Constitution of the Republic of Uganda

CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA, 1995.

The Preamble.

WE THE PEOPLE OF UGANDA:

• RECALLING our history which has been characterised by political and constitutional instability;

• RECOGNISING our struggles against the forces of tyranny, oppression and exploitation;

• COMMITTED to building a better future by establishing a socio-economic and political order through a popular and durable national Constitution based on the principles of unity, peace, equality, democracy, freedom, social justice and progress;

• EXERCISING our sovereign and inalienable right to determine the form of governance for our country, and having fully participated in the Constitution-making process;

• NOTING that a Constituent Assembly was established to represent us and to debate the Draft Constitution prepared by the Uganda Constitutional Commission and to adopt and enact a Constitution for Uganda:

• DO HEREBY, in and through this Constituent Assembly solemnly adopt, enact and give to ourselves and our posterity, this Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, this 22nd day of September, in the year 1995.

FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY.

National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy.

General.

I. Implementation of objectives.

• (i) The following objectives and principles shall guide all organs and agencies of the State, all citizens, organisations and other bodies and persons in applying or interpreting the Constitution or any other law and in taking and implementing any policy decisions for the establishment and promotion of a just, free and democratic society.
• (ii) The President shall report to Parliament and the nation at least once a year, all steps taken to ensure the realisation of these policy objectives and principles.

Political objectives.

II. Democratic principles.

• (i) The State shall be based on democratic principles which empower and encourage the active participation of all citizens at all levels in their own governance.
• (ii) All the people of Uganda shall have access to leadership positions at all levels, subject to the Constitution.
• (iii) The State shall be guided by the principle of decentralisation and devolution of governmental functions and powers to the people at appropriate levels where they can best manage and direct their own affairs.
• (iv) The composition of Government shall be broadly representative of the national character and social diversity of the country.
• (v) All political and civic associations aspiring to manage and direct public affairs shall conform to democratic principles in their internal organisations and practice.
• (vi) Civic organisations shall retain their autonomy in pursuit of their declared objectives.

III. National unity and stability.

• (i) All organs of State and people of Uganda shall work towards the promotion of national unity, peace and stability.
• (ii) Every effort shall be made to integrate all the peoples of Uganda while at the same time recognising the existence of their ethnic, religious, ideological, political and cultural diversity.
• (iii) Everything shall be done to promote a culture of cooperation, understanding, appreciation, tolerance and respect for each other's customs, traditions and beliefs.
• (iv) There shall be established and nurtured institutions and procedures for the resolution of conflicts fairly and peacefully.
• (v) The State shall provide a peaceful, secure and stable political environment which is necessary for economic development.

IV. National sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

• (i) The State and citizens of Uganda shall at all times defend the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda.
• (ii) The State and citizens of Uganda shall endeavour to build national strength in political, economic and social spheres to avoid undue dependence on other countries and institutions.
• (iii) The State shall endeavour to mobilise, organise and empower the Ugandan people to build independent and sustainable foundations for the development of Uganda.

Protection and promotion of fundamental and other human rights and freedoms.

V. Fundamental and other human rights and freedoms.

• (i) The State shall guarantee and respect institutions which are charged by the State with responsibility for protecting and promoting human rights by providing them with adequate resources to function effectively.
• (ii) The State shall guarantee and respect the independence of nongovernmental organisations which protect and promote human rights.

VI. Gender balance and fair representation of marginalised groups.

• The State shall ensure gender balance and fair representation of marginalised groups on all constitutional and other bodies.

VII. Protection of the aged.

• The State shall make reasonable provision for the welfare and maintenance of the aged.

VIII. Provision of adequate resources for organs of government.

• The distribution of powers and functions as well as checks and balances provided for in the Constitution among various organs and institutions of government shall be supported through the provision of adequate resources for their effective functioning at all levels.

IX. The right to development.

• In order to facilitate rapid and equitable development, the State shall encourage private initiative and self-reliance.

X. Role of the people in development.

• The State shall take all necessary steps to involve the people in the formulation and implementation of development plans and programmes which affect them.

XI. Role of the State in development.

• (i) The State shall give the highest priority to the enactment of legislation establishing measures that protect and enhance the right of the people to equal opportunities in development.
• (ii) The State shall stimulate agricultural, industrial, technological and scientific development by adopting appropriate policies and the enactment of enabling legislation.
• (iii) In furtherance of social justice, the State may regulate the acquisition, ownership, use and disposition of land and other property, in accordance with the Constitution.

XII. Balanced and equitable development.

• (i) The State shall adopt an integrated and coordinated planning approach.
• (ii) The State shall take necessary measures to bring about balanced development of the different areas of Uganda and between the rural and urban areas.
• (iii) The State shall take special measures in favour of the development of the least developed areas.

XIII. Protection of natural resources.

• The State shall protect important natural resources, including land, water, wetlands, minerals, oil, fauna and flora on behalf of the people of Uganda.

Social and economic objectives.

XIV. General social and economic objectives.

• The State shall endeavour to fulfill the fundamental rights of all Ugandans to social justice and economic development and shall, in particular, ensure that—
  • (a) all developmental efforts are directed at ensuring the maximum social and cultural well-being of the people; and
  • (b) all Ugandans enjoy rights and opportunities and access to education, health services, clean and safe water, work, decent shelter, adequate clothing, food security and pension and retirement benefits.

XV. Recognition of the role of women in society.

• The State shall recognise the significant role that women play in society.

XVI. Recognition of the dignity of persons with disabilities.

• Society and the State shall recognise the right of persons with disabilities to respect and human dignity.

XVII. Recreation and sports.

• The State shall promote recreation and sports for the citizens of Uganda.

XVIII. Educational objectives.

• (i) The State shall promote free and compulsory basic education.
• (ii) The State shall take appropriate measures to afford every citizen equal opportunity to attain the highest educational standard possible.
• (iii) Individuals, religious bodies and other nongovernmental organisations shall be free to found and operate educational institutions if they comply with the general educational policy of the country and maintain national standards.

XIX. Protection of the family.

• The family is the natural and basic unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.

XX. Medical services.

• The State shall take all practical measures to ensure the provision of basic medical services to the population.

XXI. Clean and safe water.

• The State shall take all practical measures to promote a good water management system at all levels.

XXII. Food security and nutrition.

• The State shall—
  • (a) take appropriate steps to encourage people to grow and store adequate food;
  • (b) establish national food reserves; and
  • (c) encourage and promote proper nutrition through mass education and other appropriate means in order to build a healthy State.

XXIII. Natural disasters.

• The State shall institute an effective machinery for dealing with any hazard or disaster arising out of natural calamities or any situation resulting in general displacement of people or serious disruption of their normal life.

Cultural objectives.

XXIV. Cultural objectives.

• Cultural and customary values which are consistent with fundamental rights and freedoms, human dignity, democracy and with the Constitution may be developed and incorporated in aspects of Ugandan life. The State shall—
  • (a) promote and preserve those cultural values and practices which enhance the dignity and well-being of Ugandans;
  • (b) encourage the development, preservation and enrichment of all Ugandan languages;
  • (c) promote the development of a sign language for the deaf; and
  • (d) encourage the development of a national language or languages.

XXV. Preservation of public property and heritage.

• The State and citizens shall endeavour to preserve and protect and generally promote the culture of preservation of public property and Uganda’s heritage.

