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Wakilii

Judicature Act

Cap. 16 Statute 13 of 1996 Current version · as at 1 March 2024

An Act to give effect to the provisions of the Constitution relating to the judiciary; to provide for judicial review and for related matters.

Enacted1996
Commenced17 May 1996
Last amended1 March 2024Act 3 of 2024
Point-in-time consolidation · as at 1 March 2024. This page may not reflect amendments made after that date. Confirm the current position against the latest Uganda Gazette before relying on it.

About this Act

An Act to give effect to the provisions of the Constitution relating to the judiciary; to provide for judicial review and for related matters.

Jurisdiction
Uganda
Type
Principal Legislation
Status
In force
Language
English

Amendments

5 amending instruments
  1. 1 March 2024 Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 Act 3 of 2024
  2. 19 June 2020 Administration of the Judiciary Act Chapter 4
  3. 19 June 2020 Administration of the Judiciary Act Act 8 of 2020
  4. 10 June 2011 Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 Act 9 of 2011
  5. 15 February 2002 Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 Act 3 of 2002

Full text of the Act

12 parts · 55 sections · 2 Schedules

Enhanced Annotated View adds approved, source-linked propositions, operative requirements, judicial passages, related provisions, amendment notes and authority status. Choose Original PDF to inspect the source consolidation.

Uganda

Judicature Act

Chapter 16

Commenced on 17 May 1996

[This is the version of this document at 1 March 2024.]

An Act to give effect to the provisions of the Constitution relating to the judiciary; to provide for judicial review and for related matters.

Part I

Interpretation

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires

"applied law" means the United Kingdom Acts, the application of which is continued by section 52 ;

"Parliament" has the meaning assigned to it in the Constitution;

"rules of court" means rules of court made or continued in force 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
Definition

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

“In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires "applied law" means the United Kingdom Acts, the application of which is continued by section 52;”
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.

2
  1. "Parliament" has the meaning assigned to it in the Constitution;
  2. "rules of court" means rules of court made or continued in force under this Act.
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
Amendment notes

No section-specific note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Order of precedence of judges

The order of precedence among the justices of the Supreme Court, the justices of the Court of Appeal and the judges of the High Court shall be as follows (a) the Chief Justice shall take precedence over all justices of the Supreme Court and the justices of the Court of Appeal and judges of the High Court; the Deputy Chief Justice shall take precedence immediately after the Chief Justice, and the Principal Judge shall take precedence immediately after the Deputy Chief Justice;

(b)

the justices of the Supreme Court shall take precedence immediately after the Principal Judge and among themselves, according to the priority of the dates on which they respectively took office as justices of the Supreme Court;

(c)

the justices of the Court of Appeal shall take precedence immediately after the justices of the Supreme Court and among themselves, according to the priority of the dates on which they respectively took office as justices of the Court of Appeal;

(d)

the judges of the High Court shall take precedence immediately after the justices of the Court of Appeal and among themselves, according to the priority of the dates on which they respectively took and subscribed the judicial oath as judges of the High Court;

(e)

where in accordance with paragraph (b), (c) or (d) of this section there is equality of precedence in respect of two or more judges, precedence among them shall be determined according to age, a person higher in age taking precedence over a person lower in age.

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 “Order of precedence of judges”.

“The order of precedence among the justices of the Supreme Court, the justices of the Court of Appeal and the judges of the High Court shall be as follows (a) the Chief Justice shall take precedence over all justices of the Supreme Court and the justices of the Court of Appeal and judges of the High Court; the Deputy Chief Justice shall take precedence immediately after the Chief Justice, and the Principal Judge shall take precedence immediately after the Deputy Chief Justice;”
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. (b) the justices of the Supreme Court shall take precedence immediately after the Principal Judge and among themselves, according to the priority of the dates on which they respectively took office as justices of the Supreme Court;
  2. (c) the justices of the Court of Appeal shall take precedence immediately after the justices of the Supreme Court and among themselves, according to the priority of the dates on which they respectively took office as justices of the Court of Appeal;
  3. (d) the judges of the High Court shall take precedence immediately after the justices of the Court of Appeal and among themselves, according to the priority of the dates on which they respectively took and subscribed the judicial oath as judges of the High Court;
  4. (e) where in accordance with paragraph (b), (c) or (d) of this section there is equality of precedence in respect of two or more judges, precedence among them shall be determined according to age, a person higher in age taking precedence over a person lower in age.
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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history

Part II

Supreme Court of Uganda

The Supreme Court shall consist of (a) the Chief Justice; and

(b)

ten justices of the Supreme 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
Mandatory duty

This section imposes mandatory requirements concerning “Supreme Court of Uganda”.

“The Supreme Court shall consist of (a) the Chief Justice; and”
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.

1
  1. (b) ten justices of the Supreme Court.
Judicial interpretation

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

11

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Jurisdiction of Supreme Court

An appeal shall lie to the Supreme Court from such decisions of the Court of Appeal as are prescribed by the Constitution, this Act or any other law

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 “Jurisdiction of Supreme Court”.

“An appeal shall lie to the Supreme Court from such decisions of the Court of Appeal as are prescribed by the Constitution, this Act or any other law”
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.

1
  1. An appeal shall lie to the Supreme Court from such decisions of the Court of Appeal as are prescribed by the Constitution, this Act or any other law
Judicial interpretation

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

10
Supreme Court — binding court level ✓ Source matched
The appellant seeks to fault the learned Justices of Appeal for failing to adjudicate on a matter that was never raised before their Lordships. Section 4 of the Judicature Act Cap 13 provides that an appeal shall lie to the Supreme Court from such decisions of the Court of Appeal as are prescribed bg the Constitution, this Act or any other law.
Sentongo Patrick v Uganda (Criminal Appeal No. 69 of 2021) [2025] UGSC 41 (15 September 2025)
[2025] UGSC 41 · Supreme Court · 2025-09-15

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

Supreme Court — binding court level ✓ Source matched
Section 4 of the Judicature Act delineates the jurisdiction of the posl1995 Supreme Court that exists today as follows: 'an appeal shall lie to the Supreme Court from such decisions of the Court of
Kateeba Rose & Others v Mugyenzi Justus & Others (Civil Appeal 10 of 2023) [2025] UGSC 6 (21 February 2025)
[2025] UGSC 6 · Supreme Court · 2025-02-21

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Appeals to Supreme Court in criminal matters
(1)

In criminal matters, in the case of an offence punishable by a sentence of death, an appeal shall lie to the Supreme Court as follows-

(a)

where the Court of Appeal has confirmed a conviction and sentence of death passed by the High Court, the accused may appeal as of right to the Supreme Court on a matter of law or mixed law and fact;

(b)

where the High Court has acquitted an accused person, but the Court of Appeal has reversed that judgment and ordered the conviction of the accused, the accused may appeal to the Supreme Court as of right on a matter of law or mixed law and fact;

(c)

where the High Court has convicted an accused person, but the Court of Appeal has reversed the conviction and ordered the acquittal of the accused, the Director of Public Prosecutions may appeal as of right to the Supreme Court for a declaratory judgment on a matter of law or mixed law and fact;

(d)

where the Court of Appeal has confirmed the acquittal of an accused by the High Court, the Director of Public Prosecutions may appeal to the Supreme Court for a declaratory judgment on a matter of law of great public importance.

(2)

Subsection (1) shall apply with necessary modifications to an appeal to the Supreme Court from a conviction and sentence or acquittal in the case of an offence not punishable by a sentence of death, in respect of convictions and acquittals by the High Court and the Court of Appeal, except that in any such case, an appeal shall lie on a matter of law only.

(3)

In the case of an appeal against a sentence and an order, other than one fixed by law, the accused person may appeal to the Supreme Court against the sentence or order, on a matter of law, not including the severity of the sentence.

(4)

Where the Supreme Court varies a conviction by reducing the offence to a lesser offence, thereby necessitating a variation of sentence or any order, including the imposition of a statutory order, the Supreme Court shall impose such term of imprisonment or fine, or both, and make any such order as is prescribed by law.

(5)

Where the appeal emanates from a judgment of the chief magistrate or a magistrate grade I in the exercise of his or her original jurisdiction, and either the accused person or the Director of Public Prosecutions has appealed to the High Court and the Court of Appeal, the accused or the Director of Public Prosecutions may lodge a third appeal to the Supreme Court, with the certificate of the Court of Appeal that the matter raises a question of law of great public or general importance or if the Supreme Court, in its overall duty to see that justice is done, considers that the appeal should be heard, except that in such a third appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Supreme Court shall only give a declaratory judgment.

(6)

Where a person under the age of eighteen years is subject to the order of the Minister, having been found guilty of an offence punishable by a sentence of death, and the Court of Appeal has confirmed that order, that person may appeal as of right to the Supreme Court on a matter of law.

(7)

If the Court of Appeal has acquitted the person referred to in subsection (6), there shall be no further appeal.

(8)

No appeal shall be allowed in the case of any person who has pleaded guilty in his or her trial by the High Court, the chief magistrate or a magistrate grade I and has been convicted on the plea, except as to the legality of the plea or to the extent or legality of the sentence.

(9)

Subject to this section, the Supreme Court may, in an appeal under this section, confirm, vary or reverse the conviction and sentence appealed against or confirm or reverse the acquittal of the accused person.

(10)

A declaratory judgment under this section shall not operate to reverse any acquittal but shall thereafter be binding upon all courts subordinate to the Supreme Court in the same manner as an ordinary judgment of that court.

(11)

Section 130(4) and (5) of the Trial on Indictments Act shall, with necessary modifications, apply to the Supreme 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
Offence or consequence

This section creates or governs statutory liability concerning “Appeals to Supreme Court in criminal matters”.

“(1) In criminal matters, in the case of an offence punishable by a sentence of death, an appeal shall lie to the Supreme Court as follows-”
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.

15
  1. (1) In criminal matters, in the case of an offence punishable by a sentence of death, an appeal shall lie to the Supreme Court as follows-
  2. (a) where the Court of Appeal has confirmed a conviction and sentence of death passed by the High Court, the accused may appeal as of right to the Supreme Court on a matter of law or mixed law and fact;
  3. (b) where the High Court has acquitted an accused person, but the Court of Appeal has reversed that judgment and ordered the conviction of the accused, the accused may appeal to the Supreme Court as of right on a matter of law or mixed law and fact;
  4. (c) where the High Court has convicted an accused person, but the Court of Appeal has reversed the conviction and ordered the acquittal of the accused, the Director of Public Prosecutions may appeal as of right to the Supreme Court for a declaratory judgment on a matter of law or mixed law and fact;
  5. (d) where the Court of Appeal has confirmed the acquittal of an accused by the High Court, the Director of Public Prosecutions may appeal to the Supreme Court for a declaratory judgment on a matter of law of great public importance.
  6. (2) Subsection (1) shall apply with necessary modifications to an appeal to the Supreme Court from a conviction and sentence or acquittal in the case of an offence not punishable by a sentence of death, in respect of convictions and acquittals by the High Court and the Court of Appeal, except that in any such case, an appeal shall lie on a matter of law only.
  7. (3) In the case of an appeal against a sentence and an order, other than one fixed by law, the accused person may appeal to the Supreme Court against the sentence or order, on a matter of law, not including the severity of the sentence.
  8. (4) Where the Supreme Court varies a conviction by reducing the offence to a lesser offence, thereby necessitating a variation of sentence or any order, including the imposition of a statutory order, the Supreme Court shall impose such term of imprisonment or fine, or both, and make any such order as is prescribed by law.

7 further items remain in the statutory text above.

Judicial interpretation

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

17
Supreme Court — binding court level ✓ Source matched
Section 5 of the Judicature Act, provides that "in the case of an appeal against a sentence and an order other than one fixed by law the accused person' may appeal to the Supreme Court against the sentence or order, on a matter of law not including the severity of the sentence."
Mwesige and 2 Others v Uganda [2023] UGSC 53 (12 October 2023)
[2023] UGSC 53 · Supreme Court · 2023-10-12

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

Supreme Court — binding court level ✓ Source matched
ersons envisaged in Article 28 (3) (a) which refers to persons in respect of whoma court of law is yet to make a verdict on allegations against them. Thus, a person applying for bail pending appeal must be subjected to a more stringent test than one who is not yet convicted. However, the fact that the law, as implicit in Article 132 (2) of the Constitution, Section 5 of the Judicature Act Cap 13, and the Rule 6 (2) of the Rules of this Court, makes provisions for appeal, and for bail pending appeal, infers that the law appreciates the possibility of a conviction being erroneous or the punishment being excessive.
Marere v Uganda (Criminal Application 4 of 2021) [2021] UGSC 35 (12 August 2021)
[2021] UGSC 35 · Supreme Court · 2021-08-12

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

Related provisions
Amendment notes

No section-specific note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Appeals to Supreme Court in civil matters
(1)

An appeal shall lie as of right to the Supreme Court where the Court of Appeal confirms, varies or reverses a judgment or order, including an interlocutory order given by the High Court in the exercise of its original jurisdiction and either confirmed, varied or reversed by the Court of Appeal.

