubt as to the person from whom he or she is entitled to obtain redress, he or she may join two or more persons in order for the question as to which person is liable for the violation to be determined by the competent court.

(3)

The competent court may allow any person with expertise on a particular issue which is before court to appear as a friend of the court, either on application or on the competent court's own request.

(4)

For avoidance of doubt, statutory notice shall not be a requirement for suits under this Act.

(5)

No suit instituted under this Act, shall be rejected or otherwise dismissed by the competent court merely for failure to comply with any procedure, form or on any technicality.

Section analysis 1 source-matched judicial passage Source linked

Approved statute annotation. Statutory quotations are matched to this consolidation and judicial passages are linked to judgments. Check the primary sources alongside this analysis.

What this section does

Jurisdictional rule

This section establishes the jurisdictional rule for “General provisions on human rights suits”.

“(1) A suit for the enforcement or protection of human rights and freedoms shall, where possible, be instituted in the court in whose jurisdiction the alleged violation took place.”

Primary legislation Source quotation matched

Practical effect

A litigant should establish this jurisdictional basis before asking the court to determine the merits.

Deterministic editorial synthesis — not a substitute for the statutory text Editorial synthesis approved

Elements or requirements

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

5

(1) A suit for the enforcement or protection of human rights and freedoms shall, where possible, be instituted in the court in whose jurisdiction the alleged violation took place.
(2) Where a person is in doubt as to the person from whom he or she is entitled to obtain redress, he or she may join two or more persons in order for the question as to which person is liable for the violation to be determined by the competent court.
(3) The competent court may allow any person with expertise on a particular issue which is before court to appear as a friend of the court, either on application or on the competent court's own request.
(4) For avoidance of doubt, statutory notice shall not be a requirement for suits under this Act.
(5) No suit instituted under this Act, shall be rejected or otherwise dismissed by the competent court merely for failure to comply with any procedure, form or on any technicality.

Judicial interpretation

Express propositions in source-matched passages from judgments citing this section.

8

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

The Applicants' third ground is that Justice Godfrey Namundi, failed entirely to apply Section 6 of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act 2019, which expressly prohibits a competent court from rejecting or dismissing a suit instituted under that Act merely for non-compliance with procedural technicalities.

Tsama William and Others v Attorney General and Others [2026] UGHC 768 (23 June 2026)

[2026] UGHC 768 · High Court · 2026-06-23

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

Related provisions

No express internal or cross-Act reference appears in this section.

Amendment notes

No section-specific amendment note or instrument-level amendment history appears in this consolidation.

Reference of human rights matters by subordinate courts

(1)

Where in any proceedings in a subordinate court, any question arises as to the violation of a fundamental right or freedom, the magistrate shall refer the question for determination by the High Court.

(2)

Where a human rights matter arises in any proceedings before a magistrate's court, the court shall immediately stay the proceedings in the main matter and first determine the human rights issue raised.

(3)

A magistrate presiding over proceedings referred to in subsection (1) may stay the proceedings until the reference is determined and may, in case of a criminal trial, grant bail to the accused person.

(4)

The magistrate presiding over the matter shall dispose of the question referred to in subsection (1) in accordance with the determination of the High Court.

(5)

The High Court shall, within ninety days from the date of the reference, determine the reference made to it.

Section analysis Source-linked statutory analysis Source linked

Approved statute annotation. Statutory quotations are matched to this consolidation and judicial passages are linked to judgments. Check the primary sources alongside this analysis.

What this section does

Statutory power

This section confers or regulates the statutory power described as “Reference of human rights matters by subordinate courts”.

“(1) Where in any proceedings in a subordinate court, any question arises as to the violation of a fundamental right or freedom, the magistrate shall refer the question for determination by the High Court.”

Primary legislation Source quotation matched

Practical effect

The power must be exercised by the authorised decision-maker, within the conditions and purpose stated in the section.

Deterministic editorial synthesis — not a substitute for the statutory text Editorial synthesis approved

Elements or requirements

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

5

(1) Where in any proceedings in a subordinate court, any question arises as to the violation of a fundamental right or freedom, the magistrate shall refer the question for determination by the High Court.
(2) Where a human rights matter arises in any proceedings before a magistrate's court, the court shall immediately stay the proceedings in the main matter and first determine the human rights issue raised.
(3) A magistrate presiding over proceedings referred to in subsection (1) may stay the proceedings until the reference is determined and may, in case of a criminal trial, grant bail to the accused person.
(4) The magistrate presiding over the matter shall dispose of the question referred to in subsection (1) in accordance with the determination of the High Court.
(5) The High Court shall, within ninety days from the date of the reference, determine the reference made to it.

Judicial interpretation

Express propositions in source-matched passages from judgments citing this section.

0

No judgment in the current Wakilii corpus expressly cites this section. Bare rule-number references are not assigned where the Order cannot be verified.