Accountability.

XXVI. Accountability.

• (i) All public offices shall be held in trust for the people.
• (ii) All persons placed in positions of leadership and responsibility shall, in their work, be answerable to the people.
• (iii) All lawful measures shall be taken to expose, combat and eradicate corruption and abuse or misuse of power by those holding political and other public offices.

The environment.

XXVII. The environment.

• (i) The State shall promote sustainable development and public awareness of the need to manage land, air and water resources in a balanced and sustainable manner for the present and future generations.
• (ii) The utilisation of the natural resources of Uganda shall be managed in such a way as to meet the development and environmental needs of present and future generations of Ugandans; and, in particular, the State shall take all possible measures to prevent or minimise damage and destruction to land, air and water resources resulting from pollution or other causes.
• (iii) The State shall promote and implement energy policies that will ensure that people’s basic needs and those of environmental preservation are met.
• (iv) The State, including local governments, shall—
  • (a) create and develop parks, reserves and recreation areas and ensure the conservation of natural resources;
  • (b) promote the rational use of natural resources so as to safeguard and protect the biodiversity of Uganda.

Foreign policy objectives.

XXVIII. Foreign policy objectives.

• (i) The foreign policy of Uganda shall be based on the principles of—
  • (a) promotion of the national interest of Uganda;
  • (b) respect for international law and treaty obligations;
  • (c) peaceful coexistence and nonalignment;
  • (d) settlement of international disputes by peaceful means;
  • (e) opposition to all forms of domination, racism and other forms of oppression and exploitation.
• (ii) Uganda shall actively participate in international and regional organisations that stand for peace and for the well-being and progress of humanity.
• (iii) The State shall promote regional and pan-African cultural, economic and political cooperation and integration.

Duties of a citizen.

XXIX. Duties of a citizen.

• The exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from the performance of duties and obligations; and, accordingly, it shall be the duty of every citizen—
  • (a) to be patriotic and loyal to Uganda and to promote its well-being;
  • (b) to engage in gainful work for the good of that citizen, the family and the common good and to contribute to national development;
  • (c) to contribute to the well-being of the community where that citizen lives;
  • (d) to promote responsible parenthood;
  • (e) to foster national unity and live in harmony with others;
  • (f) to promote democracy and the rule of law; and
  • (g) to acquaint himself or herself with the provisions of the Constitution and to uphold and defend the Constitution and the law.

Chapters.

Chapter One—The Constitution.

1. Sovereignty of the people.

• (1) All power belongs to the people who shall exercise their sovereignty in accordance with this Constitution.
• (2) Without limiting the effect of clause (1) of this article, all authority in the State emanates from the people of Uganda; and the people shall be governed through their will and consent.
• (3) All power and authority of Government and its organs derive from this Constitution, which in turn derives its authority from the people who consent to be governed in accordance with this Constitution.
• (4) The people shall express their will and consent on who shall govern them and how they should be governed, through regular, free and fair elections of their representatives or through referenda.

2. Supremacy of the Constitution.

• (1) This Constitution is the supreme law of Uganda and shall have binding force on all authorities and persons throughout Uganda.
• (2) If any other law or any custom is inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Constitution, the Constitution shall prevail, and that other law or custom shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void.

3. Defence of the Constitution.

• (1) It is prohibited for any person or group of persons to take or retain control of the Government of Uganda, except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
• (2) Any person who, singly or in concert with others, by any violent or other unlawful means, suspends, overthrows, abrogates or amends this Constitution or any part of it or attempts to do any such act, commits the offence of treason and shall be punished according to law.
• (3) This Constitution shall not lose its force and effect even where its observance is interrupted by a government established by the force of arms; and in any case, as soon as the people recover their liberty, its observance shall be re-established and all persons who have taken part in any rebellion or other activity which resulted in the interruption of the observance shall be tried in accordance with this Constitution and other laws consistent with it.
• (4) All citizens of Uganda shall have the right and duty at all times—
  • (a) to defend this Constitution and, in particular, to resist any person or group of persons seeking to overthrow the established constitutional order; and
  • (b) to do all in their power to restore this Constitution after it has been suspended, overthrown, abrogated or amended contrary to its provisions.
• (5) Any person or group of persons who, as required by clause (4) of this article, resists the suspension, overthrow, abrogation or amendment of this Constitution commits no offence.
• (6) Where a person referred to in clause (5) of this article is punished for any act done under that clause, the punishment shall, on the restoration of this Constitution, be considered void from the time it was imposed, and that person shall be taken to be absolved from all liabilities arising out of the punishment.

4. Promotion of public awareness of the Constitution.

• The State shall promote public awareness of this Constitution by—
  • (a) translating it into Ugandan languages and disseminating it as widely as possible; and
  • (b) providing for the teaching of the Constitution in all educational institutions and armed forces training institutions and regularly transmitting and publishing programmes through the media generally.

Chapter Two—The Republic.

5. The Republic of Uganda.

• (1) Uganda is one sovereign State and a Republic.
• (2) Uganda shall consist of the districts specified in the First Schedule to this Constitution and such other districts as may be established in accordance with this Constitution or any other law consistent with it.
• (3) The territorial boundary of Uganda shall be as delineated in the Second Schedule to this Constitution.
• (4) The capital of Uganda is Kampala.

6. Official language.

• (1) The official language of Uganda is English.
• (2) Subject to clause (1) of this article, any other language may be used as a medium of instruction in schools or other educational institutions or for legislative, administrative or judicial purposes as may be prescribed by law.

7. Nonadoption of a State religion.

• Uganda shall not adopt a State religion.

8. National symbols and seals.

• The national flag, the national coat of arms, the public seal, the national anthem and the seals of the courts of judicature in use immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution shall continue to be in use.

Chapter Three—Citizenship.

9. Citizens of Uganda.

• Every person who, on the commencement of this Constitution, is a citizen of Uganda shall continue to be such a citizen.

10. Citizenship by birth.

• The following persons shall be citizens of Uganda by birth—
  • (a) every person born in Uganda one of whose parents or grandparents is or was a member of any of the indigenous communities existing and residing within the borders of Uganda as at the first day of February, 1926, and set out in the Third Schedule to this Constitution; and
  • (b) every person born in or outside Uganda one of whose parents or grandparents was at the time of birth of that person a citizen of Uganda by birth.

11. Foundlings and adopted children.

• (1) A child of not more than five years of age found in Uganda, whose parents are not known, shall be presumed to be a citizen of Uganda by birth.
• (2) A child under the age of eighteen years neither of whose parents is a citizen of Uganda, who is adopted by a citizen of Uganda shall, on application, be registered as a citizen of Uganda.