(2)

Where an appeal emanates from a judgment or order of a chief magistrate or a magistrate grade I in the exercise of his or her original jurisdiction, but not including an interlocutory matter, a party aggrieved may lodge a third appeal to the Supreme Court on the certificate of the Court of Appeal that the appeal concerns a matter of law of great public or general importance, or if the Supreme Court considers in its overall duty to see that justice is done, that the appeal should be heard.

Section analysis 2 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 “Appeals to Supreme Court in civil matters”.

“(1) An appeal shall lie as of right to the Supreme Court where the Court of Appeal confirms, varies or reverses a judgment or order, including an interlocutory order given by the High Court in the exercise of its original jurisdiction and either confirmed, varied or reversed by the Court of Appeal.”
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.

2
  1. (1) An appeal shall lie as of right to the Supreme Court where the Court of Appeal confirms, varies or reverses a judgment or order, including an interlocutory order given by the High Court in the exercise of its original jurisdiction and either confirmed, varied or reversed by the Court of Appeal.
  2. (2) Where an appeal emanates from a judgment or order of a chief magistrate or a magistrate grade I in the exercise of his or her original jurisdiction, but not including an interlocutory matter, a party aggrieved may lodge a third appeal to the Supreme Court on the certificate of the Court of Appeal that the appeal concerns a matter of law of great public or general importance, or if the Supreme Court considers in its overall duty to see that justice is done, that the appeal should be heard.
Judicial interpretation

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

13
Appellate court — binding on lower courts ✓ Source matched
Thirdly, the Petitioner contends that Section 14 of the Parliamentary Elections 10 (Amendment) Act, 2010 is inconsistent with Article 132 of the Constitution in so far as it provides that notwithstanding Section 6 of the Judicature Act, the decisions of the Court of Appeal in parliamentary elections petition appeals shall be final.
Ayena Odongo v Attorney General (Constitutional Petition No. 38 of 2017) [2021] UGCC 30 (27 April 2021)
[2021] UGCC 30 · Constitutional Court · 2021-04-27

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

Appellate court — binding on lower courts ✓ Source matched
r.0 The right to appeal against a decision emanating from a Chief Magistrate's Court and the requirement for one to lodge a valid third appeal are provided for in Section 6 of the Judicature Act which provides that;- "6.
Tinkamanyire v Kihika & Another (Civil Application 34 of 2020) [2025] UGCA 84 (24 March 2025)
[2025] UGCA 84 · Court of Appeal · 2025-03-24

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Supreme Court to have powers of court of original jurisdiction

For the purposes of hearing and determining an appeal, the Supreme Court shall have all the powers, authority and jurisdiction vested under any written law in the court from the exercise of the original jurisdiction of which the appeal originally emanated

Section analysis 2 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 “Supreme Court to have powers of court of original jurisdiction”.

“For the purposes of hearing and determining an appeal, the Supreme Court shall have all the powers, authority and jurisdiction vested under any written law in the court from the exercise of the original jurisdiction of which the appeal originally emanated”
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.

1
  1. For the purposes of hearing and determining an appeal, the Supreme Court shall have all the powers, authority and jurisdiction vested under any written law in the court from the exercise of the original jurisdiction of which the appeal originally emanated
Judicial interpretation

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

26
Supreme Court — binding court level ✓ Source matched
In the circumstances of this case, I find that this is a proper case in which to invoke the provisions of Section 7 of the Judicature Act which provides:- "Supreme Court to have powers of the court of original jurisdiction. For the purposes of hearing and determining an appeal, the Supreme 5 Court shall have all the powers, authority and jurisdiction vested under any written law in the court from the exercise of the original jurisdiction of which the appeal originally emanated."
Hwang Sung Limited v M & D Timber Merchants & Transporters Limited (Civil Appeal 2 of 2018) [2018] UGSC 95 (11 July 2018)
[2018] UGSC 95 · Supreme Court · 2018-07-11

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

Supreme Court — binding court level ✓ Source matched
l0 Section 7 of the Judicature Act provides: For the purpose of hearing attil detenniting an appeaL the St prenre Cotrt shall lmae all ttrc powerst authority atd iurisdiction aested uniler arry utritten lazp in the coutt [rom the exercise o/ the original iurisiliction of which the appeal originally emanqteiL t5 This refers to determination of an appeal and taxation of the bill of costs which is not determination of an appeal.
Byamugisha & Another v National Social Security Fund (Civil Reference 2 of 2012) [2012] UGSC 21 (21 September 2012)
[2012] UGSC 21 · Supreme Court · 2012-09-21

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Powers of single justice of Supreme Court
(1)

A single justice of the Supreme Court may exercise any power vested in the Supreme Court in any interlocutory cause or matter before the Supreme Court.

(2)

Any person dissatisfied with the decision of a single justice in the exercise of a power under subsection (1) is entitled to have the matter determined by a bench of three justices of the Supreme Court which may confirm, vary or reverse the decision.

Section analysis 2 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 “Powers of single justice of Supreme Court”.

“(1) A single justice of the Supreme Court may exercise any power vested in the Supreme Court in any interlocutory cause or matter before the Supreme 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.

2
  1. (1) A single justice of the Supreme Court may exercise any power vested in the Supreme Court in any interlocutory cause or matter before the Supreme Court.
  2. (2) Any person dissatisfied with the decision of a single justice in the exercise of a power under subsection (1) is entitled to have the matter determined by a bench of three justices of the Supreme Court which may confirm, vary or reverse the decision.
Judicial interpretation

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

6
Related provisions

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

Amendment notes

No section-specific note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history

Part III

Court of Appeal of Uganda

The Court of Appeal of Uganda shall consist of (a) the Deputy Chief Justice; and

(b)

thirty four Justices of the Court of Appeal.

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 “Court of Appeal of Uganda”.

“The Court of Appeal of Uganda shall consist of (a) the Deputy Chief Justice; and”
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.

1
  1. (b) thirty four Justices of the Court of Appeal.
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
  • [section 9 substituted by Act 3 of 2024]

Section-specific consolidation note · Approved

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Jurisdiction of Court of Appeal

An appeal shall lie to the Court of Appeal from decisions of the High Court prescribed by the Constitution, this Act or any other law

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 “Jurisdiction of Court of Appeal”.

“An appeal shall lie to the Court of Appeal from decisions of the High Court prescribed by the Constitution, this Act or any other law”
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.

1
  1. An appeal shall lie to the Court of Appeal from decisions of the High Court prescribed by the Constitution, this Act or any other law
Judicial interpretation

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

37
Supreme Court — binding court level ✓ Source matched
Section 10 of the Judicature Act provides that "An Appeal shall lie to the Court of Appeal from decisions of the High Court prescribed by the Constitution, this Act or any other law."
Bisimillah Trading Ltd v Falcon Estates Ltd [2017] UGSC 46 (24 November 2017)
[2017] UGSC 46 · Supreme Court · 2017-11-24

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

Appellate court — binding on lower courts ✓ Source matched
"Att appeal shall lte to the Court of Appeal from such decistons of the Htgh Court q,s, mng be prescribed bg lano" Section 10 of the Judicature Act, Cap.
Twala Caroline and Others v Director of Public Prosecutions 2026 UGCA 116 (2 April 2026)
[2026] UGCA 116 · Court of Appeal · 2026-04-02

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Court of Appeal to have powers of court of original jurisdiction

For the purpose of hearing and determining an appeal, the Court of Appeal shall have all the powers, authority and jurisdiction vested under any written law in the court from the exercise of the original jurisdiction of which the appeal originally emanated

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 “Court of Appeal to have powers of court of original jurisdiction”.

“For the purpose of hearing and determining an appeal, the Court of Appeal shall have all the powers, authority and jurisdiction vested under any written law in the court from the exercise of the original jurisdiction of which the appeal originally emanated”
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.

1
  1. For the purpose of hearing and determining an appeal, the Court of Appeal shall have all the powers, authority and jurisdiction vested under any written law in the court from the exercise of the original jurisdiction of which the appeal originally emanated
Judicial interpretation

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

305
Supreme Court — binding court level ✓ Source matched
We shall now take our prerogative under section 11 of the Judicature Act to sentence the 1.t Appellant afresh. Section 11 of the Judicature Act grants us the same jurisdiction as the court that decided in the matter or passed the sentence.
Wampa Faziri and Others v Uganda (Criminal Appeal 54 of 2019) [2025] UGSC 30 (6 August 2025)
[2025] UGSC 30 · Supreme Court · 2025-08-06

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

Supreme Court — binding court level ✓ Source matched
Section 11 of the Judicature Act, provides that: "11.
Munyangondo v Uganda [2015] UGSC 1 (13 February 2015)
[2015] UGSC 1 · Supreme Court · 2015-02-13

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

Appellate court — binding on lower courts ✓ Source matched
The Court shall, in the premises, proceed to re-sentence the Appellant accordingly. 10 351 Our powers to impose a sentence is derived from Section 11 of the Judicature Act which grants this Court the same powers as the trial court to impose a sentence which we consider appropriate in the circumstances.
Opala Salmon Aka Ozito v Uganda (Criminal Appeal 557 of 2014) [2026] UGCA 154 (21 April 2026)
[2026] UGCA 154 · Court of Appeal · 2026-04-21

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Powers of single justice of Court of Appeal
(1)

A single justice of the Court of Appeal may exercise any power vested in the Court of Appeal in any interlocutory cause or matter before the Court of Appeal.

(2)

Any person dissatisfied with the decision of a single justice of the Court of Appeal in the exercise of any power under subsection (1) shall be entitled to have the matter determined by a bench of three justices of the Court of Appeal which may confirm, vary or reverse the decision.

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
Procedural rule

This section establishes the governing procedure for “Powers of single justice of Court of Appeal”.

“(1) A single justice of the Court of Appeal may exercise any power vested in the Court of Appeal in any interlocutory cause or matter before the Court of Appeal.”
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.

2
  1. (1) A single justice of the Court of Appeal may exercise any power vested in the Court of Appeal in any interlocutory cause or matter before the Court of Appeal.
  2. (2) Any person dissatisfied with the decision of a single justice of the Court of Appeal in the exercise of any power under subsection (1) shall be entitled to have the matter determined by a bench of three justices of the Court of Appeal which may confirm, vary or reverse the decision.
Judicial interpretation

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

35
Supreme Court — binding court level ✓ Source matched
Section 12 of the Judicature Act in effect provides that a single justice has powers to hear interlocutory matters, but for the Court to hear cases, there should be three justices.
Lubega v Ssinabulya & 2 Ors (Civil Appeal 4 of 2019) [2020] UGSC 34 (8 October 2020)
[2020] UGSC 34 · Supreme Court · 2020-10-08

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

Supreme Court — binding court level ✓ Source matched
Section 12 of the Judicature Act in effect provides that a single justice has powers to hear interlocutory matters, but for the court to hear cases, there should be three justices.
Komakech & Anor v Akol & 2 Ors [2012] UGSC 10 (21 December 2012)
[2012] UGSC 10 · Supreme Court · 2012-12-21

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history

Part IV

High Court of Uganda

The High Court of Uganda shall consist of (a) the Principal Judge; and

(b)

twenty-five judges of the High Court or such higher number of judges of the High Court as may be prescribed by Parliament by resolution.

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 “High Court of Uganda”.

“The High Court of Uganda shall consist of (a) the Principal Judge; and”
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.

1
  1. (b) twenty-five judges of the High Court or such higher number of judges of the High Court as may be prescribed by Parliament by resolution.
Judicial interpretation

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

10
Appellate court — binding on lower courts ✓ Source matched
'We have now carefully considered our decisions in the Isabirye case and OLARA OTUNU case in light of section 13 of the Judicature Act. The rationale behind the decision in Isabirye was the provisions of Rule 53(1) and 2(b) of the Judicature (Court of Appeal Rules) Directions which prohibits a single justice from hearing applications for a stay of execution, injunction or stay of proceedings.
Murisho & 5 Ors v Attorney General & Anor (Constitutional Application No. 2 of 2017) [2017] UGCC 1 (23 February 2017)
[2017] UGCC 1 · Constitutional Court · 2017-02-23

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Jurisdiction of High Court Open section
(1)

The High Court shall, subject to the Constitution, have unlimited original jurisdiction in all matters and such appellate and other jurisdiction as may be conferred on it by the Constitution or this Act or any other law.