Related provisions

No express internal or cross-Act reference appears in this section.

Amendment notes

No section-specific amendment note or instrument-level amendment history appears in this consolidation.

Consideration of human rights matters arising in High Court

(1)

Where, in any proceeding in the High Court, a question arises as to the violation of a fundamental right or freedom, the presiding judge shall immediately stay the proceedings and determine the question raised.

(2)

The High Court may, upon staying the proceedings in subsection (1), in case of a criminal trial, grant bail to the accused person.

Section analysis Source-linked statutory analysis Source linked

Approved statute annotation. Statutory quotations are matched to this consolidation and judicial passages are linked to judgments. Check the primary sources alongside this analysis.

What this section does

Statutory power

This section confers or regulates the statutory power described as “Consideration of human rights matters arising in High Court”.

“(1) Where, in any proceeding in the High Court, a question arises as to the violation of a fundamental right or freedom, the presiding judge shall immediately stay the proceedings and determine the question raised.”

Primary legislation Source quotation matched

Practical effect

The power must be exercised by the authorised decision-maker, within the conditions and purpose stated in the section.

Deterministic editorial synthesis — not a substitute for the statutory text Editorial synthesis approved

Elements or requirements

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

2

(1) Where, in any proceeding in the High Court, a question arises as to the violation of a fundamental right or freedom, the presiding judge shall immediately stay the proceedings and determine the question raised.
(2) The High Court may, upon staying the proceedings in subsection (1), in case of a criminal trial, grant bail to the accused person.

Judicial interpretation

Express propositions in source-matched passages from judgments citing this section.

7

Citing judgments are indexed, but no express interpretive proposition has yet passed the passage-verification threshold. Open Judicial treatment for the citing passages.

Related provisions

No express internal or cross-Act reference appears in this section.

Amendment notes

No section-specific amendment note or instrument-level amendment history appears in this consolidation.

Orders that may be made by court in human rights cases

(1)

Where the competent court determines that a fundamental right or freedom has been violated, unlawfully denied or should be enforced, the competent court shall issue orders it considers appropriate, including an order for compensation.

(2)

The competent court may, in addition to the orders referred to under subsection (1), order for-

(a)

the restitution of the victim to the original situation before the violation of his or her human rights and freedoms;

(b)

the rehabilitation of the victim, including the provision of medical and psychological care; or

(c)

satisfaction, which shall include-

(i)

measures aimed at the cessation of the continuing violation of human rights and freedoms;

(ii)

verification of the facts, full and public disclosure of the truth to the extent that such disclosure does not cause further harm or threaten the safety and interests of the victim, the victim's relatives, witnesses, or persons who have intervened to assist the victim or prevent the occurrence of further violations;

(iii)

restoring the dignity, the reputation and the rights of the victim and of the persons closely connected with the victim;

(iv)

public apology, including acknowledgement of the facts and acceptance of responsibility;

(v)

criminal and other judicial and administrative sanctions against the persons liable for the violations; and

(vi)

guarantees of non-repetition.

(3)

Restitution, compensation, rehabilitation or any payment ordered by the competent court under this section shall be a civil debt owed to the victim of a human rights violation.

(4)

Any order made under this Act shall be complied with, within six months from the date of determination, unless appealed against.

Section analysis 3 source-matched judicial passages Source linked

Approved statute annotation. Statutory quotations are matched to this consolidation and judicial passages are linked to judgments. Check the primary sources alongside this analysis.

What this section does

Statutory power

This section confers or regulates the statutory power described as “Orders that may be made by court in human rights cases”.

“(1) Where the competent court determines that a fundamental right or freedom has been violated, unlawfully denied or should be enforced, the competent court shall issue orders it considers appropriate, including an order for compensation.”

Primary legislation Source quotation matched

Practical effect

The power must be exercised by the authorised decision-maker, within the conditions and purpose stated in the section.

Deterministic editorial synthesis — not a substitute for the statutory text Editorial synthesis approved

Elements or requirements

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

13

(1) Where the competent court determines that a fundamental right or freedom has been violated, unlawfully denied or should be enforced, the competent court shall issue orders it considers appropriate, including an order for compensation.
(2) The competent court may, in addition to the orders referred to under subsection (1), order for-
(a) the restitution of the victim to the original situation before the violation of his or her human rights and freedoms;
(b) the rehabilitation of the victim, including the provision of medical and psychological care; or
(c) satisfaction, which shall include-
(i) measures aimed at the cessation of the continuing violation of human rights and freedoms;
(ii) verification of the facts, full and public disclosure of the truth to the extent that such disclosure does not cause further harm or threaten the safety and interests of the victim, the victim's relatives, witnesses, or persons who have intervened to assist the victim or prevent the occurrence of further violations;
(iii) restoring the dignity, the reputation and the rights of the victim and of the persons closely connected with the victim;

5 further items remain in the statutory text above.