12. Citizenship by registration.

• (1) Every person born in Uganda—
  • (a) at the time of whose birth—
    • (i) neither of his or her parents and none of his or her grandparents had diplomatic status in Uganda; and
    • (ii) neither of his or her parents and none of his or her grandparents was a refugee in Uganda; and
  • (b) who has lived continuously in Uganda since the ninth day of October, 1962, shall, on application, be entitled to be registered as a citizen of Uganda.
• (2) The following persons shall, upon application, be registered as citizens of Uganda—
  • (a) every person married to a Uganda citizen upon proof of a legal and subsisting marriage of three years or such other period prescribed by Parliament;
  • (b) every person who has legally and voluntarily migrated to and has been living in Uganda for at least ten years or such other period prescribed by Parliament;
  • (c) every person who, on the commencement of this Constitution, has lived in Uganda for at least twenty years.
• (3) Clause (2)(a) of this article applies also to a person who was married to a citizen of Uganda who, but for his or her death, would have continued to be a citizen of Uganda under this Constitution.
• (4) Where a person has been registered as a citizen of Uganda under clause (2)(a) of this article and the marriage by virtue of which that person was registered is—
  • (a) annulled or otherwise declared void by a court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction; or
  • (b) dissolved, that person shall, unless he or she renounces that citizenship, continue to be a citizen of Uganda.

13. Citizenship by naturalisation.

• Parliament shall by law provide for the acquisition and loss of citizenship by naturalisation.

14. Loss of citizenship by registration.

• A person may be deprived of his or her citizenship if acquired by registration, on any of the following grounds—
  • (a) voluntary acquisition of the citizenship of another country;
  • (b) voluntary service in the armed forces or security forces of a country hostile to or at war with Uganda;
  • (c) acquisition of Uganda citizenship by fraud, deceit, bribery, or having made intentional and deliberate false statements in his or her application for citizenship; and
  • (d) espionage against Uganda.

15. Prohibition of dual citizenship.

• (1) Subject to this article, a Uganda citizen shall not hold the citizenship of another country concurrently with his or her Uganda citizenship.
• (2) A citizen of Uganda shall cease forthwith to be a citizen of Uganda if, on attaining the age of eighteen years he or she, by voluntary act other than marriage, acquires or retains the citizenship of a country other than Uganda.
• (3) A person who—
  • (a) becomes a citizen of Uganda by registration; and
  • (b) upon becoming a citizen of Uganda, is also a citizen of another country, shall cease to be a citizen of Uganda unless he or she has—
  • (c) renounced his or her citizenship of that other country;
  • (d) taken the oath of allegiance specified in the Fourth Schedule to this Constitution;
  • (e) made and registered such declaration of his or her intentions concerning residence as may be prescribed by law; or
  • (f) obtained an extension of time for taking those steps and the extended period has not expired.
• (4) A Uganda citizen who loses his or her Uganda citizenship as a result of the acquisition or possession of the citizenship of another country shall, on the renunciation of his or her citizenship of that other country, become a citizen of Uganda.
• (5) Where the law of a country, other than Uganda, requires a person who marries a citizen of that country to renounce the citizenship of his or her own country by virtue of that marriage, a citizen of Uganda who is deprived of his or her citizenship by virtue of that marriage shall, on the dissolution of that marriage, if he or she thereby loses his or her citizenship acquired by that marriage, become a citizen of Uganda.

16. National Citizenship and Immigration Board.

• (1) There shall be a National Citizenship and Immigration Board.
• (2) The board shall consist of a chairperson and not less than four other persons, each of whom shall be of high moral character and proven integrity, appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament.
• (3) The functions of the board shall be prescribed by Parliament and shall include—
  • (a) registering and issuing national identity cards to citizens;
  • (b) issuing Uganda passports and other travel documents;
  • (c) granting and cancelling citizenship by registration and naturalisation;
  • (d) granting and cancelling immigration permits; and
  • (e) registering and issuing identity cards to aliens.
• (4) The functions of the board set out in clause (3)(a), (b) and (d) of this article may be decentralised to the district level.

17. Duties of a citizen.

• (1) It is the duty of every citizen of Uganda—
  • (a) to respect the national anthem, flag, coat of arms and currency;
  • (b) to respect the rights and freedoms of others;
  • (c) to protect children and vulnerable persons against any form of abuse, harassment or ill-treatment;
  • (d) to protect and preserve public property;
  • (e) to defend Uganda and to render national service when necessary;
  • (f) to cooperate with lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order;
  • (g) to pay taxes;
  • (h) to register for electoral and other lawful purposes;
  • (i) to combat corruption and misuse or wastage of public property; and
  • (j) to create and protect a clean and healthy environment.
• (2) It is the duty of all able-bodied citizens to undergo military training for the defence of this Constitution and the protection of the territorial integrity of Uganda whenever called upon to do so; and the State shall ensure that facilities are available for such training.

18. Registration of births, marriages and deaths.

• The State shall register every birth, marriage and death occurring in Uganda.

19. Citizenship of a parent dying before the birth of a person.

• (1) A reference in this Chapter to the citizenship of the parent of a person at the time of the birth of that person shall, in relation to a person born after the death of the parent, be construed as a reference to the citizenship of the parent at the time of the parent’s death.
• (2) For the purposes of clause (1) of this article, where the death occurred before the coming into force of this Constitution, the citizenship that the parent would have had if he or she had died on the coming into force of this Constitution shall be taken to be his or her citizenship at the time of his or her death.

Chapter Four—Protection and promotion of fundamental and other human rights and freedoms.

General.

20. Fundamental and other human rights and freedoms.

• (1) Fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual are inherent and not granted by the State.
• (2) The rights and freedoms of the individual and groups enshrined in this Chapter shall be respected, upheld and promoted by all organs and agencies of Government and by all persons.

21. Equality and freedom from discrimination.

• (1) All persons are equal before and under the law in all spheres of political, economic, social and cultural life and in every other respect and shall enjoy equal protection of the law.
• (2) Without prejudice to clause (1) of this article, a person shall not be discriminated against on the ground of sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, social or economic standing, political opinion or disability.
• (3) For the purposes of this article, "discriminate" means to give different treatment to different persons attributable only or mainly to their respective descriptions by sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, social or economic standing, political opinion or disability.
• (4) Nothing in this article shall prevent Parliament from enacting laws that are necessary for—
  • (a) implementing policies and programmes aimed at redressing social, economic, educational or other imbalance in society; or
  • (b) making such provision as is required or authorised to be made under this Constitution; or
  • (c) providing for any matter acceptable and demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.
• (5) Nothing shall be taken to be inconsistent with this article which is allowed to be done under any provision of this Constitution.

22. Protection of right to life.

• (1) No person shall be deprived of life intentionally except in execution of a sentence passed in a fair trial by a court of competent jurisdiction in respect of a criminal offence under the laws of Uganda and the conviction and sentence have been confirmed by the highest appellate court.
• (2) No person has the right to terminate the life of an unborn child except as may be authorised by law.