(2)

Subject to the Constitution and this Act, the jurisdiction of the High Court shall be exercised-

(a)

in conformity with the written law, including any law in force immediately before the commencement of this Act;

(b)

subject to any written law and insofar as the written law does not extend or apply, in conformity with-

(i)

the common law and the doctrines of equity;

(ii)

any established and current custom or usage; and

(iii)

the powers vested in, and the procedure and practice observed by, the High Court immediately before the commencement of this Act insofar as any such jurisdiction is consistent with the provisions of this Act; and

(c)

where no express law or rule is applicable to any matter in issue before the High Court, in conformity with the principles of justice, equity and good conscience.

(3)

The applied law, the common law and the doctrines of equity shall be in force only insofar as the circumstances of Uganda and of its peoples permit, and subject to such qualifications as circumstances may render necessary.

(4)

Subject to subsection (2), in every cause or matter before the High Court, the rules of equity and the rules of common law shall be administered concurrently; and if there is a conflict or variance between the rules of equity and the rules of common law with reference to the same subject, the rules of equity shall prevail.

(5)

For the purposes of this section, the expressions "common law" and "doctrines of equity" mean those parts of the law of Uganda, other than the written law, the applied law or the customary law, observed and administered by the High Court as the common law and the doctrines of equity respectively.

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 “Jurisdiction of High Court”.

“(1) The High Court shall, subject to the Constitution, have unlimited original jurisdiction in all matters and such appellate and other jurisdiction as may be conferred on it by the Constitution or this Act or any other law.”
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.

11
  1. (1) The High Court shall, subject to the Constitution, have unlimited original jurisdiction in all matters and such appellate and other jurisdiction as may be conferred on it by the Constitution or this Act or any other law.
  2. (2) Subject to the Constitution and this Act, the jurisdiction of the High Court shall be exercised-
  3. (a) in conformity with the written law, including any law in force immediately before the commencement of this Act;
  4. (b) subject to any written law and insofar as the written law does not extend or apply, in conformity with-
  5. (i) the common law and the doctrines of equity;
  6. (ii) any established and current custom or usage; and
  7. (iii) the powers vested in, and the procedure and practice observed by, the High Court immediately before the commencement of this Act insofar as any such jurisdiction is consistent with the provisions of this Act; and
  8. (c) where no express law or rule is applicable to any matter in issue before the High Court, in conformity with the principles of justice, equity and good conscience.

3 further items remain in the statutory text above.

Judicial interpretation

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

218
High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched
As a Judge of this Court, I am guided by Section 14 of the Judicature Act, which mandates that I apply the law in conformity with the written law of Uganda. The written law specifically the Income Tax Act and the Tax Procedures Code Act is clear and unambiguous.
Uganda Revenue Authority v Tunga Nutrition (U) Limited (Civil Appeal 89 of 2025) [2026] UGCommC 286 (7 June 2026)
[2026] UGCOMMC 286 · High Court · 2026-06-07

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
Furthermore, the Applicant also cites Section 14 of the Judicature Act, which enshrines the High Court's inherent jurisdiction, but.where a specific procedure is provided by law (like an appeal/revision against a Registrar's order), that procedure must be followed.
Nankya Hasifa Namukasa v Ssemakula Yusuf [2026] UGHCLD 31 (13 February 2026)
[2026] UGHCLD 31 · High Court · 2026-02-13

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Customary law
(1)

Nothing in this Act shall deprive the High Court of the right to observe or enforce the observance of, or shall deprive any person of the benefit of, any existing custom, which is not repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience and not incompatible either directly or by necessary implication with any written law.

(2)

No party to a suit shall be entitled to claim the benefit of any custom if it appears from express contract or from the nature of the transaction out of which the suit or question has arisen, that the party agreed that his or her obligations in connection with the transaction shall be regulated exclusively by law, other than by customary law.

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 “Customary law”.

“(1) Nothing in this Act shall deprive the High Court of the right to observe or enforce the observance of, or shall deprive any person of the benefit of, any existing custom, which is not repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience and not incompatible either directly or by necessary implication with any written law.”
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. (1) Nothing in this Act shall deprive the High Court of the right to observe or enforce the observance of, or shall deprive any person of the benefit of, any existing custom, which is not repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience and not incompatible either directly or by necessary implication with any written law.
  2. (2) No party to a suit shall be entitled to claim the benefit of any custom if it appears from express contract or from the nature of the transaction out of which the suit or question has arisen, that the party agreed that his or her obligations in connection with the transaction shall be regulated exclusively by law, other than by customary law.
Judicial interpretation

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

6
High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched
Section 15 of the Judicature Act stipulates that; "Nothing in this Act shall deprive the High Court of the right to observe or enforce the observance of, or shall deprive any person of the benefit of, any existing custom, which is not repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience and not incompatible directly or by necessary implication of any written law.
Nakawombe and 3 Others v Ssali and Another (Civil Suit 88 of 2015) [2023] UGHCFD 52 (8 February 2023)
[2023] UGHCFD 52 · High Court · 2023-02-08

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 15 of the Judicature Act provides; Nothing in this Act shall deprive the High Court of the right to observe or enforce the observance of, or shall deprive any person of the benefit of, any existing custom, which is not repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience and not incompatible directly or by necessary implication of any written law.
Lwamasaka Nkonge Prosper (Kinyenyambali) V James Magala Muteweta (Kyana) & Another (Miscellaneous Cause No. 65 of 2015 & 87 of 2016) [2019] UGHCCD 284 (12 July 2019)
[2019] UGHCCD 284 · High Court · 2019-07-12

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Appellate jurisdiction of High Court
(1)

Subject to the Constitution, this Act and any other law, the High Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals which lie to it by virtue of any enactment from decisions of magistrates courts and other subordinate courts in the exercise of their original or appellate jurisdiction.

(2)

The High Court shall determine any questions of law referred to it by way of case stated by a magistrate in accordance with any enactment.

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 “Appellate jurisdiction of High Court”.

“(1) Subject to the Constitution, this Act and any other law, the High Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals which lie to it by virtue of any enactment from decisions of magistrates courts and other subordinate courts in the exercise of their original or appellate jurisdiction.”
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.

2
  1. (1) Subject to the Constitution, this Act and any other law, the High Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals which lie to it by virtue of any enactment from decisions of magistrates courts and other subordinate courts in the exercise of their original or appellate jurisdiction.
  2. (2) The High Court shall determine any questions of law referred to it by way of case stated by a magistrate in accordance with any enactment.
Judicial interpretation

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

15
Appellate court — binding on lower courts ✓ Source matched
"Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and any other law, the decisions of any court lower than the High Court shall be appeallable to the High Court", (emphasis added.) Section 16 of the Judicature Act gives jurisdiction to the High Court to hear and determine appeals-
Uganda Law Society v Attorney General (Constitutional Petition 18 of 2005) [2006] UGCC 9 (31 January 2006)
[2006] UGCC 9 · Constitutional Court · 2006-01-31

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Supervision of magistrates courts
(1)

The High Court shall exercise general powers of supervision over magistrates courts.

(2)

With regard to its own procedures and those of the magistrates courts, the High Court shall exercise its inherent powers-

(a)

to prevent abuse of process of the court by curtailing delays in trials and delivery of judgment, including the power to limit and discontinue delayed prosecutions;

(b)

to make orders for expeditious trials; and

(c)

to ensure that substantive justice shall be administered without undue regard to technicalities.

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 “Supervision of magistrates courts”.

“(1) The High Court shall exercise general powers of supervision over magistrates courts.”
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. (1) The High Court shall exercise general powers of supervision over magistrates courts.
  2. (2) With regard to its own procedures and those of the magistrates courts, the High Court shall exercise its inherent powers-
  3. (a) to prevent abuse of process of the court by curtailing delays in trials and delivery of judgment, including the power to limit and discontinue delayed prosecutions;
  4. (b) to make orders for expeditious trials; and
  5. (c) to ensure that substantive justice shall be administered without undue regard to technicalities.
Judicial interpretation

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

78
Appellate court — binding on lower courts ✓ Source matched
5 The respondent submitted that the jurisdiction of the High court to grant to recall and stay proceedings in criminal cases derives from Sections 48 & 50 of the Criminal Procedure Code Act, Sections 17 and 33 of the Judicature Act. It was contended that the said provisions in essence confer inherent discretionary powers upon the High court to stay or otherwise terminate proceedings upon 10 which are an abuse of court process.
Kamoga v Uganda (Criminal Appeal 646 of 2023) [2024] UGCA 336 (4 December 2024)
[2024] UGCA 336 · Court of Appeal · 2024-12-04

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

Appellate court — binding on lower courts ✓ Source matched
5 The respondent submitted that the jurisdiction of the High court to grant to recall and stay proceedings in criminal cases derives from Sections 48 & 50 of the Criminal Procedure Code Act, Sections 17 and 33 of the Judicature Act. It was contended that the said provisions in essence confer inherent discretionary powers upon the High court to stay or otherwise terminate proceedings upon 10 which are an abuse of court process.
Uganda v Kamoga (Criminal Appeal 646 of 2023) [2024] UGCA 285 (4 October 2024)
[2024] UGCA 285 · Court of Appeal · 2024-10-04

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

Appellate court — binding on lower courts ✓ Source matched
The law is now well settled that the mistake of counsel should not be visited by court on his client. Section 17 of the Judicature Act provides - "17, supervision of magistrates courts. 25 (1) The High Court shall exercise general powers of supervision over magistrates courts. (2) With regard to its own procedure and those of the magistrates courts, the High Court shall exercise its inherent powers to prevent abuse of the process of the court by curtailing delays, 30 including the power to limit a
Dong Yun Kim v Uganda (Criminal Appeal No. 86 of 2007) [2008] UGCA 3 (29 April 2008)
[2008] UGCA 3 · Court of Appeal · 2008-04-29

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Sittings, circuits, etc. of High Court
Continuous sitting of High Court

Subject to Article 138(2) of the Constitution and this Act and to rules of court, such number of judges of the High Court as may be requisite having regard to the business to be disposed of, shall, so far as is reasonably practicable and subject to vacations, sit continuously for the trial of civil and criminal causes

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 “Continuous sitting of High Court”.

“Subject to Article 138(2) of the Constitution and this Act and to rules of court, such number of judges of the High Court as may be requisite having regard to the business to be disposed of, shall, so far as is reasonably practicable and subject to vacations, sit continuously for the trial of civil and criminal causes”
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.

1
  1. Subject to Article 138(2) of the Constitution and this Act and to rules of court, such number of judges of the High Court as may be requisite having regard to the business to be disposed of, shall, so far as is reasonably practicable and subject to vacations, sit continuously for the trial of civil and criminal causes
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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
High Court circuits
(1)

The High Court shall hold sessions in various areas of Uganda to be designated High Court circuits for the trial of civil and criminal causes and for the disposal of other legal business pending at such time and place as the Chief Justice may, in consultation with the Principal Judge, appoint.

(2)

For the purposes of this section, the Chief Justice may, by statutory instrument, declare any area to be a High Court circuit.

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 “High Court circuits”.

“(1) The High Court shall hold sessions in various areas of Uganda to be designated High Court circuits for the trial of civil and criminal causes and for the disposal of other legal business pending at such time and place as the Chief Justice may, in consultation with the Principal Judge, appoint.”
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. (1) The High Court shall hold sessions in various areas of Uganda to be designated High Court circuits for the trial of civil and criminal causes and for the disposal of other legal business pending at such time and place as the Chief Justice may, in consultation with the Principal Judge, appoint.
  2. (2) For the purposes of this section, the Chief Justice may, by statutory instrument, declare any area to be a High Court circuit.
Judicial interpretation

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

5
High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched
That also Section 19 of the Judicature Act provides for high Court circuits in handling of civil and criminal matters and these are supported up by the Chief Justice's Statutory Instrument.
Nassuna & Another v Kiwanuka & Another (Civil Suit 95 of 2015) [2024] UGHC 171 (28 February 2024)
[2024] UGHC 171 · High Court · 2024-02-28

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
In my view it is erroneous for the Respondent to equate a Division of the High Court, to the High Court, represented by a circuit. The law which creates High Court circuits provides under Section 19 of the Judicature Act as follows: "The High Court shall hold sessions in various areas of Uganda to be designated High Court Circuits for the trial of civil and criminal causes and for the disposal of other business pending at such time and place as the C.J may in consultation with the P.J appoint. (2) For the purposes of this section the C.J.
Obore v inspector general of government & anor (HCT-04-CV-MC-005-2013) [2015] UGHCCD 59 (14 May 2015)
[2015] UGHCCD 59 · High Court · 2015-05-14

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Distribution of business in High Court
(1)

Subject to Article 141 of the Constitution, the Principal Judge may determine the distribution of business before the High Court among the judges and may assign any judicial duty to any judge and shall, in doing so, take into account Article 28 of the Constitution.