Judicial interpretation

Express propositions in source-matched passages from judgments citing this section.

17

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

Section 9 of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act, Cap 12, provides that- (1) Where the competent court determines that a fundamental right or freedom has been violated, unlawfully denied, or should be enforced, the competent court shall issue orders it considers appropriate, including an order for compensation. (2)The competent court may, in addition to the orders referred to under subsection (1), order for- (a)the restitution of the victim to the original situation before the violation of his

Nkoto Jackson v Finance Trust Bank Limited and Others (Civil Suit 17 of 2017) [2026] UGHC 212 (16 March 2026)

[2026] UGHC 212 · High Court · 2026-03-16

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

is bodily injuries violated his right to human dignity and 15 protection from inhuman treatment under Article 24; and freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment under Article 44(c) of the Constitution. Court has powers to make compensation in where it determines that a fundamental right or freedom has been violated under 20 Section 9 of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act. Court also has powers to issue orders is it considers appropriate. Section 9 of the Human Rights (Enforcement Act), provides: "Where the competent court determines that a fundamental 25 right or freedom has been violated, unlawfully denied or should be enforced, the competent court shall issue orders it considers appropriate, including an order for…

Munezero Fred v Sole Elisa and Another (Miscellaneous Cause No. 5 of 2024) [2026] UGHC 26 (20 January 2026)

[2026] UGHC 26 · High Court · 2026-01-20

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

Section 9 of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act Cap 12 provides for the orders that a court may issue when it determines that a fundamental right or freedom has been violated or unlawfully denied.

Kiggundu and Others v Attorney General (Miscellaneous Application 36 of 2024; Miscellaneous Application 38 of 2024) [2025] UGHCACD 9 (14 April 2025)

[2025] UGHCACD 9 · High Court · 2025-04-14

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

Related provisions

No express internal or cross-Act reference appears in this section.

Amendment notes

No section-specific amendment note or instrument-level amendment history appears in this consolidation.

Personal liability for infringement of rights and freedoms

(1)

A public officer who, individually or in association with others, violates or participates in the violation of a person's rights or freedoms shall be held personally liable for the violation, notwithstanding the State being vicariously liable for his or her actions.

(2)

Whenever the competent court orders for the payment of compensation or any other form of restitution to a victim of a human rights violation by the State, a public officer who is found by the competent court to have personally violated or participated in the violation of a person's human rights or freedoms shall pay a portion of the compensation or restitution so ordered as shall be determined by the competent court.

Section analysis 3 source-matched judicial passages Source linked

Approved statute annotation. Statutory quotations are matched to this consolidation and judicial passages are linked to judgments. Check the primary sources alongside this analysis.

What this section does

Mandatory duty

This section imposes mandatory requirements concerning “Personal liability for infringement of rights and freedoms”.

“(1) A public officer who, individually or in association with others, violates or participates in the violation of a person's rights or freedoms shall be held personally liable for the violation, notwithstanding the State being vicariously liable for his or her actions.”

Primary legislation Source quotation matched

Practical effect

The provision uses mandatory language; the responsible person or institution should be able to demonstrate compliance.

Deterministic editorial synthesis — not a substitute for the statutory text Editorial synthesis approved

Elements or requirements

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

2

(1) A public officer who, individually or in association with others, violates or participates in the violation of a person's rights or freedoms shall be held personally liable for the violation, notwithstanding the State being vicariously liable for his or her actions.
(2) Whenever the competent court orders for the payment of compensation or any other form of restitution to a victim of a human rights violation by the State, a public officer who is found by the competent court to have personally violated or participated in the violation of a person's human rights or freedoms shall pay a portion of the compensation or restitution so ordered as shall be determined by the competent court.

Judicial interpretation

Express propositions in source-matched passages from judgments citing this section.

13

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

[29] Additionally, Section 10 of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act 2019 provides for personal liability of public officers for infringement of an individual's rights and freedoms.

Lugolobi Nuhu v Attorney General & 15 Others (Miscellaneous Cause 72 of 2021) [2024] UGHCCD 42 (13 March 2024)

[2024] UGHCCD 42 · High Court · 2024-03-13

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

Section 10 of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act 2019 provides for the Personal Liability for infringement of rights and freedoms.

Nsereko V Attorney General and 15 Others (Miscellaneous Cause 386 of 2020) [2023] UGHCCD 192 (30 June 2023)

[2023] UGHCCD 192 · High Court · 2023-06-30

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

Section 10 of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act 2019 provides for the Personal Liability for infringement of rights and freedoms.

Agaba Kenneth v Attorney General and 3 Others (Civil Suit No. 247 of 2016) [2019] UGHCCD 293 (20 December 2019)

[2019] UGHCCD 293 · High Court · 2019-12-20

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

Related provisions

No express internal or cross-Act reference appears in this section.