23. Protection of personal liberty.

• (1) No person shall be deprived of personal liberty except in any of the following cases—
  • (a) in execution of the sentence or order of a court, whether established for Uganda or another country or of an international court or tribunal in respect of a criminal offence of which that person has been convicted, or of an order of a court punishing the person for contempt of court;
  • (b) in execution of the order of a court made to secure the fulfilment of any obligation imposed on that person by law;
  • (c) for the purpose of bringing that person before a court in execution of the order of a court or upon reasonable suspicion that that person has committed or is about to commit a criminal offence under the laws of Uganda;
  • (d) for the purpose of preventing the spread of an infectious or contagious disease;
  • (e) in the case of a person who has not attained the age of eighteen years, for the purpose of the education or welfare of that person;
  • (f) in the case of a person who is, or is reasonably suspected to be, of unsound mind or addicted to drugs or alcohol, for the purpose of the care or treatment of that person or the protection of the community;
  • (g) for the purpose of preventing the unlawful entry of that person into Uganda, or for the purpose of effecting the expulsion, extradition or other lawful removal of that person from Uganda or for the purpose of restricting that person while being conveyed through Uganda in the course of the extradition or removal of that person as a convicted prisoner from one country to another; or
  • (h) as may be authorised by law, in any other circumstances similar to any of the cases specified in paragraphs (a) to (g) of this clause.
• (2) A person arrested, restricted or detained shall be kept in a place authorised by law.
• (3) A person arrested, restricted or detained shall be informed immediately, in a language that the person understands, of the reasons for the arrest, restriction or detention and of his or her right to a lawyer of his or her choice.
• (4) A person arrested or detained—
  • (a) for the purpose of bringing him or her before a court in execution of an order of a court; or
  • (b) upon reasonable suspicion of his or her having committed or being about to commit a criminal offence under the laws of Uganda, shall, if not earlier released, be brought to court as soon as possible but in any case not later than forty-eight hours from the time of his or her arrest.
• (5) Where a person is restricted or detained—
  • (a) the next-of-kin of that person shall, at the request of that person, be informed as soon as practicable of the restriction or detention;
  • (b) the next-of-kin, lawyer and personal doctor of that person shall be allowed reasonable access to that person; and
  • (c) that person shall be allowed access to medical treatment including, at the request and at the cost of that person, access to private medical treatment.
• (6) Where a person is arrested in respect of a criminal offence—
  • (a) the person is entitled to apply to the court to be released on bail, and the court may grant that person bail on such conditions as the court considers reasonable;
  • (b) in the case of an offence which is triable by the High Court as well as by a subordinate court, the person shall be released on bail on such conditions as the court considers reasonable, if that person has been remanded in custody in respect of the offence before trial for one hundred and twenty days;
  • (c) in the case of an offence triable only by the High Court, the person shall be released on bail on such conditions as the court considers reasonable, if the person has been remanded in custody for three hundred and sixty days before the case is committed to the High Court.
• (7) A person unlawfully arrested, restricted or detained by any other person or authority shall be entitled to compensation from that other person or authority whether it is the State or an agency of the State or other person or authority.
• (8) Where a person is convicted and sentenced to a term of imprisonment for an offence, any period he or she spends in lawful custody in respect of the offence before the completion of his or her trial shall be taken into account in imposing the term of imprisonment.
• (9) The right to an order of habeas corpus shall be inviolable and shall not be suspended.

24. Respect for human dignity and protection from inhuman treatment. No person shall be subjected to any form of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

25. Protection from slavery, servitude and forced labour.

• (1) No person shall be held in slavery or servitude.
• (2) No person shall be required to perform forced labour.
• (3) For the purposes of this article, "forced labour" does not include—
  • (a) any labour required in consequence of the sentence or order of a court;
  • (b) any labour required of any person while that person is lawfully detained which, though not required in consequence of the sentence or order of a court, is reasonably necessary in the interests of hygiene or for the maintenance of the place at which the person is detained;
  • (c) any labour required of a member of a disciplined force as part of that member’s duties as such or, in the case of a person who has conscientious objections to service as a member of a naval, military or air force, any labour which that person is required by law to perform in place of that service;
  • (d) any labour required during any period when Uganda is at war or in case of any emergency or calamity which threatens the life and well-being of the community, to the extent that the requiring of the labour is reasonably justifiable in the circumstances of any situation arising or existing during the period or as a result of the emergency or calamity, for the purpose of dealing with that situation; or
  • (e) any labour reasonably required as part of reasonable and normal communal or other civic obligations.

26. Protection from deprivation of property.

• (1) Every person has a right to own property either individually or in association with others.
• (2) No person shall be compulsorily deprived of property or any interest in or right over property of any description except where the following conditions are satisfied—
  • (a) the taking of possession or acquisition is necessary for public use or in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; and
  • (b) the compulsory taking of possession or acquisition of property is made under a law which makes provision for—
    • (i) prompt payment of fair and adequate compensation, prior to the taking of possession or acquisition of the property; and
    • (ii) a right of access to a court of law by any person who has an interest or right over the property.

27. Right to privacy of person, home and other property.

• (1) No person shall be subjected to—
  • (a) unlawful search of the person, home or other property of that person; or
  • (b) unlawful entry by others of the premises of that person.
• (2) No person shall be subjected to interference with the privacy of that person’s home, correspondence, communication or other property.

28. Right to a fair hearing.

• (1) In the determination of civil rights and obligations or any criminal charge, a person shall be entitled to a fair, speedy and public hearing before an independent and impartial court or tribunal established by law.
• (2) Nothing in clause (1) of this article shall prevent the court or tribunal from excluding the press or the public from all or any proceedings before it for reasons of morality, public order or national security, as may be necessary in a free and democratic society.
• (3) Every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall—
  • (a) be presumed to be innocent until proved guilty or until that person has pleaded guilty;
  • (b) be informed immediately, in a language that the person understands, of the nature of the offence;
  • (c) be given adequate time and facilities for the preparation of his or her defence;
  • (d) be permitted to appear before the court in person or, at that person’s own expense, by a lawyer of his or her choice;
  • (e) in the case of any offence which carries a sentence of death or imprisonment for life, be entitled to legal representation at the expense of the State;
  • (f) be afforded, without payment by that person, the assistance of an interpreter if that person cannot understand the language used at the trial;
  • (g) be afforded facilities to examine witnesses and to obtain the attendance of other witnesses before the court.
• (4) Nothing done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with—
  • (a) clause (3)(a) of this article, to the extent that the law in question imposes upon any person charged with a criminal offence, the burden of proving particular facts;
  • (b) clause (3)(g) of this article, to the extent that the law imposes conditions that must be satisfied if witnesses called to testify on behalf of an accused are to be paid their expenses out of public funds.
• (5) Except with his or her consent, the trial of any person shall not take place in the absence of that person unless the person so conducts himself or herself as to render the continuance of the proceedings in the presence of

that person impracticable and the court makes an order for the person to be removed and the trial to proceed in the absence of that person.

• (6) A person tried for any criminal offence, or any person authorised by him or her, shall, after the judgment in respect of that offence, be entitled to a copy of the proceedings upon payment of a fee prescribed by law.
• (7) No person shall be charged with or convicted of a criminal offence which is founded on an act or omission that did not at the time it took place constitute a criminal offence.
• (8) No penalty shall be imposed for a criminal offence that is severer in degree or description than the maximum penalty that could have been imposed for that offence at the time when it was committed.
• (9) A person who shows that he or she has been tried by a competent court for a criminal offence and convicted or acquitted of that offence shall not again be tried for the offence or for any other criminal offence of which he or she could have been convicted at the trial for that offence, except upon the order of a superior court in the course of appeal or review proceedings relating to the conviction or acquittal.
• (10) No person shall be tried for a criminal offence if the person shows that he or she has been pardoned in respect of that offence.
• (11) Where a person is being tried for a criminal offence, neither that person nor the spouse of that person shall be compelled to give evidence against that person.
• (12) Except for contempt of court, no person shall be convicted of a criminal offence unless the offence is defined and the penalty for it prescribed by law.