(2)

Subject to any written law, every proceeding in the High Court shall, so far as is practicable and convenient, be heard and disposed of by a single judge; and proceedings in any action subsequent to the final judgment or order shall, so far as is practicable and convenient, be taken before the judge before whom the trial or hearing took place.

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 “Distribution of business in High Court”.

“(1) Subject to Article 141 of the Constitution, the Principal Judge may determine the distribution of business before the High Court among the judges and may assign any judicial duty to any judge and shall, in doing so, take into account Article 28 of the Constitution.”
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. (1) Subject to Article 141 of the Constitution, the Principal Judge may determine the distribution of business before the High Court among the judges and may assign any judicial duty to any judge and shall, in doing so, take into account Article 28 of the Constitution.
  2. (2) Subject to any written law, every proceeding in the High Court shall, so far as is practicable and convenient, be heard and disposed of by a single judge; and proceedings in any action subsequent to the final judgment or order shall, so far as is practicable and convenient, be taken before the judge before whom the trial or hearing took place.
Judicial interpretation

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

6
Appellate court — binding on lower courts ✓ Source matched
Then the case for the defence was heard by Batema, J., who finally delivered the judgment in this case. Though no appeal was made on this point we must point out that this is really contrary to section 20 of the Judicature Act , which states in part, 'Subject to any written law, every proceeding in the High Court shall, so far as is practicable and convenient, be heard and disposed of by a single judge; and proceedings in any action subsequent to the final judgment or order shall, so far as is practicable and convenient, be taken before the judge before whom the trial or hearing took place.'
Kyakurugaha v Uganda (Criminal Appeal No. 51 of 2014) [2014] UGCA 49 (18 December 2014)
[2014] UGCA 49 · Court of Appeal · 2014-12-18

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
Kyomuhendo replied that they do not arise since the case was transferred by order and authorisation of the Principal Judge acting in the exercise of his constitutional administrative mandate conferred on him under Article 141 of the Constitution and Section 20 of the Judicature Act 30 Cap 13.
Uganda v Tukwasibwe (HCT-00-ICD-CR-SC 9 of 2022) [2022] UGHCICD 1 (22 November 2022)
[2022] UGHCICD 1 · High Court · 2022-11-22

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
The above decision by the Principal Judge is in line with Section 20 of the Judicature Act and Article 128(1)(2) of the Constitution that provide for the independence of the Judiciary and the Judicial Oath.
M.K Creditors Ltd v Kazooba (Miscellaneous Application No. 1341 of 2017) [2019] UGCommC 18 (11 July 2019)
[2019] UGCOMMC 18 · High Court · 2019-07-11

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Sittings in court or in chambers
(1)

A judge may, subject to the provisions of any written law, exercise in court or in chambers any part of the jurisdiction vested in the High Court in any cause or matter.

(2)

Subject to this Act, with respect to appeals in matters of practice and procedure, every order made by a judge in chambers, other than an order relating to costs, may, upon notice, be set aside or discharged by the judge sitting in 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
Jurisdictional rule

This section establishes the jurisdictional rule for “Sittings in court or in chambers”.

“(1) A judge may, subject to the provisions of any written law, exercise in court or in chambers any part of the jurisdiction vested in the High Court in any cause or matter.”
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.

2
  1. (1) A judge may, subject to the provisions of any written law, exercise in court or in chambers any part of the jurisdiction vested in the High Court in any cause or matter.
  2. (2) Subject to this Act, with respect to appeals in matters of practice and procedure, every order made by a judge in chambers, other than an order relating to costs, may, upon notice, be set aside or discharged by the judge sitting in court.
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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history

Part V

Trial of admiralty offences

Where any person is charged with any offence committed on any vessel registered in Uganda upon the sea or any other waters outside the jurisdiction of the High Court, any public officer and the High Court shall have and exercise the same authority and jurisdiction for inquiring into, trying and determining such offence as by the law of Uganda would have been exercised if the offence had been committed upon any waters situated within Uganda

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 “Trial of admiralty offences”.

“Where any person is charged with any offence committed on any vessel registered in Uganda upon the sea or any other waters outside the jurisdiction of the High Court, any public officer and the High Court shall have and exercise the same authority and jurisdiction for inquiring into, trying and determining such offence as by the law of Uganda would have been exercised if the offence had been committed upon any waters situated within Uganda”
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.

1
  1. Where any person is charged with any offence committed on any vessel registered in Uganda upon the sea or any other waters outside the jurisdiction of the High Court, any public officer and the High Court shall have and exercise the same authority and jurisdiction for inquiring into, trying and determining such offence as by the law of Uganda would have been exercised if the offence had been committed upon any waters situated within Uganda
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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Death following injuries inflicted at sea
(1)

Where any person dies in Uganda as a result of injuries inflicted on him or her upon the sea or upon waters outside the jurisdiction of the High Court, every offence committed in respect of any such case may be inquired into, tried, determined and punished in Uganda in the same manner and in all respects as if the offence had been wholly committed in Uganda.

(2)

Where any person is charged with any offence in respect of the death of any person who dies in circumstances described in subsection (1), the offence shall be taken, for the purposes of this Act, to have been wholly committed upon the sea or upon such other waters referred to in subsection (1).

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 “Death following injuries inflicted at sea”.

“(1) Where any person dies in Uganda as a result of injuries inflicted on him or her upon the sea or upon waters outside the jurisdiction of the High Court, every offence committed in respect of any such case may be inquired into, tried, determined and punished in Uganda in the same manner and in all respects as if the offence had been wholly committed in Uganda.”
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.

2
  1. (1) Where any person dies in Uganda as a result of injuries inflicted on him or her upon the sea or upon waters outside the jurisdiction of the High Court, every offence committed in respect of any such case may be inquired into, tried, determined and punished in Uganda in the same manner and in all respects as if the offence had been wholly committed in Uganda.
  2. (2) Where any person is charged with any offence in respect of the death of any person who dies in circumstances described in subsection (1), the offence shall be taken, for the purposes of this Act, to have been wholly committed upon the sea or upon such other waters referred to in subsection (1).
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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Proctor for State
(1)

Where a petition for nullity of marriage or divorce has been filed in the High Court-

(a)

the High Court may, if it thinks fit, direct all necessary papers in the matter to be sent to the Attorney General who may personally or by any other counsel argue before the High

Court any question in relation to the matter which the High Court deems to be necessary or expedient to have fully argued; and

(b)

any person may, at any time before the decree nisi is made absolute, give information to the Attorney General of any matter material to the determination of the case; and the Attorney General may thereupon take such steps as he or she may consider necessary or expedient.

(2)

Where, in consequence of any information, the Attorney General is satisfied that any party to a petition for nullity of marriage or divorce is or has been acting in collusion for the purpose of obtaining a decree contrary to the justice of the case, the Attorney General may, with the leave of the High Court, intervene and subpoena witnesses to prove the alleged collusion.

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 “Proctor for State”.

“(1) Where a petition for nullity of marriage or divorce has been filed in 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.

4
  1. (1) Where a petition for nullity of marriage or divorce has been filed in the High Court-
  2. (a) the High Court may, if it thinks fit, direct all necessary papers in the matter to be sent to the Attorney General who may personally or by any other counsel argue before the High
  3. (b) any person may, at any time before the decree nisi is made absolute, give information to the Attorney General of any matter material to the determination of the case; and the Attorney General may thereupon take such steps as he or she may consider necessary or expedient.
  4. (2) Where, in consequence of any information, the Attorney General is satisfied that any party to a petition for nullity of marriage or divorce is or has been acting in collusion for the purpose of obtaining a decree contrary to the justice of the case, the Attorney General may, with the leave of the High Court, intervene and subpoena witnesses to prove the alleged collusion.
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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Relief from re-entry or forfeiture for non-payment of rent
(1)

Where a lessor is proceeding, by action or otherwise, to enforce a right of re-entry or forfeiture for non-payment of rent, the lessee, his or her executors, administrators or assignees may, in the lessor's action or in an action brought by himself or herself, apply to the High Court for relief.

(2)

The High Court may, under subsection (1)-

(a)

grant any relief it considers fit on such terms as to costs, expenses, damages, compensation, penalty or otherwise, including the granting of an injunction to restrain any future non- payment of rent, as it thinks fit; or

(b)

refuse the relief sought as it thinks fit.

(3)

Where relief is granted under this section, the lessee, his or her executors, administrators or assignees shall hold the demised property according to the terms of the lease without necessity of a new lease.

(4)

The High Court may, after judgment in any action for a right of reentry or forfeiture, grant relief from forfeiture on application made in that behalf within six months from the date of the execution of judgment by the lessee, his or her executor, administrator or assignee on such terms and conditions as to payment of rent and costs or otherwise as it may impose.

Section analysis 2 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 “Relief from re-entry or forfeiture for non-payment of rent”.

“(1) Where a lessor is proceeding, by action or otherwise, to enforce a right of re-entry or forfeiture for non-payment of rent, the lessee, his or her executors, administrators or assignees may, in the lessor's action or in an action brought by himself or herself, apply to the High Court for relief.”
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. (1) Where a lessor is proceeding, by action or otherwise, to enforce a right of re-entry or forfeiture for non-payment of rent, the lessee, his or her executors, administrators or assignees may, in the lessor's action or in an action brought by himself or herself, apply to the High Court for relief.
  2. (2) The High Court may, under subsection (1)-
  3. (a) grant any relief it considers fit on such terms as to costs, expenses, damages, compensation, penalty or otherwise, including the granting of an injunction to restrain any future non- payment of rent, as it thinks fit; or
  4. (b) refuse the relief sought as it thinks fit.
  5. (3) Where relief is granted under this section, the lessee, his or her executors, administrators or assignees shall hold the demised property according to the terms of the lease without necessity of a new lease.
  6. (4) The High Court may, after judgment in any action for a right of reentry or forfeiture, grant relief from forfeiture on application made in that behalf within six months from the date of the execution of judgment by the lessee, his or her executor, administrator or assignee on such terms and conditions as to payment of rent and costs or otherwise as it may impose.
Judicial interpretation

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

3
Related provisions

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

Amendment notes

No section-specific note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Inquiries and trials by referees, etc. and arbitrators
References to referees
(1)

The High Court may, in accordance with rules of court, refer to an official or special referee for inquiry and report any question arising in any cause or matter, other than in a criminal proceeding.

(2)

The report of an official or special referee may be adopted wholly or partly by the High Court and if so adopted, may be enforced as a judgment or order of the High Court.

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 “References to referees”.

“(1) The High Court may, in accordance with rules of court, refer to an official or special referee for inquiry and report any question arising in any cause or matter, other than in a criminal proceeding.”
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. (1) The High Court may, in accordance with rules of court, refer to an official or special referee for inquiry and report any question arising in any cause or matter, other than in a criminal proceeding.
  2. (2) The report of an official or special referee may be adopted wholly or partly by the High Court and if so adopted, may be enforced as a judgment or order of the High Court.
Judicial interpretation

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

8
High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched
Section 26 of the Judicature Act provides that the High Court may in accordance with the rules of court, refer to an official or special referee for inquiry and report any question arising in any cause or matter, other than in a criminal proceeding.
Mutungo Women's Cooperative Savings & Credit Society Ltd v Equity Bank (U) Ltd (Civil Suit No. 406 of 2010) [2013] UGCommC 164 (27 September 2013)
[2013] UGCOMMC 164 · High Court · 2013-09-27

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Trial by referee or arbitrator

Where in any cause or matter, other than a criminal proceeding (a) all the parties interested who are not under disability consent;

(b)

the cause or matter requires any prolonged examination of documents or any scientific or legal investigation which cannot, in the opinion of the High Court, conveniently be conducted by the High Court through its ordinary officers; or

(c)

the question in dispute consists wholly or partly of accounts, the High Court may, at any time, order the whole cause or matter or any question of fact arising in it to be tried before a special referee or arbitrator agreed to by the parties or before an official referee or an officer of the High Court.

Section analysis 2 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 “Trial by referee or arbitrator”.