Amendment notes

No section-specific amendment note or instrument-level amendment history appears in this consolidation.

Derogation from non-derogable rights and freedoms

(1)

It is an offence for a person to derogate from a non-derogable right and freedom guaranteed under the Constitution.

(2)

Whenever, in any criminal proceeding-

(a)

it appears to the judge or magistrate presiding over a trial;

(b)

it is brought to the attention of the competent court; or

(c)

the competent court makes a finding, that any of the accused person's non-derogable rights and freedoms have been infringed upon, the judge or magistrate presiding over the trial shall declare the trial a nullity and acquit the accused person.

(3)

Criminal proceedings may be instituted against a person who breaches a non-derogable right or freedom guaranteed under the Constitution even where an action for protection or enforcement of such a right or freedom has not been instituted.

(4)

Criminal proceedings under this Act may be instituted in any of the following ways-

(a)

by the Director of Public Prosecutions preferring a charge against a person; or

(b)

by any person making a complaint on oath to a competent court.

(5)

The validity of any proceedings instituted or purported to be instituted under subsection (3) shall not be affected by any defect in the charge or complaint or by the fact that a summons or warrant was issued without any complaint or charge or, in the case of a warrant, without a complaint on oath.

(6)

A person who commits the offence determined under subsection (1) is liable, on conviction, if no sentence is prescribed by law for such violation, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fifteen years.

Section analysis 3 source-matched judicial passages Source linked

Approved statute annotation. Statutory quotations are matched to this consolidation and judicial passages are linked to judgments. Check the primary sources alongside this analysis.

What this section does

Offence or consequence

This section creates or governs statutory liability concerning “Derogation from non-derogable rights and freedoms”.

“(1) It is an offence for a person to derogate from a non-derogable right and freedom guaranteed under the Constitution.”

Primary legislation Source quotation matched

Practical effect

A party alleging or defending liability should test the facts and prescribed consequence against each operative requirement.

Deterministic editorial synthesis — not a substitute for the statutory text Editorial synthesis approved

Elements or requirements

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

11

(1) It is an offence for a person to derogate from a non-derogable right and freedom guaranteed under the Constitution.
(2) Whenever, in any criminal proceeding-
(a) it appears to the judge or magistrate presiding over a trial;
(b) it is brought to the attention of the competent court; or
(c) the competent court makes a finding, that any of the accused person's non-derogable rights and freedoms have been infringed upon, the judge or magistrate presiding over the trial shall declare the trial a nullity and acquit the accused person.
(3) Criminal proceedings may be instituted against a person who breaches a non-derogable right or freedom guaranteed under the Constitution even where an action for protection or enforcement of such a right or freedom has not been instituted.
(4) Criminal proceedings under this Act may be instituted in any of the following ways-
(a) by the Director of Public Prosecutions preferring a charge against a person; or

3 further items remain in the statutory text above.

Judicial interpretation

Express propositions in source-matched passages from judgments citing this section.

13

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

Court's determination 25 Section 11 of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act, 2019 provides for the remedies available to an Accused where Court determines that there was a derogation from their non-derogable rights and freedoms.

Sserwadda v Uganda & Another (Miscellaneous Application 16 of 2024) [2024] UGHCICD 13 (23 September 2024)

[2024] UGHCICD 13 · High Court · 2024-09-23

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

Section 11 of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act, 2019 provides for derogation from non-derogable rights and freedoms.

Uganda v K.R (Criminal Session 188 of 2024) [2024] UGHCCRD 43 (5 June 2024)

[2024] UGHCCRD 43 · High Court · 2024-06-05

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

Section 11 of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act, 2019 provides for derogation from non-derogable rights and freedoms.

Uganda v W. J (Juvenile) (High Court Criminal Juvenile Session Case 483 of 2021) [2023] UGHCCRD 176 (20 November 2023)

[2023] UGHCCRD 176 · High Court · 2023-11-20

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

Related provisions

No express internal or cross-Act reference appears in this section.

Amendment notes

No section-specific amendment note or instrument-level amendment history appears in this consolidation.

Complying with orders and directives of court

(1)

Save for monetary orders against the State, any other order, directive or recommendation made or issued by the competent court under this Act shall, unless it is appealed, be complied with within such a time as shall be determined by the competent court.

(2)

The State shall take all reasonable steps to comply with monetary orders issued by the competent court within a reasonable time.

(3)

Whenever an order, recommendation or directive issued by a competent court is not complied with within the time prescribed by the court, a victim of the human rights violation or any other person may apply to court for summons to be issued against a person who is obligated to comply with the order to show cause why he or she should not be committed to civil prison for contempt of court.

(4)

The application in subsection (3) shall be made to the court that issued the order, directive or recommendation sought to be enforced.

(5)

Where a person makes an application under subsection (3), court may issue orders as it considers appropriate complying with its orders.