29. Protection of freedom of conscience, expression, movement, religion, assembly and association.

• (1) Every person shall have the right to—
  • (a) freedom of speech and expression which shall include freedom of the press and other media;
  • (b) freedom of thought, conscience and belief which shall include academic freedom in institutions of learning;
  • (c) freedom to practise any religion and manifest such practice which shall include the right to belong to and participate in the practices of any religious body or organisation in a manner consistent with this Constitution;
  • (d) freedom to assemble and to demonstrate together with others peacefully and unarmed and to petition; and
  • (e) freedom of association which shall include the freedom to form and join associations or unions, including trade unions and political and other civic organisations.
• (2) Every Ugandan shall have the right—
  • (a) to move freely throughout Uganda and to reside and settle in any part of Uganda;
  • (b) to enter, leave and return to, Uganda; and
  • (c) to a passport or other travel document.

30. Right to education. All persons have a right to education.

31. Rights of the family.

• (1) Men and women of the age of eighteen years and above have the right to marry and to found a family and are entitled to equal rights in marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.
• (2) Parliament shall make appropriate laws for the protection of the rights of widows and widowers to inherit the property of their deceased spouses and to enjoy parental rights over their children.
• (3) Marriage shall be entered into with the free consent of the man and woman intending to marry.
• (4) It is the right and duty of parents to care for and bring up their children.
• (5) Children may not be separated from their families or the persons entitled to bring them up against the will of their families or of those persons, except in accordance with the law.

32. Affirmative action in favour of marginalised groups.

• (1) Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, the State shall take affirmative action in favour of groups marginalised on the basis of gender, age, disability or any other reason created by history, tradition or custom, for the purpose of redressing imbalances which exist against them.
• (2) Parliament shall make relevant laws, including laws for the establishment of an equal opportunities commission, for the purpose of giving full effect to clause (1) of this article.

33. Rights of women.

• (1) Women shall be accorded full and equal dignity of the person with men.
• (2) The State shall provide the facilities and opportunities necessary to enhance the welfare of women to enable them to realise their full potential and advancement.
• (3) The State shall protect women and their rights, taking into account their unique status and natural maternal functions in society.
• (4) Women shall have the right to equal treatment with men and that right shall include equal opportunities in political, economic and social activities.
• (5) Without prejudice to article 32 of this Constitution, women shall have the right to affirmative action for the purpose of redressing the imbalances created by history, tradition or custom.
• (6) Laws, cultures, customs or traditions which are against the dignity, welfare or interest of women or which undermine their status, are prohibited by this Constitution.

34. Rights of children.

• (1) Subject to laws enacted in their best interests, children shall have the right to know and be cared for by their parents or those entitled by law to bring them up.
• (2) A child is entitled to basic education which shall be the

responsibility of the State and the parents of the child.

• (3) No child shall be deprived by any person of medical treatment, education or any other social or economic benefit by reason of religious or other beliefs.
• (4) Children are entitled to be protected from social or economic exploitation and shall not be employed in or required to perform work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with their education or to be harmful to their health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development.
• (5) For the purposes of clause (4) of this article, children shall be persons under the age of sixteen years.
• (6) A child offender who is kept in lawful custody or detention shall be kept separately from adult offenders.
• (7) The law shall accord special protection to orphans and other vulnerable children.

35. Rights of persons with disabilities.

• (1) Persons with disabilities have a right to respect and human dignity, and the State and society shall take appropriate measures to ensure that they realise their full mental and physical potential.
• (2) Parliament shall enact laws appropriate for the protection of persons with disabilities.

36. Protection of rights of minorities. Minorities have a right to participate in decision-making processes, and their views and interests shall be taken into account in the making of national plans and programmes.

37. Right to culture and similar rights. Every person has a right as applicable to belong to, enjoy, practise, profess, maintain and promote any culture, cultural institution, language, tradition, creed or religion in community with others.

38. Civic rights and activities.

• (1) Every Uganda citizen has the right to participate in the affairs of government, individually or through his or her representatives in accordance with law.
• (2) Every Ugandan has a right to participate in peaceful activities to influence the policies of government through civic organisations.

39. Right to a clean and healthy environment. Every Ugandan has a right to a clean and healthy environment.

40. Economic rights.

• (1) Parliament shall enact laws—
  • (a) to provide for the right of persons to work under satisfactory, safe and healthy conditions;
  • (b) to ensure equal payment for equal work without discrimination; and
  • (c) to ensure that every worker is accorded rest and reasonable working hours and periods of holidays with pay, as well as remuneration for public holidays.
• (2) Every person in Uganda has the right to practise his or her profession and to carry on any lawful occupation, trade or business.
• (3) Every worker has a right—
  • (a) to form or join a trade union of his or her choice for the promotion and protection of his or her economic and social interests;
  • (b) to collective bargaining and representation; and
  • (c) to withdraw his or her labour according to law.
• (4) The employer of every woman worker shall accord her protection during pregnancy and after birth, in accordance with the law.

41. Right of access to information.

• (1) Every citizen has a right of access to information in the possession of the State or any other organ or agency of the State except where the release of the information is likely to prejudice the security or sovereignty of the State or interfere with the right to the privacy of any other person.
• (2) Parliament shall make laws prescribing the classes of information referred to in clause (1) of this article and the procedure for obtaining access to that information.

42. Right to just and fair treatment in administrative decisions. Any person appearing before any administrative official or body has a right to be treated justly and fairly and shall have a right to apply to a court of law in respect of any administrative decision taken against him or her.

43. General limitation on fundamental and other human rights and freedoms.

• (1) In the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms prescribed in this Chapter, no person shall prejudice the fundamental or other human rights and freedoms of others or the public interest.
• (2) Public interest under this article shall not permit—
  • (a) political persecution;
  • (b) detention without trial;
  • (c) any limitation of the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms prescribed by this Chapter beyond what is acceptable and demonstrably justifiable in a free and democratic society, or what is provided in this Constitution.

44. Prohibition of derogation from particular human rights and freedoms. Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, there shall be no derogation from the enjoyment of the following rights and freedoms—

• • (a) freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment;
  • (b) freedom from slavery or servitude;
  • (c) the right to fair hearing;
  • (d) the right to an order of habeas corpus.

45. Human rights and freedoms additional to other rights. The rights, duties, declarations and guarantees relating to the fundamental and other human rights and freedoms specifically mentioned in this Chapter shall not be regarded as excluding others not specifically mentioned.

Human rights and freedoms during a state of emergency.

46. Effect of laws enacted for a state of emergency.

• (1) An Act of Parliament shall not be taken to contravene the rights and freedoms guaranteed in this Chapter, if that Act authorises the taking of measures that are reasonably justifiable for dealing with a state of emergency.
• (2) The provisions of any enactment other than an Act of Parliament dealing with a state of emergency declared under this Constitution shall apply only to that part of Uganda where the emergency exists.
• (3) Without prejudice to clause (1) of this article, an Act enacted in accordance with that clause may make provision for the detention of persons where necessary for the purposes of dealing with the emergency.