“Where in any cause or matter, other than a criminal proceeding (a) all the parties interested who are not under disability consent;”
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. (b) the cause or matter requires any prolonged examination of documents or any scientific or legal investigation which cannot, in the opinion of the High Court, conveniently be conducted by the High Court through its ordinary officers; or
  2. (c) the question in dispute consists wholly or partly of accounts, the High Court may, at any time, order the whole cause or matter or any question of fact arising in it to be tried before a special referee or arbitrator agreed to by the parties or before an official referee or an officer of the High Court.
Judicial interpretation

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

13
Supreme Court — binding court level ✓ Source matched
that the matter be referred to the High Court for consequential orders. Further the High Court had made a reference to auditors and the matter remained pending before the High Court pending conctusion of the audit. The retevant taw appticabl.e is section 27 of the Judicature Act cap'13 Laws 25 of Uganda which provides that the High Court may refer an issue for triaI by a referee or arbitrator or referees or arbitrators.
INCAFEX Limited v Rukikaire (Civil Application 8 of 2023) [2023] UGSC 68 (17 November 2023)
[2023] UGSC 68 · Supreme Court · 2023-11-17

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
Order 47 of the Civil Procedure Rules provides the procedure for arbitration by order of court. Such an arbitration proceeding is conducted where the court refers certain matters to be tried by arbitrators or referees such as in this case where a reference was made for reconciliation of accounts under section 27 of the Judicature Act Cap 13 laws of Uganda.
Wanzala Enterprises Ltd v Barclays Bank of Uganda Ltd (Civil Suit No. 77 of 2012) [2017] UGCommC 41 (18 May 2017)
[2017] UGCOMMC 41 · High Court · 2017-05-18

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Powers of referees and arbitrators

In all cases of reference to a referee or arbitrator under this Act, the referee or arbitrator shall be deemed to be an officer of the High Court and, subject to rules of court, shall have such powers and conduct the reference in such manner as the High Court may direct

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 “Powers of referees and arbitrators”.

“In all cases of reference to a referee or arbitrator under this Act, the referee or arbitrator shall be deemed to be an officer of the High Court and, subject to rules of court, shall have such powers and conduct the reference in such manner as the High Court may direct”
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.

1
  1. In all cases of reference to a referee or arbitrator under this Act, the referee or arbitrator shall be deemed to be an officer of the High Court and, subject to rules of court, shall have such powers and conduct the reference in such manner as the High Court may direct
Judicial interpretation

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

5
High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched
Section 28 of the Judicature Act further provides that an arbitrator shall be deemed to be an officer of the High Court and subject to the rules of the court and shall have such powers and conduct the reference in such manner as the High Court may direct.
Wanzala Enterprises Ltd v Barclays Bank Uganda Ltd (Miscellaneous Application No. 754 of 2016) [2016] UGCommC 67 (9 September 2016)
[2016] UGCOMMC 67 · High Court · 2016-09-09

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Statement of case pending arbitration

A referee or arbitrator may, at any stage of the proceedings under a reference, and shall if so directed by the High Court, state in the form of a special case for the opinion of the High Court any question of law arising in the proceedings before him or her

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 “Statement of case pending arbitration”.

“A referee or arbitrator may, at any stage of the proceedings under a reference, and shall if so directed by the High Court, state in the form of a special case for the opinion of the High Court any question of law arising in the proceedings before him or her”
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.

1
  1. A referee or arbitrator may, at any stage of the proceedings under a reference, and shall if so directed by the High Court, state in the form of a special case for the opinion of the High Court any question of law arising in the proceedings before him or her
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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Power of court to impose terms as to costs

An order made under this Act relating to inquiries and trials by reference may be made on such terms as to costs as the High Court thinks 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
Statutory power

This section confers or regulates the statutory power described as “Power of court to impose terms as to costs”.

“An order made under this Act relating to inquiries and trials by reference may be made on such terms as to costs as the High Court thinks fit”
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.

1
  1. An order made under this Act relating to inquiries and trials by reference may be made on such terms as to costs as the High Court thinks fit
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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Remuneration of referees and arbitrators

The remuneration to be paid to a special referee or arbitrator to whom any matter is referred under an order of the High Court under this Act shall be determined by the High 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
Mandatory duty

This section imposes mandatory requirements concerning “Remuneration of referees and arbitrators”.

“The remuneration to be paid to a special referee or arbitrator to whom any matter is referred under an order of the High Court under this Act shall be determined by the High Court”
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.

1
  1. The remuneration to be paid to a special referee or arbitrator to whom any matter is referred under an order of the High Court under this Act shall be determined by the High Court
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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Application of Act to Government

Nothing in this Act relating to inquiries and trials by referees or arbitrators shall (a) empower the High Court to order any proceedings to which the Government is a party or any question in any such proceedings to be tried before any referee, arbitrator or officer of the High Court without the consent of the Attorney General; or

(b)

affect the law as to costs payable by the Government.

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 to Government” applies.

“Nothing in this Act relating to inquiries and trials by referees or arbitrators shall (a) empower the High Court to order any proceedings to which the Government is a party or any question in any such proceedings to be tried before any referee, arbitrator or officer of the High Court without the consent of the Attorney General; or”
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
  1. (b) affect the law as to costs payable by the Government.
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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history

Part VI

Treatment of life imprisonment or imprisonment for life in any enactment
(1)

For purposes of any enactment prescribing life imprisonment or imprisonment for life, life imprisonment or imprisonment for life means imprisonment for the natural life of a person without the possibility of being released.

(2)

Notwithstanding subsection (1), a person liable to imprisonment for life or life imprisonment may be sentenced for any shorter term of imprisonment not exceeding fifty years.

(3)

When sentencing a person under this section, Court may order the minimum term of imprisonment a person liable to imprisonment for life or life imprisonment may serve before he or she may be considered for parole or that the imprisonment of such a person may be reduced on account of remissions earned.

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 “Treatment of life imprisonment or imprisonment for life in any enactment”.

“(1) For purposes of any enactment prescribing life imprisonment or imprisonment for life, life imprisonment or imprisonment for life means imprisonment for the natural life of a person without the possibility of being released.”
Primary legislation Source quotation matched
Practical effect

Use this definition when interpreting other provisions that employ the language addressed by “Treatment of life imprisonment or imprisonment for life in any enactment”.

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. (1) For purposes of any enactment prescribing life imprisonment or imprisonment for life, life imprisonment or imprisonment for life means imprisonment for the natural life of a person without the possibility of being released.
  2. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a person liable to imprisonment for life or life imprisonment may be sentenced for any shorter term of imprisonment not exceeding fifty years.
  3. (3) When sentencing a person under this section, Court may order the minimum term of imprisonment a person liable to imprisonment for life or life imprisonment may serve before he or she may be considered for parole or that the imprisonment of such a person may be reduced on account of remissions earned.
Judicial interpretation

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

1719
Appellate court — binding on lower courts ✓ Source matched
Submissions by Counsel for the Applicant Counsel argued that the Court has the mandate to entertain the Application based on Section 33 of the Judicature Act, Rules 2(.1) and 6(2Xb) of the Rules of this Court.
Kaddu v Kaddu (Civil Application 375 of 2024) [2025] UGCA 63 (26 February 2025)
[2025] UGCA 63 · Court of Appeal · 2025-02-26

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

Appellate court — binding on lower courts ✓ Source matched
5 The respondent submitted that the jurisdiction of the High court to grant to recall and stay proceedings in criminal cases derives from Sections 48 & 50 of the Criminal Procedure Code Act, Sections 17 and 33 of the Judicature Act. It was contended that the said provisions in essence confer inherent discretionary powers upon the High court to stay or otherwise terminate proceedings upon 10 which are an abuse of court process.
Kamoga v Uganda (Criminal Appeal 646 of 2023) [2024] UGCA 336 (4 December 2024)
[2024] UGCA 336 · Court of Appeal · 2024-12-04

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

Appellate court — binding on lower courts ✓ Source matched
5 The respondent submitted that the jurisdiction of the High court to grant to recall and stay proceedings in criminal cases derives from Sections 48 & 50 of the Criminal Procedure Code Act, Sections 17 and 33 of the Judicature Act. It was contended that the said provisions in essence confer inherent discretionary powers upon the High court to stay or otherwise terminate proceedings upon 10 which are an abuse of court process.
Uganda v Kamoga (Criminal Appeal 646 of 2023) [2024] UGCA 285 (4 October 2024)
[2024] UGCA 285 · Court of Appeal · 2024-10-04

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Imposing a sentence of death

The High Court may only pass a sentence of death in exceptional circumstances where the alternative of imprisonment for life or other custodial sentence is demonstrably inadequate

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 “Imposing a sentence of death”.

“The High Court may only pass a sentence of death in exceptional circumstances where the alternative of imprisonment for life or other custodial sentence is demonstrably inadequate”
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.

1
  1. The High Court may only pass a sentence of death in exceptional circumstances where the alternative of imprisonment for life or other custodial sentence is demonstrably inadequate
Judicial interpretation

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

18
Supreme Court — binding court level ✓ Source matched
there was no express provision and the Court of Appeal was being called upon to interpret Sections 34 of the Judicature Act and Sections 82 and 68 of the Civil Procedure Act against Article 89 of the Constitution which provided: "An Appeal shall lie to the Court of Appeal from any such final decision of the High Court as may be prescribed by law." This Article was similar to Article 132(2) of the current Constitution.
Baku & Another v Attorney General (Constitutional Appeal No. 1 of 2005) [2006] UGSC 5 (15 March 2006)
[2006] UGSC 5 · Supreme Court · 2006-03-15

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
The applicant prayed for a Writ ol Hobeos Corpus Ad Subiiciendum, directing the Respondent to produce the body of the Applicant. This Court will proceed under Section 34 of the Judicature Act, and Rule 6 of the Judicature (Habeas Corpus) Rules which stipulates, 30 'Without preiudice to rule all) of these Rule s, th e court heorino on opplicotion for a writ of hobeos co rpus ad subi iciendum mdy, in its discretion .
Robert Lugya Kayingo v Attorney General and Others (Miscellaneous Cause No. 191 of 2025) [2025] UGHCCD 166 (1 August 2025)
[2025] UGHCCD 166 · High Court · 2025-08-01

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Confirmation of a sentence of death
(1)

Where the High Court passes a sentence of death on any person, the registrar shall, where the convicted person does not appeal the sentence within the prescribed time, transmit to the Supreme

Court a copy of the judgment and the proceedings of that court, within thirty days after the conviction, for confirmation.

(2)

The Supreme Court shall only confirm the sentence of death where it is satisfied that the circumstances of the case warrant the imposition of the death sentence.

(3)

Where the Supreme Court does not confirm the sentence, it shall impose an appropriate sentence or make any other orders as it deems fit.

(4)

Where the Supreme Court confirms the sentence of death, the registrar of the Supreme Court shall, in accordance with Article 121(5) of the Constitution, transmit to the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy a written report of the case and its judgment.

(5)

The Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy shall, within six months from the date of referral, consider and advise the President on whether the sentence of death should be carried out.

(6)

The President may, acting on the advice of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy-

(a)

order for the carrying out of the sentence in the manner prescribed by court;

(b)

grant the convicted person a pardon, either free or subject to lawful conditions;

(c)

grant to the convicted person a respite, either for an indefinite or for a specified period, of the execution of any punishment imposed on that person for such an offence;

(d)

substitute a less severe form of punishment for any punishment imposed on that person for such an offence; or

(e)

remit the whole or any part of any punishment imposed on the convicted person for such an offence.

(7)

A sentence of death imposed by a court of judicature or a court or tribunal established under the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces Act shall only be carried out after it has been confirmed by the Supreme Court and upon an order of the President issued under subsection (6)(a).

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 “Confirmation of a sentence of death”.

“(1) Where the High Court passes a sentence of death on any person, the registrar shall, where the convicted person does not appeal the sentence within the prescribed time, transmit to the Supreme”
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.

12
  1. (1) Where the High Court passes a sentence of death on any person, the registrar shall, where the convicted person does not appeal the sentence within the prescribed time, transmit to the Supreme
  2. (2) The Supreme Court shall only confirm the sentence of death where it is satisfied that the circumstances of the case warrant the imposition of the death sentence.
  3. (3) Where the Supreme Court does not confirm the sentence, it shall impose an appropriate sentence or make any other orders as it deems fit.
  4. (4) Where the Supreme Court confirms the sentence of death, the registrar of the Supreme Court shall, in accordance with Article 121(5) of the Constitution, transmit to the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy a written report of the case and its judgment.
  5. (5) The Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy shall, within six months from the date of referral, consider and advise the President on whether the sentence of death should be carried out.
  6. (6) The President may, acting on the advice of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy-
  7. (a) order for the carrying out of the sentence in the manner prescribed by court;
  8. (b) grant the convicted person a pardon, either free or subject to lawful conditions;

4 further items remain in the statutory text above.

Judicial interpretation

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

10

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Commuting of sentences of death
(1)

A sentence of death confirmed by the Supreme Court may be carried out within three years of its confirmation.

(2)

Where a sentence of death confirmed by the Supreme Court is not carried out within three years, the sentence shall be deemed to have been commuted to imprisonment for life.

(3)

Where a death sentence is commuted to imprisonment for life, the convicted person shall be liable to imprisonment for fifty 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
Statutory power

This section confers or regulates the statutory power described as “Commuting of sentences of death”.