Section analysis Source-linked statutory analysis Source linked

Approved statute annotation. Statutory quotations are matched to this consolidation and judicial passages are linked to judgments. Check the primary sources alongside this analysis.

What this section does

Statutory power

This section confers or regulates the statutory power described as “Complying with orders and directives of court”.

“(1) Save for monetary orders against the State, any other order, directive or recommendation made or issued by the competent court under this Act shall, unless it is appealed, be complied with within such a time as shall be determined by the competent court.”

Primary legislation Source quotation matched

Practical effect

The power must be exercised by the authorised decision-maker, within the conditions and purpose stated in the section.

Deterministic editorial synthesis — not a substitute for the statutory text Editorial synthesis approved

Elements or requirements

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

5

(1) Save for monetary orders against the State, any other order, directive or recommendation made or issued by the competent court under this Act shall, unless it is appealed, be complied with within such a time as shall be determined by the competent court.
(2) The State shall take all reasonable steps to comply with monetary orders issued by the competent court within a reasonable time.
(3) Whenever an order, recommendation or directive issued by a competent court is not complied with within the time prescribed by the court, a victim of the human rights violation or any other person may apply to court for summons to be issued against a person who is obligated to comply with the order to show cause why he or she should not be committed to civil prison for contempt of court.
(4) The application in subsection (3) shall be made to the court that issued the order, directive or recommendation sought to be enforced.
(5) Where a person makes an application under subsection (3), court may issue orders as it considers appropriate complying with its orders.

Judicial interpretation

Express propositions in source-matched passages from judgments citing this section.

2

Citing judgments are indexed, but no express interpretive proposition has yet passed the passage-verification threshold. Open Judicial treatment for the citing passages.

Related provisions

No express internal or cross-Act reference appears in this section.

Amendment notes

No section-specific amendment note or instrument-level amendment history appears in this consolidation.

Progressive realisation of rights and freedoms

(1)

A person who has reason to believe that the State is not taking adequate steps for the progressive realisation of rights and freedoms guaranteed under Chapter Four of the Constitution or international treaties to which the State is a party, may apply to the High Court for redress.

(2)

Notwithstanding subsection (1), wherever the competent court finds that a specific right or freedom cannot be realised due to resource constraints, the competent court shall order the Government to take measureable steps for the progressive realisation of that right or freedom.

(3)

The Government shall annually report to Parliament on the steps taken to progressively realise rights and freedoms as required by subsection (2) as well as any other rights and freedoms prescribed in international treaties to which Uganda is a party.

Section analysis 1 source-matched judicial passage Source linked

Approved statute annotation. Statutory quotations are matched to this consolidation and judicial passages are linked to judgments. Check the primary sources alongside this analysis.

What this section does

Statutory power

This section confers or regulates the statutory power described as “Progressive realisation of rights and freedoms”.

“(1) A person who has reason to believe that the State is not taking adequate steps for the progressive realisation of rights and freedoms guaranteed under Chapter Four of the Constitution or international treaties to which the State is a party, may apply to the High Court for redress.”

Primary legislation Source quotation matched

Practical effect

The power must be exercised by the authorised decision-maker, within the conditions and purpose stated in the section.

Deterministic editorial synthesis — not a substitute for the statutory text Editorial synthesis approved

Elements or requirements

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

3

(1) A person who has reason to believe that the State is not taking adequate steps for the progressive realisation of rights and freedoms guaranteed under Chapter Four of the Constitution or international treaties to which the State is a party, may apply to the High Court for redress.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), wherever the competent court finds that a specific right or freedom cannot be realised due to resource constraints, the competent court shall order the Government to take measureable steps for the progressive realisation of that right or freedom.
(3) The Government shall annually report to Parliament on the steps taken to progressively realise rights and freedoms as required by subsection (2) as well as any other rights and freedoms prescribed in international treaties to which Uganda is a party.

Judicial interpretation

Express propositions in source-matched passages from judgments citing this section.

2

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

Section 13 of the Human Rights Enforcement Act, provides for the Progressive realization of rights and freedoms under the Act.

Legal Brains Trust (LBT) Ltd v Kampala Capital City Authority and Another (Miscellaneous Cause No. 98 of 2020) [2021] UGHCCD 287 (1 November 2021)

[2021] UGHCCD 287 · High Court · 2021-11-01

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

Related provisions

No express internal or cross-Act reference appears in this section.

Amendment notes

No section-specific amendment note or instrument-level amendment history appears in this consolidation.

Loss of immunity from prosecution

(1)

Immunity shall not be a defense to proceedings commenced under this Act.

(2)

Subject to Article 98(4) of the Constitution, a person to whom immunity is granted under any law, shall automatically lose that immunity if he or she is found by a competent court to have violated a right or freedom guaranteed under Chapter Four of the Constitution.

(3)

Where a person loses immunity as prescribed in subsection (2), such a person shall be prosecuted or found liable for acts or omissions done in the course of his or her duty.