47. Detention under emergency laws. Where a person is restricted or detained under a law made for the purpose of a state of emergency, the following provisions shall apply—

• • (a) he or she shall, within twenty-four hours after the commencement of the restriction or detention, be furnished with a statement in writing specifying the grounds upon which he or she is restricted or detained;
  • (b) the spouse or next-of-kin of or other person named by the person restricted or detained shall be informed of the restriction or detention and allowed access to the person within seventy-two hours after the commencement of the restriction or detention;
  • (c) not more than thirty days after the commencement of his or her restriction or detention, a notification shall be published in the Gazette and in the media stating that he or she has been restricted or detained and giving particulars of the provisions of the law under which his or her restriction or detention is authorised and the grounds of his or her restriction or detention.

48. Review by the Uganda Human Rights Commission.

• (1) The Uganda Human Rights Commission shall review the case of a person who is restricted or detained and to whom article 47 of this Constitution applies, not later than twenty-one days after the commencement of the restriction or detention, and after that, at intervals of not more than thirty days.
• (2) A person who is restricted or detained shall be permitted and afforded every possible facility—
  • (a) to consult a lawyer of his or her choice or any group of persons who shall be permitted to make representations to the Uganda Human Rights Commission for the review of his or her case;
  • (b) to appear in person or by a lawyer of his or her choice at the hearing or review of his or her case.
• (3) On a review of the case, the Uganda Human Rights Commission may order the release of that person, or uphold the grounds of the restriction or detention.

49. Report to Parliament.

• (1) In every month in which there is a sitting of Parliament, the Minister responsible shall make a report to Parliament in respect of—
  • (a) the number of persons restricted or detained under the state of emergency; and
  • (b) the action taken in compliance with the findings of the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
• (2) The Minister responsible shall publish every month in the Gazette and in the media—
  • (a) the number and names and addresses of the persons restricted or detained;
  • (b) the number of cases reviewed by the Uganda Human Rights Commission; and
  • (c) the action taken in compliance with the findings of the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
• (3) For the avoidance of doubt, it is declared that at the end of the emergency declared under this Constitution, any person in or under restriction, detention or custody as a result of the declaration of emergency

shall be released immediately, unless charged with a criminal offence in a court of law.

Enforcement of rights and freedoms by courts.

50. Enforcement of rights and freedoms by courts.

• (1) Any person who claims that a fundamental or other right or freedom guaranteed under this Constitution has been infringed or threatened, is entitled to apply to a competent court for redress which may include compensation.
• (2) Any person or organisation may bring an action against the violation of another person’s or group’s human rights.
• (3) Any person aggrieved by any decision of the court may appeal to the appropriate court.
• (4) Parliament shall make laws for the enforcement of the rights and freedoms under this Chapter.

Uganda Human Rights Commission.

51. Uganda Human Rights Commission.

• (1) There shall be a commission called the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
• (2) The commission shall be composed of a chairperson and not less than three other persons appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament.
• (3) The chairperson of the commission shall be a judge of the High Court or a person qualified to hold that office.
• (4) The chairperson and members of the commission shall be persons of high moral character and proven integrity and shall serve for a period of six years and be eligible for reappointment.

52. Functions of the Human Rights Commission.

• (1) The commission shall have the following functions—
  • (a) to investigate, at its own initiative or on a complaint made by any person or group of persons against the violation of any human right;
  • (b) to visit jails, prisons, and places of detention or related facilities with a view to assessing and inspecting conditions of the inmates and make recommendations;
  • (c) to establish a continuing programme of research, education and information to enhance respect of human rights;
  • (d) to recommend to Parliament effective measures to promote human rights, including provision of compensation to victims of violations of human rights or their families;
  • (e) to create and sustain within society the awareness of the provisions of this Constitution as the fundamental law of the people of Uganda;
  • (f) to educate and encourage the public to defend this Constitution at all times against all forms of abuse and violation;
  • (g) to formulate, implement and oversee programmes intended to inculcate in the citizens of Uganda awareness of their civic responsibilities and an appreciation of their rights and obligations as free people;
  • (h) to monitor the Government’s compliance with international treaty and convention obligations on human rights; and
    • (i) to perform such other functions as may be provided by law.
• (2) The Uganda Human Rights Commission shall publish periodic reports on its findings and submit annual reports to Parliament on the state of human rights and freedoms in the country.
• (3) In the performance of its functions, the Uganda Human Rights Commission shall—
  • (a) establish its operational guidelines and rules of procedure;
  • (b) request the assistance of any department, bureau, office, agency or person in the performance of its functions; and
  • (c) observe the rules of natural justice.

53. Powers of the commission.

• (1) In the performance of its functions, the commission shall have the powers of a court—
  • (a) to issue summons or other orders requiring the attendance of any person before the commission and the production of any document or record relevant to any investigation by the commission;
  • (b) to question any person in respect of any subject matter under investigation before the commission;
  • (c) to require any person to disclose any information within his or her knowledge relevant to any investigation by the commission; and
  • (d) to commit persons for contempt of its orders.
• (2) The commission may, if satisfied that there has been an infringement of a human right or freedom, order—
  • (a) the release of a detained or restricted person;
  • (b) payment of compensation; or
  • (c) any other legal remedy or redress.
• (3) A person or authority dissatisfied with an order made by the commission under clause (2) of this article has a right to appeal to the High Court.
• (4) The commission shall not investigate—
  • (a) any matter which is pending before a court or judicial tribunal;
  • (b) a matter involving the relations or dealings between the Government and the Government of any foreign State or international organisation; or
  • (c) a matter relating to the exercise of the prerogative of mercy.

54. Independence of the commission. Subject to this Constitution, the commission shall be independent and shall not, in the performance of its duties, be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority. 55. Expenses of the commission.

• (1) The commission shall be self-accounting and all the administrative expenses of the commission, including salaries, allowances and pensions payable to persons serving with the commission, shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund.
• (2) The chairperson and other members of the commission shall be

paid such salaries and allowances as Parliament may prescribe. 56. Removal of commissioners. The provisions of this Constitution relating to the removal of a judge of the High Court from office shall, with the necessary modifications, apply to the removal from office of a member of the commission. 57. Staff of the commission. The appointment of the officers and other employees of the commission shall be made by the commission in consultation with the Public Service Commission. 58. Parliament to make laws regarding functions of the commission. Parliament may make laws to regulate and facilitate the performance of the functions of the Uganda Human Rights Commission.

Chapter Five—Representation of The People.

Right to vote.

59. Right to vote.

• (1) Every citizen of Uganda of eighteen years of age or above has a right to vote.
• (2) It is the duty of every citizen of Uganda of eighteen years of age or above to register as a voter for public elections and referenda.
• (3) The State shall take all necessary steps to ensure that all citizens qualified to vote register and exercise their right to vote.
• (4) Parliament shall make laws to provide for the facilitation of citizens with disabilities to register and vote.

Electoral Commission.

60. Electoral Commission.

• (1) There shall be an Electoral Commission which shall consist of a chairperson, a deputy chairperson and five other members appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament.
• (2) Members of the commission shall be persons of high moral character, proven integrity and who possess considerable experience and demonstrated competence in the conduct of public affairs.
• (3) The members of the commission shall hold office for seven years, and their appointment may be renewed for one more term only.
• (4) If the appointment of a member of the commission is being renewed, the renewal shall be done at least three months before the expiry of the first term.
• (5) A person holding any of the following offices shall relinquish his or her position in that office on appointment as a member of the commission—

Parliament may determine.