“(1) A sentence of death confirmed by the Supreme Court may be carried out within three years of its confirmation.”
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. (1) A sentence of death confirmed by the Supreme Court may be carried out within three years of its confirmation.
  2. (2) Where a sentence of death confirmed by the Supreme Court is not carried out within three years, the sentence shall be deemed to have been commuted to imprisonment for life.
  3. (3) Where a death sentence is commuted to imprisonment for life, the convicted person shall be liable to imprisonment for fifty years.
Judicial interpretation

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

233
Appellate court — binding on lower courts ✓ Source matched
Order 42A of the Civil Procedure (Amendment) (Judicial Review) Rules was contrary to the law and therefore, cannot be construed as giving appellate jurisdiction from orders made under Section 36 of the Judicature Act. Alternatively, Counsel urged that the appeal was incompetent because no leave was obtained as required by Order 40 rule 1 of the Civil Procedure Rules. For the respondent, it was contended that Article 134 (2) of the Constitution of Uganda, 1995, Section 10 of the Judicature Act and the Rules made thereunder and the Civil Procedure Act provide for a right of appeal made under judicial review.
Niwagaba Vs Law Development Centre (Ciivil Application No. 18 of 2006) [2006] UGCA 48 (4 September 2006)
[2006] UGCA 48 · Court of Appeal · 2006-09-04

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
JUSTICE BONIFACE WAMALA RULING Introduction [1] This application was brought by Notice of Motion under Articles 23, 26, 28, 42, and 44(c) of the Constitution of Uganda, Sections 33, 36 and 38 of the Judicature Act and rules 3, 6, 7 and 8 of the Judicature (Judicial Review) Rules 2009 seeking the following reliefs; a) A declaration that the 1st Respondent's act of exercising powers and mandate not vested and conferred upon her by law in a report made dated 13th June 2023 is illegal, irregular, irrational and ultravires. b) A declaration that the 1st Respondent's act of constituting herself into an authority with power and mandate to determine proprietary rights and interests in land is illegal, irre
Pastor Daniel Walugembe v Ndyomugenyi And Another (Miscellaneous Cause 181 of 2023) [2024] UGHCCD 115 (2 August 2024)
[2024] UGHCCD 115 · High Court · 2024-08-02

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history

Part VII

General provisions as to remedies Open section

The High Court shall, in the exercise of the jurisdiction vested in it by the Constitution this Act or any written law, grant absolutely or on such terms and conditions as it thinks just, all such remedies as any of the parties to a cause or matter is entitled to in respect of any legal or equitable claim properly brought before it so that, as far as possible, all matters in controversy between the parties may be completely and finally determined and all multiplicities of legal proceedings concerning any of those matters avoided

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 “General provisions as to remedies”.

“The High Court shall, in the exercise of the jurisdiction vested in it by the Constitution this Act or any written law, grant absolutely or on such terms and conditions as it thinks just, all such remedies as any of the parties to a cause or matter is entitled to in respect of any legal or equitable claim properly brought before it so that, as far as possible, all matters in controversy between the parties may be completely and finally determined and all multiplicities of legal proceedings concerning any of those…”
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.

1
  1. The High Court shall, in the exercise of the jurisdiction vested in it by the Constitution this Act or any written law, grant absolutely or on such terms and conditions as it thinks just, all such remedies as any of the parties to a cause or matter is entitled to in respect of any legal or equitable claim properly brought before it so that, as far as possible, all matters in controversy between the parties may be completely and finally determined and all multiplicities of legal proceedings concerning any of those matters avoided
Judicial interpretation

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

513
High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched
This application was made by notice of motion under section 37 of the Judicature Act , Cap 16, section 98 of the Civil Procedure Act, Rule 24 of SI.141-2, and Order 52 Rule 1 of the Civil Procedure Rules for orders that- (a) The 2nd Respondent provides the Applicant with a certified copy of the registration details and information of NELIMA AGNES, whose NIN is as contained in the National Identification Register to be tendered in court as evidence; (b) The 2nd Respondent provides the Applicant with a certified copy of the registration details and information of WEKESA EVANA,
Hon. Masika Apollo v Nanzala Matrine a.k.a Nanjala Metrine and National Identification and Registration Authority (Miscellaneous Application No. 42 of 2026) [2026] UGHC 581 (2 June 2026)
[2026] UGHC 581 · High Court · 2026-06-02

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
25 This specific mandate is reinforced by the Court's general powers under Section 37 of the Judicature Act, which empowers the High Court to grant all such remedies as any of the parties to a cause or matter is entitled to, so that all matters in controversy may be completely and finally determined.
Nile Breweries Limited v Uganda Revenue Authority (Miscellaneous Application No. 583 of 2026) [2026] UGCommC 251 (25 May 2026)
[2026] UGCOMMC 251 · High Court · 2026-05-25

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Prerogative writ of habeas corpus

The High Court (a) may, at any time, where a person is deprived of his or her personal liberty otherwise than in execution of a lawful sentence (or order) imposed on that person by a competent court, upon

complaint being made to the High Court by or on behalf of that person and if it appears by affidavit made in support of the complaint that there is a reasonable ground for the complaint, award under the seal of the court a writ of habeas corpus ad subjiciendum directed to the person in whose custody the person deprived of liberty is; and when the return is made, the judge before whom the writ is returnable shall inquire into the truth of the facts set out in the affidavit and may make any order as the justice of the case requires; and

(b)

may award a writ of habeas corpus ad testificandum or habeas corpus ad respondendum for bringing up any prisoner detained in any prison before any court, a court martial, an official or special referee, an arbitrator or any commissioners acting under the authority of any commission from the President for trial or, as the case may be, to be examined touching any matter to be inquired into by or pending before a court, a court martial, an official or special referee, an arbitrator or the commissioners.

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 “Prerogative writ of habeas corpus”.

“The High Court (a) may, at any time, where a person is deprived of his or her personal liberty otherwise than in execution of a lawful sentence (or order) imposed on that person by a competent court, upon”
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.

1
  1. (b) may award a writ of habeas corpus ad testificandum or habeas corpus ad respondendum for bringing up any prisoner detained in any prison before any court, a court martial, an official or special referee, an arbitrator or any commissioners acting under the authority of any commission from the President for trial or, as the case may be, to be examined touching any matter to be inquired into by or pending before a court, a court martial, an official or special referee, an arbitrator or the commissioners.
Judicial interpretation

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

154
High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched
[10] The powers of this Court to issue writs of habeas corpus is provided for under Section 38 of the Judicature Act Cap 16 which provides that;
Adonyo Felix Blair v Attorney General of Uganda and Others 2026 UGHCCD 168 (13 May 2026)
[2026] UGHCCD 168 · High Court · 2026-05-13

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
JUSTICE BONIFACE WAMALA RULING Introduction [1] This application was brought by Notice of Motion under Articles 23, 26, 28, 42, and 44(c) of the Constitution of Uganda, Sections 33, 36 and 38 of the Judicature Act and rules 3, 6, 7 and 8 of the Judicature (Judicial Review) Rules 2009 seeking the following reliefs; a) A declaration that the 1st Respondent's act of exercising powers and mandate not vested and conferred upon her by law in a report made dated 13th June 2023 is illegal, irregular, irrational and ultravires. b) A declaration that the 1st Respondent's act of constituting herself into an authority with power and mandate to determine proprietary rights and interests in land is illegal, irre
Pastor Daniel Walugembe v Ndyomugenyi And Another (Miscellaneous Cause 181 of 2023) [2024] UGHCCD 115 (2 August 2024)
[2024] UGHCCD 115 · High Court · 2024-08-02

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 38 of the Judicature Act provides that the High Court shall have power to grant an injunction to restrain any person from doing any act as may be specified by the High Court.
Hon. Elilu Paul and Another vs Soroti City West Division (Miscellaneous Cause No. 9 of 2022) [2022] UGHC 88 (7 October 2022)
[2022] UGHC 88 · High Court · 2022-10-07

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Appeal for habeas corpus

A person aggrieved by an order made under section 34 may appeal from the decision to the Court of Appeal within thirty days after the making of the order appealed from, whether the order has been made in the exercise of the civil or criminal jurisdiction of the High 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 “Appeal for habeas corpus”.

“A person aggrieved by an order made under section 34 may appeal from the decision to the Court of Appeal within thirty days after the making of the order appealed from, whether the order has been made in the exercise of the civil or criminal jurisdiction of the High Court”
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.

1
  1. A person aggrieved by an order made under section 34 may appeal from the decision to the Court of Appeal within thirty days after the making of the order appealed from, whether the order has been made in the exercise of the civil or criminal jurisdiction of the High Court
Judicial interpretation

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

64
High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched
[37] Section 39 of the Judicature Act provides that the Jurisdiction vested in the High Court by the Constitution, the Judicature Act or other enactment is to be exercised in accordance with the practice and procedure provided by the Judicature Act or any other law or by rules and orders of the Court as may be made under the Judicature Act or other Law.
Kato & 4 Others v Uganda (Criminal Miscellaneous Application 6 of 2022) [2022] UGHCICD 6 (27 October 2022)
[2022] UGHCICD 6 · High Court · 2022-10-27

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
igh Court (International Crimes Division) Practice Directions, 2011, provides that if there is no express provision made under any written law, the court shall adopt such other procedure as it considers to be justifiable and appropriate in all the circumstances, taking into account the provisions of Section 141 of the Trial on Indictments Act, Cap 23 and Section 39 of the Judicature Act, Cap 13, and having regard to the rights and views of the parties. [17] Given the fact that no standard of proof is stipulated in our criminal laws as applying to a confirmation of charges decision following Pre-Trial proceedings by this court, and since Uganda is a party to the Rome Statute, and has taken considerable steps to fulfil its obligations therein,…
Uganda v Nsungwa (Criminal Session Case 7 of 2021) [2022] UGHCICD 2 (4 May 2022)
[2022] UGHCICD 2 · High Court · 2022-05-04

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

Related provisions
Amendment notes

No section-specific note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Judicial review Open section
(1)

The High Court may, upon application for judicial review, grant any one or more of the following reliefs in a civil or criminal matter-

(a)

an order of mandamus, requiring any act to be done;

(b)

an order of prohibition, prohibiting any proceedings or matter;

(c)

an order of certiorari, removing any proceedings or matter into the High Court;

(d)

an injunction to restrain a person from acting in any office in which he or she is not entitled to act; or

(e)

a declaration or injunction not being an injunction referred to in paragraph (d).

(2)

The court may upon any application for judicial review, in addition to or in lieu of any of the reliefs specified in subsection (1), award damages.

(3)

The High Court may grant an application for a declaration or an injunction under subsection (1)(e) if it considers that, having regard to-

(a)

the nature of the matters in respect of which relief may be granted by way of an order of mandamus, prohibition or certiorari;

(b)

the nature of the persons and bodies against whom relief may be granted by way of an order referred to in paragraph (a); and

(c)

all the circumstances of the case, it would be just and convenient for the declaration or injunction to be granted on an application for judicial review.

(4)

On an application for judicial review as mentioned in subsection (1), any relief may be claimed as an alternative or in addition to any other relief so mentioned, if it arises out of or relates to or is connected with the same matter.

(5)

An order of mandamus, prohibition or certiorari shall not be made in any case in which the High Court is empowered by the exercise of the powers of review or revision contained in this or any other enactment, to make an order having the like effect as the order applied for or where the order applied for would be rendered unnecessary.

(6)

A return shall not be made to any order made under this section and no pleadings in prohibition shall be allowed, and subject to any right of appeal, the order shall be final.

(7)

An application for judicial review shall be made promptly and in any case within three months from the date when the ground of the application arose, unless the court has good reason for extending the period within which the application shall be made.

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 “Judicial review”.

“(1) The High Court may, upon application for judicial review, grant any one or more of the following reliefs in a civil or criminal matter-”
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.

15
  1. (1) The High Court may, upon application for judicial review, grant any one or more of the following reliefs in a civil or criminal matter-
  2. (a) an order of mandamus, requiring any act to be done;
  3. (b) an order of prohibition, prohibiting any proceedings or matter;
  4. (c) an order of certiorari, removing any proceedings or matter into the High Court;
  5. (d) an injunction to restrain a person from acting in any office in which he or she is not entitled to act; or
  6. (e) a declaration or injunction not being an injunction referred to in paragraph (d).
  7. (2) The court may upon any application for judicial review, in addition to or in lieu of any of the reliefs specified in subsection (1), award damages.
  8. (3) The High Court may grant an application for a declaration or an injunction under subsection (1)(e) if it considers that, having regard to-

7 further items remain in the statutory text above.