(4)

Where a person is dismissed or otherwise removed from office for misbehaviour or misconduct under any law, a finding that such a person violated a right or freedom guaranteed under the Constitution shall constitute misbehaviour or misconduct under that law and such a person shall be dismissed or removed from office.

Section analysis Source-linked statutory analysis Source linked

Approved statute annotation. Statutory quotations are matched to this consolidation and judicial passages are linked to judgments. Check the primary sources alongside this analysis.

What this section does

Mandatory duty

This section imposes mandatory requirements concerning “Loss of immunity from prosecution”.

“(1) Immunity shall not be a defense to proceedings commenced under this Act.”

Primary legislation Source quotation matched

Practical effect

The provision uses mandatory language; the responsible person or institution should be able to demonstrate compliance.

Deterministic editorial synthesis — not a substitute for the statutory text Editorial synthesis approved

Elements or requirements

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

4

(1) Immunity shall not be a defense to proceedings commenced under this Act.
(2) Subject to Article 98(4) of the Constitution, a person to whom immunity is granted under any law, shall automatically lose that immunity if he or she is found by a competent court to have violated a right or freedom guaranteed under Chapter Four of the Constitution.
(3) Where a person loses immunity as prescribed in subsection (2), such a person shall be prosecuted or found liable for acts or omissions done in the course of his or her duty.
(4) Where a person is dismissed or otherwise removed from office for misbehaviour or misconduct under any law, a finding that such a person violated a right or freedom guaranteed under the Constitution shall constitute misbehaviour or misconduct under that law and such a person shall be dismissed or removed from office.

Judicial interpretation

Express propositions in source-matched passages from judgments citing this section.

5

Citing judgments are indexed, but no express interpretive proposition has yet passed the passage-verification threshold. Open Judicial treatment for the citing passages.

Related provisions

No express internal or cross-Act reference appears in this section.

Amendment notes

No section-specific amendment note or instrument-level amendment history appears in this consolidation.

Unconditional release of persons unreasonably detained

(1)

A person who has reason to believe that another person is being unreasonably detained in the circumstances prescribed in subsection (4) may petition the High Court for the unconditional release of such a person.

(2)

A person in charge of a prison, police station or any other gazetted detention facility shall, where he or she has reason to believe that a person in that prison, police station or detention facility is unreasonably being detained, release or apply to the competent court or any other authority for authorisation to release that person from detention.

(3)

The High Court shall, on being satisfied that a person is unreasonably detained-

(a)

order for the production of such a person before court;

(b)

impose obligations on the person in charge of a detention centre in which such a person is detained, as the High Court considers appropriate; or

(c)

order for the release of such a person from detention on any terms and conditions as the High Court determines.

(4)

In this section, a person shall be taken to be unreasonably detained where-

(a)

he or she has been detained beyond forty-eight hours after arrest without being brought before a competent court;

(b)

he or she, being charged with an offence triable by a subordinate court, is remanded in custody before trial for a period exceeding one hundred twenty days;

(c)

he or she, being charged with an offence triable by the High Court, is remanded in custody for a period exceeding three hundred sixty days before the case is committed to the High Court for trial;

(d)

he or she, being committed for trial to the High Court, is remanded without trial for a period exceeding half of the period of imprisonment he or she would be liable to if he or she was to plead guilty or be convicted of the offence;

(e)

the procedure leading to his or her detention was irregular or unlawful;

(f)

there are no justifiable reasons for his or her continued detention;

(g)

his or her non-derogable rights have been infringed upon; or

(h)

his or her continued detention amounts to a miscarriage of justice.

(5)

An order issued by the High Court in subsection (3) shall, upon being served on the Attorney General or the person in charge of a place of detention, be complied with immediately.

(6)

It shall be an offence for a person in charge of a place of detention to-

(a)

refuse service or ignore the order made under subsection (3);

(b)

upon being served with an order, to do any act that defeats the purpose of that order.

(7)

Where a person in charge of a place of detention contravenes subsection (6), any person may make an application to court and court shall make such orders as it deems fit.

(8)

A person who commits an offence prescribed in subsection (6) is liable, on conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years.

(9)

A person who detains another in the circumstances described in subsection (4)(a), (e) and (g) commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.

Section analysis Source-linked statutory analysis Source linked

Approved statute annotation. Statutory quotations are matched to this consolidation and judicial passages are linked to judgments. Check the primary sources alongside this analysis.

What this section does

Offence or consequence

This section creates or governs statutory liability concerning “Unconditional release of persons unreasonably detained”.

“(1) A person who has reason to believe that another person is being unreasonably detained in the circumstances prescribed in subsection (4) may petition the High Court for the unconditional release of such a person.”

Primary legislation Source quotation matched

Practical effect

A party alleging or defending liability should test the facts and prescribed consequence against each operative requirement.