• (7) If a member of the commission is absent or dies, the President shall, with the approval of Parliament, appoint a person qualified in terms of this article to act in his or her place until that person is able again to resume his or her duties or, as the case may be, until a new person is appointed to fill the vacancy.
• (8) A member of the commission may be removed from office by the President only for—
  • (a) inability to perform the functions of his or her office arising out of physical or mental incapacity;
  • (b) misbehaviour or misconduct; or
  • (c) incompetence.
  • (a) a member of Parliament;
  • (b) a member of a local government council;
  • (c) a member of the executive of a political party or political

organisation; or

• • (d) a public officer.
• (6) Members of the commission shall be paid such emoluments as

61. Functions of the Electoral Commission. The Electoral Commission shall have the following functions—

• • (a) to ensure that regular, free and fair elections are held;
  • (b) to organise, conduct and supervise elections and referenda in accordance with this Constitution;
  • (c) to demarcate constituencies in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution;
  • (d) to ascertain, publish and declare in writing under its seal the results of the elections and referenda;
  • (e) to compile, maintain, revise and update the voters register;
  • (f) to hear and determine election complaints arising before and during polling;
  • (g) to formulate and implement civic educational programmes relating to elections; and
  • (h) to perform such other functions as may be prescribed by Parliament by law.

62. Independence of the commission. Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the commission shall be independent and shall, in the performance of its functions, not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority. 63. Constituencies.

• (1) Subject to clauses (2) and (3) of this article, Uganda shall be divided into as many constituencies for the purpose of election of members of Parliament as Parliament may prescribe; and each constituency shall be represented by one member of Parliament.
• (2) When demarcating constituencies for the purposes of clause (1) of this article, the Electoral Commission shall ensure that each county, as approved by Parliament, has at least one member of Parliament; except that no constituency shall fall within more than one county.
• (3) Subject to clause (2) of this article, the boundary of a constituency shall be such that the number of inhabitants in the constituency is, as nearly as possible, equal to the population quota.
• (4) For the purposes of clause (3) of this article, the number of inhabitants of a constituency may be greater or less than the population quota in order to take account of means of communication, geographical features, density of population, area and boundaries of districts.
• (5) Subject to clause (1) of this article, the commission shall review the division of Uganda into constituencies within twelve months after the publication of results of a census of the population of Uganda and may as a result redemarcate the constituencies.
• (6) Where the boundary of a constituency established under this article is altered as a result of a review, the alteration shall come into effect upon the next dissolution of Parliament.
• (7) For the purposes of this article, "population quota" means the number obtained by dividing the number of inhabitants of Uganda by the number of constituencies into which Uganda is to be divided under this article.

64. Appeals from decisions of the commission.

• (1) Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Electoral Commission in respect of any of the complaints referred to in article 61(f) of this Constitution may appeal to the High Court.
• (2) A person aggrieved by a decision of the commission in respect of a demarcation of a boundary may appeal to a tribunal consisting of three persons appointed by the Chief Justice; and the commission shall give effect to the decision of the tribunal.
• (3) A person aggrieved by a decision of the tribunal made under clause (2) of this article may appeal to the High Court.
• (4) A decision of the High Court on an appeal under clause (1) or (3) of this article shall be final.
• (5) Parliament shall make laws providing for procedure for the expeditious disposal of appeals referred to in this article.

65. Staff of the commission. The appointment of officers and employees of the Electoral Commission shall be made by the commission acting in consultation with the Public Service Commission. 66. Expenses of the commission.

• (1) Parliament shall ensure that adequate resources and facilities are provided to the commission to enable it to perform its functions effectively.
• (2) The commission shall be a self-accounting institution and shall deal directly with the Ministry responsible for finance on matters relating to its finances.
• (3) The administrative expenses of the commission, including salaries, allowances and pensions payable to or in respect of persons serving with the commission, shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund.

67. Organisation of elections.

• (1) The Electoral Commission shall ensure that elections are held at times fixed and notified in advance to the public.
• (2) No candidate in an election shall be denied reasonable access and use of State-owned communication media.
• (3) All presidential candidates shall be given equal time and space on the State-owned media to present their programmes to the people.
• (4) Parliament shall make laws regulating the use of public resources and institutions during election campaigns.

68. Voting at elections and referenda.

• (1) At a public election or referendum, voting shall, subject to the provisions of this Constitution, be by secret ballot using one ballot box at each polling station for all candidates in an election and for all sides in a referendum.
• (2) Immediately after the close of the poll, the presiding officer shall proceed to count at the polling station, the ballot papers of that station and record the votes cast in favour of each candidate or question.
• (3) A candidate is entitled to be present in person or through his or her representatives or polling agents at the polling station throughout the period of voting, counting of the votes and ascertaining of the results of the poll.
• (4) The presiding officer, the candidates or their representatives and in the case of a referendum, the sides contesting or their agents, if any, shall sign and retain a copy of a declaration stating—
  • (a) the polling station;
  • (b) the number of votes cast in favour of each candidate or question, and the presiding officer shall there and then, announce the results of the voting at that polling station before communicating them to the returning officer.
• (5) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, an issue for determination by a referendum shall be taken to be determined by a majority

of the votes cast at the referendum.

Political systems.

69. Political systems.

• (1) The people of Uganda shall have the right to choose and adopt a political system of their choice through free and fair elections or referenda.
• (2) The political systems referred to in clause (1) of this article shall include—
  • (a) the movement political system;
  • (b) the multiparty political system; and
  • (c) any other democratic and representative political system.

70. Movement political system.

• (1) The movement political system is broad-based, inclusive and non-partisan and shall conform to the following principles—
  • (a) participatory democracy;
  • (b) democracy, accountability and transparency;
  • (c) accessibility to all positions of leadership by all citizens;
  • (d) individual merit as a basis for election to political offices.
• (2) Parliament may—
  • (a) create organs under the movement political system and define their roles; and
  • (b) prescribe from time to time any other democratic principle of the movement political system, as it may consider necessary.

71. Multiparty political system. A political party in the multiparty political system shall conform to the following principles—

• • (a) every political party shall have a national character;
  • (b) membership of a political party shall not be based on sex, ethnicity, religion or other sectional division;
  • (c) the internal organisation of a political party shall conform to the democratic principles enshrined in this Constitution;
  • (d) members of the national organs of a political party shall be regularly elected from citizens of Uganda in conformity with the

provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this article and with due consideration for gender;

• • (e) political parties shall be required by law to account for the sources and use of their funds and assets;
  • (f) no person shall be compelled to join a particular party by virtue of belonging to an organisation or interest group.

72. Right to form political organisations.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the right to form political parties and any other political organisations is guaranteed.
• (2) An organisation shall not operate as a political party or organisation unless it conforms to the principles laid down in this Constitution and it is registered.
• (3) Parliament shall by law regulate the financing and functioning of political organisations.

73. Regulations of political organisations.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, but notwithstanding the provisions of articles 29(1)(e) and 43 of this Constitution, during the period when any of the political systems provided for in this Constitution has been adopted, organisations subscribing to other political systems may exist subject to such regulations as Parliament shall by law prescribe.
• (2) Regulations prescribed under this article shall not exceed what is necessary for enabling the political system adopted to operate.