Judicial interpretation

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

44
High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched
ent to provide for judicial review by the University against the decision of the Staff Tribunal in section 57(3) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act Cap 262 does not take away the constitutional right of the Applicant in Article 42 of the Constitution to challenge the decision taken by the Staff Tribunal or the power of the High Court in Section 40 of the Judicature Act and the rules made thereunder to grant judicial review remedies to any aggrieved party".
Makerere University v Makerere University Staff Tribunal and Another (Miscellaneous Cause 164 of 2024) [2026] UGHCCD 80 (25 February 2026)
[2026] UGHCCD 80 · High Court · 2026-02-25

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
de for factors to consider in handling applications for judicial review and they include: a) That the Application is amenable for Judicial Review; b) That the aggrieved person has exhausted the existing remedies available within the public body or under the law; and; c) That the matter involves an administrative public body or official. Section 40 of the Judicature Act Cap 16 provides for powers of Court to issue orders under judicial review that: (1) The High Court may make an order, as the case may be of- (a) Mandamus, requiring any act to be done (b) Prohibition, prohibiting any proceedings or matter or (c) Certiorari, removing any proceedings or matter to the High Court
Ogwok Kenneth Robert and Others v Nabende Stephen and Others (Miscellaneous Cause No. 95 of 2025) [2025] UGHCCD 240 (31 December 2025)
[2025] UGHCCD 240 · High Court · 2025-12-31

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Mandamus, etc. by interlocutory order
(1)

The High Court may grant an order of mandamus or an injunction or appoint a receiver by an interlocutory order in all cases in which it appears to the High Court to be just or convenient to do so.

(2)

An order may be made under this section unconditionally or on such terms and conditions as the High Court thinks just.

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 “Mandamus, etc. by interlocutory order”.

“(1) The High Court may grant an order of mandamus or an injunction or appoint a receiver by an interlocutory order in all cases in which it appears to the High Court to be just or convenient to do so.”
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. (1) The High Court may grant an order of mandamus or an injunction or appoint a receiver by an interlocutory order in all cases in which it appears to the High Court to be just or convenient to do so.
  2. (2) An order may be made under this section unconditionally or on such terms and conditions as the High Court thinks just.
Judicial interpretation

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

21
High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched
Sections 33, 36, 38, 41 and 42 of the Judicature Act provide for the remedy of judicial review wherein this honorable court is given unfettered powers to grant any and all the remedies sought in the instant application.
Nassuna v Atwine & 3 Ors (MISCELLANEOUS CAUSE NO 322 OF 2018) [2019] UGHCCD 73 (11 April 2019)
[2019] UGHCCD 73 · High Court · 2019-04-11

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
In reply learned counsel for the applicant submitted that the preliminary point of law is misconceived because the application was not only brought under the Judicature (Judicial Review) Rules but was also brought under other laws like Article 41 and 50 of the Constitution and Sections 41 and 42 of the Judicature Act. That those provisions don't provide for any time limitation.
Mugumya v Attorney General (Misc. Cause No. 0116 of 2015) [2016] UGHCCD 43 (14 March 2016)
[2016] UGHCCD 43 · High Court · 2016-03-14

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Injunctions
(1)

The High Court shall have power to grant an injunction to restrain any person from doing any act as may be specified by the High Court.

(2)

Where an injunction is granted restraining any person from acting in any office in which he or she is not entitled to act, the High Court may declare the office to be vacant.

(3)

Where before, at or after the hearing of any cause or matter, an application is made for an injunction to prevent a threatened or apprehended waste or trespass, an injunction may be granted, if the High Court thinks fit-

(a)

whether or not the person against whom the injunction is sought is in possession under any claim of title or claims a right to do the act sought to be restrained under any colour of title; and

(b)

whether the estates claimed by the parties or any of the parties are legal or equitable.

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 “Injunctions”.

“(1) The High Court shall have power to grant an injunction to restrain any person from doing any act as may be specified 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. (1) The High Court shall have power to grant an injunction to restrain any person from doing any act as may be specified by the High Court.
  2. (2) Where an injunction is granted restraining any person from acting in any office in which he or she is not entitled to act, the High Court may declare the office to be vacant.
  3. (3) Where before, at or after the hearing of any cause or matter, an application is made for an injunction to prevent a threatened or apprehended waste or trespass, an injunction may be granted, if the High Court thinks fit-
  4. (a) whether or not the person against whom the injunction is sought is in possession under any claim of title or claims a right to do the act sought to be restrained under any colour of title; and
  5. (b) whether the estates claimed by the parties or any of the parties are legal or equitable.
Judicial interpretation

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

29
High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched
Counsel submits that this Court possesses the statutory authority to grant the requested relief under Sections 37 and 42 of the Judicature Act, Cap 16, which 15 empower the High Court to provide remedies to ensure all matters in controversy are finally determined and to prevent a multiplicity of legal proceedings.
Towerco of Africa Uganda Ltd v Goldmine Finance Limited (Miscellaneous Application No. 3019 of 2025) [2026] UGCommC 24 (28 January 2026)
[2026] UGCOMMC 24 · High Court · 2026-01-28

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
This is an application for judicial review brought under, Sections 40 and 42 of the Judicature Act (Cap 16), and Rules 3, 3A, 6, and 7A of the Judicature (Judicial Review) Rules 2009 seeking the following declarations and orders: a) A declaration that the applicant was illegally disqualified from guild elections. b) An order of certiorari quashing the decision of the respondents to disqualify the applicant from guild elections. c) An order of mandamus to the respondents to restore the candidature of the applicant and comply with the electoral laws. d) An order of prohibit
Rwantonzi Thomas v Kyambogo University and Another (Miscellaneous Cause 79 of 2025) [2025] UGHCCD 195 (1 November 2025)
[2025] UGHCCD 195 · High Court · 2025-11-01

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
Sections 33, 36, 38, 41 and 42 of the Judicature Act provide for the remedy of judicial review wherein this honorable court is given unfettered powers to grant any and all the remedies sought in the instant application.
Nassuna v Atwine & 3 Ors (MISCELLANEOUS CAUSE NO 322 OF 2018) [2019] UGHCCD 73 (11 April 2019)
[2019] UGHCCD 73 · High Court · 2019-04-11

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history

Part VIII

Practice and procedure
(1)

The jurisdiction vested in the High Court by the Constitution, this Act or by any other enactment shall be exercised in accordance with the practice and procedure provided by this or any other enactment or by such rules and orders of the court as may be made or existing under this Act or any other enactment.

(2)

Where in any case no procedure is laid down for the High Court by any written law or by practice, the court may, in its discretion, adopt a procedure justifiable by the circumstances of the case.

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 “Practice and procedure”.

“(1) The jurisdiction vested in the High Court by the Constitution, this Act or by any other enactment shall be exercised in accordance with the practice and procedure provided by this or any other enactment or by such rules and orders of the court as may be made or existing under this Act or any other enactment.”
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.

2
  1. (1) The jurisdiction vested in the High Court by the Constitution, this Act or by any other enactment shall be exercised in accordance with the practice and procedure provided by this or any other enactment or by such rules and orders of the court as may be made or existing under this Act or any other enactment.
  2. (2) Where in any case no procedure is laid down for the High Court by any written law or by practice, the court may, in its discretion, adopt a procedure justifiable by the circumstances of the case.
Judicial interpretation

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

4
High Court — persuasive authority ✓ Source matched
Section 43 of the Judicature Act provides for offices of the courts of judicature who shall include the Chief Registrar, registrar, Deputy Registrars and assistant registrars.
Nilesh Subash v Uganda (Hct-00-cr-cn-0080-2011 of 2011) [2012] UGHC 175 (17 August 2012)
[2012] UGHC 175 · High Court · 2012-08-17

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Rules Committee
(1)

There shall be a Rules Committee consisting of-

(a)

the Chief Justice as Chairperson;

(b)

the Attorney General;

(c)

the Deputy Chief Justice;

(d)

the Principal Judge;

(e)

two other members who shall be practising advocates representing the Uganda Law Society, nominated by that society; and

(f)

the Director of the Law Development Centre.

(2)

The Rules Committee may regulate its own procedure.

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 “Rules Committee”.

“(1) There shall be a Rules Committee consisting of-”
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.

8
  1. (1) There shall be a Rules Committee consisting of-
  2. (a) the Chief Justice as Chairperson;
  3. (b) the Attorney General;
  4. (c) the Deputy Chief Justice;
  5. (d) the Principal Judge;
  6. (e) two other members who shall be practising advocates representing the Uganda Law Society, nominated by that society; and
  7. (f) the Director of the Law Development Centre.
  8. (2) The Rules Committee may regulate its own procedure.
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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Functions of Rules Committee
(1)

The Rules Committee may, by statutory instrument, make rules for regulating the practice and procedure of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court of Uganda and for all other courts in Uganda subordinate to the High Court.

(2)

Without prejudice to the general application of subsection (1), the Rules Committee may make rules of court under that subsection for-

(a)

regulating the sittings of the High Court and of its judges in court or in chambers;

(b)

regulating vacations and hearings during vacations by judges of the High Court of all such applications as may be required to be immediately or promptly heard;

(c)

prescribing what part of the business which may be transacted or the jurisdiction which may be exercised by judges of the High Court may be transacted or exercised by registrars or other officers of the court;

(d)

regulating the issue, signature, service, and enforcement of service, of summonses, notices, warrants and other processes;

(e)

regulating and prescribing the method of pleading, practice and procedure of the court, including all matters connected with forms to be used and fees to be paid;

(f)

regulating the procedure in suits by way of counterclaim and valuation of such suits for the purposes of jurisdiction;

(g)

regulating the consolidation of suits, appeals and other proceedings;

(h)

regulating the means by which particular facts may be proved in or in connection with, or at any stage of, any proceedings in the High Court and the mode in which all particular facts may be given in or in connection with, or at any stage of, any such proceedings;

(i)

prescribing forms and the manner of keeping, and the custody, disposal or destruction of court records, including records of evidence in court, archives and exhibits;

(j)

regulating the procedure in claims by a defendant for contributionor indemnity against any person, whether a party to the suit or not;

(k)

regulating the summary procedure for the recovery of debts, liquidated damages or immovable property;

(l)

regulating the procedure of originating summons;

(m)

regulating the procedure for the grant of probate and letters of administration and for securing the due administration of estates, including requiring the filing of accounts by administrators of estates;

(n)

regulating the ascertainment of values of estates;

(o)

regulating the payment, receipt, accounting and custody of fines, fees and deposits received by the court;

(p)

regulating and prescribing the scales of fees and allowances or expenses payable to parties, witnesses, assessors, interpreters and other persons engaged in proceedings before the court;

(q)

regulating the procedure in garnishee and charging orders, either in addition to or in substitution for the attachment and sale of property;

(r)

regulating and prescribing the procedure of appeals to the High Court or transfers of proceedings from magistrates courts to the High Court or from the High Court to magistrates courts;

(s)

regulating any matter relating to the cost of proceedings in the High Court;

(t)

regulating the arrest of absconding debtors and the giving of security for their release;

(u)

regulating or prescribing the maintenance and custody, while under attachment, of livestock and other movable property, the fees payable for such maintenance and custody, the sale of such livestock and property and proceeds of the sale;

(v)

regulating and prescribing the functions of officers of the court;

(w)

prescribing and regulating the appointment and functions of court brokers and other agents of the court, their fees and expenses;

(x)

regulating and prescribing the duties and procedure of referees and arbitrators; and

(y)

regulating anything for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions and principles of this Act in relation to the courts.

(3)

Rules made under this section relating to fees, charges, allowances and other financial matters shall be made only with the concurrence of the Minister responsible for finance.

(4)

Rules of court made under this section shall apply to all proceedings by or against the State.

(5)

An instrument made under this section shall be laid before Parliament and be subject to annulment by Parliament and shall cease to have effect when so annulled but without prejudice to anything done under it or the making of a further instrument.

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
Definition

This section supplies the definitions or statutory meaning governing “Functions of Rules Committee”.

“(1) The Rules Committee may, by statutory instrument, make rules for regulating the practice and procedure of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court of Uganda and for all other courts in Uganda subordinate to the High Court.”
Primary legislation Source quotation matched
Practical effect

Use this definition when interpreting other provisions that employ the language addressed by “Functions of Rules Committee”.