Deterministic editorial synthesis — not a substitute for the statutory text Editorial synthesis approved

Elements or requirements

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

22

(1) A person who has reason to believe that another person is being unreasonably detained in the circumstances prescribed in subsection (4) may petition the High Court for the unconditional release of such a person.
(2) A person in charge of a prison, police station or any other gazetted detention facility shall, where he or she has reason to believe that a person in that prison, police station or detention facility is unreasonably being detained, release or apply to the competent court or any other authority for authorisation to release that person from detention.
(3) The High Court shall, on being satisfied that a person is unreasonably detained-
(a) order for the production of such a person before court;
(b) impose obligations on the person in charge of a detention centre in which such a person is detained, as the High Court considers appropriate; or
(c) order for the release of such a person from detention on any terms and conditions as the High Court determines.
(4) In this section, a person shall be taken to be unreasonably detained where-
(a) he or she has been detained beyond forty-eight hours after arrest without being brought before a competent court;

14 further items remain in the statutory text above.

Judicial interpretation

Express propositions in source-matched passages from judgments citing this section.

7

Citing judgments are indexed, but no express interpretive proposition has yet passed the passage-verification threshold. Open Judicial treatment for the citing passages.

Related provisions

No express internal or cross-Act reference appears in this section.

Amendment notes

No section-specific amendment note or instrument-level amendment history appears in this consolidation.

Appeals

(1)

A person aggrieved by a decision or order of a competent court may-

(a)

in case of a decision or an order of a magistrate's court, appeal to the High Court;

(b)

in case of a decision or an order of the High Court, appeal to the Court of Appeal; or

(c)

in case of a decision or an order of the Court of Appeal, appeal to the Supreme Court.

(2)

The court to which an appeal is filed under subsection (1) shall proceed to hear and determine the appeal within three months from the date of filing of the appeal and may, for that purpose, suspend any other matter pending before it.

(3)

The law governing civil appeals shall, with necessary modifications, apply to appeals under this Act.

Section analysis Source-linked statutory analysis Source linked

Approved statute annotation. Statutory quotations are matched to this consolidation and judicial passages are linked to judgments. Check the primary sources alongside this analysis.

What this section does

Statutory power

This section confers or regulates the statutory power described as “Appeals”.

“(1) A person aggrieved by a decision or order of a competent court may-”

Primary legislation Source quotation matched

Practical effect

The power must be exercised by the authorised decision-maker, within the conditions and purpose stated in the section.

Deterministic editorial synthesis — not a substitute for the statutory text Editorial synthesis approved

Elements or requirements

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

6

(1) A person aggrieved by a decision or order of a competent court may-
(a) in case of a decision or an order of a magistrate's court, appeal to the High Court;
(b) in case of a decision or an order of the High Court, appeal to the Court of Appeal; or
(c) in case of a decision or an order of the Court of Appeal, appeal to the Supreme Court.
(2) The court to which an appeal is filed under subsection (1) shall proceed to hear and determine the appeal within three months from the date of filing of the appeal and may, for that purpose, suspend any other matter pending before it.
(3) The law governing civil appeals shall, with necessary modifications, apply to appeals under this Act.

Judicial interpretation

Express propositions in source-matched passages from judgments citing this section.

0

No judgment in the current Wakilii corpus expressly cites this section. Bare rule-number references are not assigned where the Order cannot be verified.

Related provisions

No express internal or cross-Act reference appears in this section.

Amendment notes

No section-specific amendment note or instrument-level amendment history appears in this consolidation.

Application of Civil Procedure Act

The Civil Procedure Act, and the rules made under that Act may, with the necessary modifications, apply to the enforcement of rights and freedoms under this Act

Section analysis 1 source-matched judicial passage Source linked

Approved statute annotation. Statutory quotations are matched to this consolidation and judicial passages are linked to judgments. Check the primary sources alongside this analysis.

What this section does

Scope rule

This section defines when and how “Application of Civil Procedure Act” applies.

“The Civil Procedure Act, and the rules made under that Act may, with the necessary modifications, apply to the enforcement of rights and freedoms under this Act”

Primary legislation Source quotation matched

Practical effect

Confirm that the matter and forum fall within this section before applying the Act's remaining provisions.

Deterministic editorial synthesis — not a substitute for the statutory text Editorial synthesis approved

Elements or requirements

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

1

The Civil Procedure Act, and the rules made under that Act may, with the necessary modifications, apply to the enforcement of rights and freedoms under this Act

Judicial interpretation

Express propositions in source-matched passages from judgments citing this section.

3

High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched

Section 17 of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act provides for application of 15 the Civil Procedure Act to these proeedings.

Munezero Fred v Sole Elisa and Another (Miscellaneous Cause No. 5 of 2024) [2026] UGHC 26 (20 January 2026)

[2026] UGHC 26 · High Court · 2026-01-20

Court level is shown; confirm that the quoted proposition forms part of the ratio before treating it as binding.

Related provisions

Civil Procedure Act

Amendment notes

No section-specific amendment note or instrument-level amendment history appears in this consolidation.

Rules of procedure

(1)

Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Rules Committee may make rules to give effect to the provisions of this Act.

(2)

Without prejudice to subsection (1), the Rules Committee may make rules-

(a)

prescribing the fees payable under this Act;

(b)

prescribing the time for applications and references under this Act;

(c)

for evidence and procedure;

(d)

for joinder, addition, substitution and striking out parties;

(e)

for the admission of amicus curiae;

(f)

for service and enforcement of service;

(g)

for notices, warrants and other processes;

(h)

for summoning of witnesses;

(i)

for facts to be proved at any stage of the proceedings;

(j)

for the mode in which the facts may be given;

(k)

for service of applications for enforcement or protection of rights;

(l)

for reply to applications for enforcement or protection of rights;

(m)

for consolidation of applications;

(n)

for the content of an application for enforcement or protection of rights;

(o)

for hearing of applications for enforcement or protection of rights and freedoms;

(p)

for costs;

(q)

for withdrawal or discontinuance of applications; and

(r)

for any other matter as the Rules Committee may deem fit.

Section analysis Source-linked statutory analysis Source linked

Approved statute annotation. Statutory quotations are matched to this consolidation and judicial passages are linked to judgments. Check the primary sources alongside this analysis.

What this section does

Procedural rule

This section establishes the governing procedure for “Rules of procedure”.

“(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Rules Committee may make rules to give effect to the provisions of this Act.”

Primary legislation Source quotation matched

Practical effect

A litigant should address this rule at the procedural stage named in the section and preserve evidence of compliance.

Deterministic editorial synthesis — not a substitute for the statutory text Editorial synthesis approved

Elements or requirements

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

20

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Rules Committee may make rules to give effect to the provisions of this Act.
(2) Without prejudice to subsection (1), the Rules Committee may make rules-
(a) prescribing the fees payable under this Act;
(b) prescribing the time for applications and references under this Act;
(c) for evidence and procedure;
(d) for joinder, addition, substitution and striking out parties;
(e) for the admission of amicus curiae;
(f) for service and enforcement of service;

12 further items remain in the statutory text above.

Judicial interpretation

Express propositions in source-matched passages from judgments citing this section.

1

Citing judgments are indexed, but no express interpretive proposition has yet passed the passage-verification threshold. Open Judicial treatment for the citing passages.

Related provisions

No express internal or cross-Act reference appears in this section.

Amendment notes

No section-specific amendment note or instrument-level amendment history appears in this consolidation.

Limitation of human rights actions

(1)

Save for rights and freedoms guaranteed under Article 44 of the Constitution, actions for enforcement of human rights and freedoms shall be instituted within ten years of the occurrence of the human rights violation.

(2)

Notwithstanding subsection (1), the competent court may allow an action to be brought after the expiry of the period referred to in subsection (1) on being satisfied that the victim of the violation was unable, for any justifiable reasons, to bring the action within the time prescribed under subsection (1).

(3)

For the avoidance of doubt, the Civil Procedure and Limitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act shall not apply to proceedings instituted under this Act.

Section analysis Source-linked statutory analysis Source linked

Approved statute annotation. Statutory quotations are matched to this consolidation and judicial passages are linked to judgments. Check the primary sources alongside this analysis.

What this section does

Statutory power

This section confers or regulates the statutory power described as “Limitation of human rights actions”.

“(1) Save for rights and freedoms guaranteed under Article 44 of the Constitution, actions for enforcement of human rights and freedoms shall be instituted within ten years of the occurrence of the human rights violation.”

Primary legislation Source quotation matched

Practical effect

The power must be exercised by the authorised decision-maker, within the conditions and purpose stated in the section.

Deterministic editorial synthesis — not a substitute for the statutory text Editorial synthesis approved

Elements or requirements

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

3

(1) Save for rights and freedoms guaranteed under Article 44 of the Constitution, actions for enforcement of human rights and freedoms shall be instituted within ten years of the occurrence of the human rights violation.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the competent court may allow an action to be brought after the expiry of the period referred to in subsection (1) on being satisfied that the victim of the violation was unable, for any justifiable reasons, to bring the action within the time prescribed under subsection (1).
(3) For the avoidance of doubt, the Civil Procedure and Limitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act shall not apply to proceedings instituted under this Act.

Judicial interpretation

Express propositions in source-matched passages from judgments citing this section.

0

No judgment in the current Wakilii corpus expressly cites this section. Bare rule-number references are not assigned where the Order cannot be verified.

Related provisions

Civil Procedure and Limitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act

Amendment notes

No section-specific amendment note or instrument-level amendment history appears in this consolidation.

Human Rights (Enforcement) Act

About this Act

Full text of the Act