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

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

30
  1. (1) The Rules Committee may, by statutory instrument, make rules for regulating the practice and procedure of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court of Uganda and for all other courts in Uganda subordinate to the High Court.
  2. (2) Without prejudice to the general application of subsection (1), the Rules Committee may make rules of court under that subsection for-
  3. (a) regulating the sittings of the High Court and of its judges in court or in chambers;
  4. (b) regulating vacations and hearings during vacations by judges of the High Court of all such applications as may be required to be immediately or promptly heard;
  5. (c) prescribing what part of the business which may be transacted or the jurisdiction which may be exercised by judges of the High Court may be transacted or exercised by registrars or other officers of the court;
  6. (d) regulating the issue, signature, service, and enforcement of service, of summonses, notices, warrants and other processes;
  7. (e) regulating and prescribing the method of pleading, practice and procedure of the court, including all matters connected with forms to be used and fees to be paid;
  8. (f) regulating the procedure in suits by way of counterclaim and valuation of such suits for the purposes of jurisdiction;

22 further items remain in the statutory text above.

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Chief Justice to make rules of court relating to prerogative orders
(1)

The Chief Justice may by statutory instrument make rules of court-

(a)

prescribing the procedure to be followed in applications and awards of a writ of habeas corpus under section 38 ;

(b)

prescribing the procedures and fees payable on documents filed or issued in cases where an order of mandamus, prohibition or certiorari is sought;

(c)

requiring, except in such cases as may be specified in the rules, that leave shall be obtained before an application is made for any order referred to in paragraph (b); and

(d)

requiring that where leave is obtained, no relief shall be granted and no ground relied upon, except with the leave of the court, other than the relief and grounds specified when the application for leave was made.

(2)

Rules made under subsection (1) may provide that applications for an order of mandamus, prohibition or certiorari shall, in specified proceedings, be made within six months or such shorter period as may be prescribed after the act or omission to which the application for leave relates.

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 “Chief Justice to make rules of court relating to prerogative orders”.

“(1) The Chief Justice may by statutory instrument make rules of 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.

6
  1. (1) The Chief Justice may by statutory instrument make rules of court-
  2. (a) prescribing the procedure to be followed in applications and awards of a writ of habeas corpus under section 38;
  3. (b) prescribing the procedures and fees payable on documents filed or issued in cases where an order of mandamus, prohibition or certiorari is sought;
  4. (c) requiring, except in such cases as may be specified in the rules, that leave shall be obtained before an application is made for any order referred to in paragraph (b); and
  5. (d) requiring that where leave is obtained, no relief shall be granted and no ground relied upon, except with the leave of the court, other than the relief and grounds specified when the application for leave was made.
  6. (2) Rules made under subsection (1) may provide that applications for an order of mandamus, prohibition or certiorari shall, in specified proceedings, be made within six months or such shorter period as may be prescribed after the act or omission to which the application for leave relates.
Judicial interpretation

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

4

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
Amendment notes

No section-specific note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Chief Justice to issue sentencing guidelines
(1)

The Chief Justice shall, in exercise of powers conferred upon him or her by Article 133(1)(b) of the Constitution, issue sentencing guidelines for judicial officers.

(2)

Without limiting the general effect of subsection (1), the sentencing guidelines shall-

(a)

set out the purpose for which offenders may be sentenced or dealt with;

(b)

provide the principles and guidelines to be applied by courts in sentencing;

(c)

provide ranges of sentences and other means of dealing with offenders;

(d)

provide a mechanism for considering the interests of victims of crime and the community when sentencing; and

(e)

provide a mechanism that promotes uniformity, consistency and transparency in sentencing.

(3)

The sentencing guidelines made under subsection (1) shall be laid before Parliament.

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
Definition

This section supplies the definitions or statutory meaning governing “Chief Justice to issue sentencing guidelines”.

“(1) The Chief Justice shall, in exercise of powers conferred upon him or her by Article 133(1)(b) of the Constitution, issue sentencing guidelines for judicial officers.”
Primary legislation Source quotation matched
Practical effect

Use this definition when interpreting other provisions that employ the language addressed by “Chief Justice to issue sentencing guidelines”.

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

Operative requirements extracted from the consolidated text.

8
  1. (1) The Chief Justice shall, in exercise of powers conferred upon him or her by Article 133(1)(b) of the Constitution, issue sentencing guidelines for judicial officers.
  2. (2) Without limiting the general effect of subsection (1), the sentencing guidelines shall-
  3. (a) set out the purpose for which offenders may be sentenced or dealt with;
  4. (b) provide the principles and guidelines to be applied by courts in sentencing;
  5. (c) provide ranges of sentences and other means of dealing with offenders;
  6. (d) provide a mechanism for considering the interests of victims of crime and the community when sentencing; and
  7. (e) provide a mechanism that promotes uniformity, consistency and transparency in sentencing.
  8. (3) The sentencing guidelines made under subsection (1) shall be laid before Parliament.
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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history

Part IX

Officers of courts
(1)

There shall be such officers of the courts of judicature as may be necessary for the performance of any special duties in connection with the business of the courts of judicature, and such officers shall include the chief registrar, registrars, deputy registrars and assistant registrars.

(2)

Subject to Article 133 of the Constitution, the officers of the courts of judicature shall perform such duties as may be assigned to them under the rules of court and shall be subject to the general direction and supervision of the Chief Justice.

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 “Officers of courts”.

“(1) There shall be such officers of the courts of judicature as may be necessary for the performance of any special duties in connection with the business of the courts of judicature, and such officers shall include the chief registrar, registrars, deputy registrars and assistant registrars.”
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. (1) There shall be such officers of the courts of judicature as may be necessary for the performance of any special duties in connection with the business of the courts of judicature, and such officers shall include the chief registrar, registrars, deputy registrars and assistant registrars.
  2. (2) Subject to Article 133 of the Constitution, the officers of the courts of judicature shall perform such duties as may be assigned to them under the rules of court and shall be subject to the general direction and supervision of the Chief Justice.
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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Seals of Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court
(1)

As required by Article 8 of the Constitution, the seals of the Supreme Court and the High Court in use immediately before the coming into force of the Constitution shall continue in use for the Supreme Court and the High Court respectively.

(2)

There shall be a Court of Appeal seal bearing the style of the court and such device as the Deputy Chief Justice may, in consultation with the Chief Justice, approve.

(3)

The Chief Justice shall be the custodian of the Supreme Court seal and may-

(a)

assign the custody of the Supreme Court seal or a duplicate of it to the Deputy Chief Justice or a justice of the Supreme Court;

(b)

give directions, subject to this section, as to the manner in which the Supreme Court seal shall be kept and used.

(4)

The Deputy Chief Justice shall be the custodian of the Court of Appeal seal and may-

(a)

assign the custody of that seal or a duplicate of it to a justice of the Court of Appeal; and

(b)

give directions, subject to this section, as to the manner in which the seal shall be kept and used.

(5)

The Principal Judge shall be the custodian of the High Court seal and may-

(a)

assign the custody of the High Court seal or a duplicate of it to a judge of the High Court; and

(b)

give directions, subject to this section, as to the manner in which the seal shall be kept and used.

(6)

Any seal to which this section relates shall be used for all purposes for which it may be required under any written law.

(7)

Nothing in this section shall affect the validity of any documents lawfully sealed before the coming into force of 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
Procedural rule

This section establishes the governing procedure for “Seals of Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court”.

“(1) As required by Article 8 of the Constitution, the seals of the Supreme Court and the High Court in use immediately before the coming into force of the Constitution shall continue in use for the Supreme Court and the High Court respectively.”
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.

13
  1. (1) As required by Article 8 of the Constitution, the seals of the Supreme Court and the High Court in use immediately before the coming into force of the Constitution shall continue in use for the Supreme Court and the High Court respectively.
  2. (2) There shall be a Court of Appeal seal bearing the style of the court and such device as the Deputy Chief Justice may, in consultation with the Chief Justice, approve.
  3. (3) The Chief Justice shall be the custodian of the Supreme Court seal and may-
  4. (a) assign the custody of the Supreme Court seal or a duplicate of it to the Deputy Chief Justice or a justice of the Supreme Court;
  5. (b) give directions, subject to this section, as to the manner in which the Supreme Court seal shall be kept and used.
  6. (4) The Deputy Chief Justice shall be the custodian of the Court of Appeal seal and may-
  7. (a) assign the custody of that seal or a duplicate of it to a justice of the Court of Appeal; and
  8. (b) give directions, subject to this section, as to the manner in which the seal shall be kept and used.

5 further items remain in the statutory text above.

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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Process and execution
(1)

The process of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court in the exercise of their jurisdiction under this Act and of any other jurisdiction conferred upon them shall run throughout Uganda.

(2)

Any order or judgment of the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal given in the exercise of their jurisdiction under this Act, may be executed and enforced as if it were an order or a judgment of the High 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
Jurisdictional rule

This section establishes the jurisdictional rule for “Process and execution”.

“(1) The process of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court in the exercise of their jurisdiction under this Act and of any other jurisdiction conferred upon them shall run throughout Uganda.”
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.

2
  1. (1) The process of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court in the exercise of their jurisdiction under this Act and of any other jurisdiction conferred upon them shall run throughout Uganda.
  2. (2) Any order or judgment of the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal given in the exercise of their jurisdiction under this Act, may be executed and enforced as if it were an order or a judgment of the High Court.
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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Protection of judicial officers
(1)

A judge or commission or other person acting judicially shall not be liable to be sued in any civil court for any act done or ordered to be done by that person in the discharge of his or her or its judicial functions, whether or not within the limits of his or her or its jurisdiction.

(2)

An officer of the court or other person bonded to execute any order or warrant of any judge or person referred to in subsection (1) acting judicially shall not be liable to be sued in any civil court in respect of any lawful or authorised act done in the execution of any such order or warrant.

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
Jurisdictional rule

This section establishes the jurisdictional rule for “Protection of judicial officers”.

“(1) A judge or commission or other person acting judicially shall not be liable to be sued in any civil court for any act done or ordered to be done by that person in the discharge of his or her or its judicial functions, whether or not within the limits of his or her or its jurisdiction.”
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.

2
  1. (1) A judge or commission or other person acting judicially shall not be liable to be sued in any civil court for any act done or ordered to be done by that person in the discharge of his or her or its judicial functions, whether or not within the limits of his or her or its jurisdiction.
  2. (2) An officer of the court or other person bonded to execute any order or warrant of any judge or person referred to in subsection (1) acting judicially shall not be liable to be sued in any civil court in respect of any lawful or authorised act done in the execution of any such order or warrant.
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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history
Certain Acts of the United Kingdom to continue to apply
(1)

The provisions of the Acts of the Parliament of the United Kingdom specified in Part I of Schedule 1 to this Act as amended prior to the 11th day of August, 1902, shall continue to apply to and have effect within Uganda subject to the adaptations and modifications set out in Part II of that Schedule.

(2)

The provisions of the Statute of the Parliament of the United Kingdom specified in Part I of Schedule 2 to this Act shall apply to the High Court subject to the modifications and adaptations set out in Part II of that Schedule.

Schedule 1 (Section 52(1) )

Certain Acts of the United Kingdom to continue to apply

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 “Certain Acts of the United Kingdom to continue to apply”.

“(1) The provisions of the Acts of the Parliament of the United Kingdom specified in Part I of Schedule 1 to this Act as amended prior to the 11th day of August, 1902, shall continue to apply to and have effect within Uganda subject to the adaptations and modifications set out in Part II of that Schedule.”
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. (1) The provisions of the Acts of the Parliament of the United Kingdom specified in Part I of Schedule 1 to this Act as amended prior to the 11th day of August, 1902, shall continue to apply to and have effect within Uganda subject to the adaptations and modifications set out in Part II of that Schedule.
  2. (2) The provisions of the Statute of the Parliament of the United Kingdom specified in Part I of Schedule 2 to this Act shall apply to the High Court subject to the modifications and adaptations set out in Part II of that Schedule.
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 note is recorded. Act-level consolidation history:

  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Act 3 of 2002) on 15 February 2002]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act 9 of 2011) on 10 June 2011]
  • [Amended by Administration of the Judiciary Act (Chapter 4) on 19 June 2020]
  • [Amended by Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 3 of 2024) on 1 March 2024]

Act-level history only · Do not infer that every amendment changed this section

Authority status: legislation is primary authority; judgment weight follows the displayed court level and the ratio caveat. Check version history

Part II

Part I

Part I

1. The provisions of the Colonial Courts of Admiralty Act, 1890, specified in Part I of

this Schedule shall apply as if Uganda were referred to in them in place of a British Possession and as if the High Court were referred to in place of Colonial Admiralty

2. Paragraph (b) of the proviso to section 2(3) shall have effect as

if the High Court had been duly authorised to exercise jurisdiction under the Naval Prize Act, 1864, and otherwise in relation to prize

3. Section 6 shall have effect subject to this Act

The text of this section isn't in the consolidation we hold — see the original PDF above.

Original Laws of Uganda consolidation (as at 1 March 2024) — public-domain legislation, consolidated by ULII / Laws.Africa (CC BY 4.0). This is a point-in-time text and may not reflect later amendments; confirm against the latest Uganda Gazette before relying on it.