74. Change of political systems by referenda or elections.

• (1) A referendum shall be held for the purpose of changing the political system—
  • (a) if requested by a resolution supported by more than half of all members of Parliament;
  • (b) if requested by a resolution supported by the majority of the total membership of each of at least one half of all district councils; or
  • (c) if requested through a petition to the Electoral Commission by at least one-tenth of the registered voters from each of at least two-thirds of the constituencies for which representatives are

required to be directly elected under article 78(1)(a) of this Constitution.

• (2) The political system may also be changed by the elected representatives of the people in Parliament and district councils by resolution of Parliament supported by not less than two-thirds of all members of Parliament upon a petition to it supported by not less than two-thirds majority of the total membership of each of at least half of all district councils.
• (3) The resolutions or petitions for the purposes of changing the political system shall be taken only in the fourth year of the term of any Parliament.

75. Prohibition of one-party State. Parliament shall have no power to enact a law establishing a one-party state.

General.

76. Parliament to enact laws on elections. Parliament may, subject to the provisions of this Constitution, enact such laws as may be necessary for the purposes of this Chapter, including laws for the registration of voters, the conduct of public elections and referenda and, where necessary, making provision for voting by proxy.

Chapter Six—The Legislature.

Establishment, composition and functions of Parliament.

77. Parliament of Uganda.

• (1) There shall be a Parliament of Uganda.
• (2) The composition and functions of Parliament shall be as prescribed by this Constitution.
• (3) The term of Parliament shall be five years from the date of its first sitting after a general election.
• (4) Where there exists a state of war or a state of emergency which would prevent a normal general election from being held, Parliament may, by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of all members of Parliament, extend the life of Parliament for a period not exceeding six months at a time.

78. Composition of Parliament.

• (1) Parliament shall consist of—
  • (a) members directly elected to represent constituencies;
  • (b) one woman representative for every district;
  • (c) such numbers of representatives of the army, youth, workers, persons with disabilities and other groups as Parliament may determine; and
  • (d) the Vice President and Ministers, who, if not already elected members of Parliament, shall be ex officio members of Parliament without the right to vote on any issue requiring a vote in Parliament.
• (2) Upon the expiration of a period of ten years after the commencement of this Constitution and thereafter, every five years, Parliament shall review the representation under clause (1)(b) and (c) of this article for the purposes of retaining, increasing or abolishing any such representation and any other matter incidental to it.
• (3) The representatives referred to in clause (1)(a) of this article shall be elected on the basis of universal adult suffrage and by secret ballot.
• (4) Parliament shall, by law, prescribe the procedure for elections of representatives referred to in clause (1)(b) and (c) of this article.

79. Functions of Parliament.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Parliament shall have power to make laws on any matter for the peace, order, development and good governance of Uganda.
• (2) Except as provided in this Constitution, no person or body other than Parliament shall have power to make provisions having the force of law in Uganda except under authority conferred by an Act of Parliament.
• (3) Parliament shall protect this Constitution and promote the democratic governance of Uganda.

80. Qualifications and disqualifications of members of Parliament.

• (1) A person is qualified to be a member of Parliament if that person—
  • (a) is a citizen of Uganda;
  • (b) is a registered voter; and
  • (c) has completed a minimum formal education of Advanced Level standard or its equivalent.
• (2) A person is not qualified for election as a member of Parliament if that person—
  • (a) is of unsound mind;
  • (b) is holding or acting in an office the functions of which involve a responsibility for or in connection with the conduct of an election;
  • (c) is a traditional or cultural leader as defined in article 246(6) of this Constitution;
  • (d) has been adjudged or otherwise declared bankrupt under any law in force in Uganda and has not been discharged; or
  • (e) is under a sentence of death or a sentence of imprisonment exceeding nine months imposed by any competent court without the option of a fine.
• (3) A person elected to Parliament when he or she is a member of a local government council or holds a public office shall resign the office before assuming the office of member of Parliament.

81. Election of members of Parliament.

• (1) A general election of members of Parliament shall be held within thirty days before the expiration of the term of Parliament.
• (2) Whenever a vacancy exists in Parliament, the Clerk to Parliament shall notify the Electoral Commission in writing within ten days after the vacancy has occurred; and a by-election shall be held within sixty days after the vacancy has occurred.
• (3) Notwithstanding clause (2) of this article, a by-election shall not be held within six months before the holding of a general election of Parliament.
• (4) Every person elected to Parliament shall take and subscribe the oath of allegiance and the oath of member of Parliament specified in the Fourth Schedule to this Constitution.
• (5) Except for the purpose of taking the oaths referred to in clause (4) of this article, no person shall sit or vote in Parliament before taking and subscribing the oaths.

82. Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

• (1) There shall be a Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
• (2) The Speaker and Deputy Speaker shall be elected by members of Parliament from among their number.
• (3) A person shall not be qualified to be elected a Speaker or Deputy Speaker if he or she is a Vice President or a Minister.
• (4) Subject to article 81(4) of this Constitution, no business shall be transacted in Parliament other than an election to the office of Speaker at any time that office is vacant.
• (5) The Chief Justice or a judge designated by the Chief Justice shall preside at an election of a Speaker, and the Speaker shall preside at an

election of the Deputy Speaker.

• (6) An election to the office of Deputy Speaker shall be held at the first sitting of Parliament after that office becomes vacant.
• (7) The Speaker or Deputy Speaker shall vacate his or her office—
  • (a) if he or she is appointed to any public office;
  • (b) if he or she becomes a Minister;
  • (c) if he or she resigns his or her office by writing signed by him or

her addressed to the Clerk to Parliament;

• • (d) if he or she ceases to be a member of Parliament; or
  • (e) if he or she is removed by resolution of Parliament supported by

not less than two-thirds of all members of Parliament.

• (8) The Speaker and Deputy Speaker shall receive such salaries,

allowances and gratuities as may be prescribed by Parliament.

• (9) The salaries, allowances and gratuities of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund.
• (10) The Speaker and Deputy Speaker shall each, before assuming the duties of office, take and subscribe the oath of Speaker or Deputy Speaker specified in the Fourth Schedule to this Constitution.

83. Tenure of office of members of Parliament.

• (1) A member of Parliament shall vacate his or her seat in Parliament—
  • (a) if he or she resigns his or her office in writing signed by him or her and addressed to the Speaker;
  • (b) if such circumstances arise that if that person were not a member of Parliament would cause that person to be disqualified for election as a member of Parliament under article 80 of this Constitution;
  • (c) subject to the provisions of this Constitution, upon dissolution of Parliament;
  • (d) if that person is absent from fifteen sittings of Parliament without permission in writing of the Speaker during any period when Parliament is continuously meeting and is unable to offer satisfactory explanation to the relevant parliamentary committee for his or her absence;
  • (e) if that person is found guilty by the appropriate tribunal of violation of the Leadership Code of Conduct and the punishment imposed is or includes the vacation of the office of a member of Parliament;
  • (f) if recalled by the electorate in his or her constituency in accordance with this Constitution;
  • (g) if that person leaves the political party for which he or she stood as a candidate for election to Parliament to join another party or to remain in Parliament as an independent member;
  • (h) if, having been elected to Parliament as an independent candidate, that person joins a political party;
    • (i) if that person is appointed a public officer.
• (2) Notwithstanding clause (1)(g) and (h) of this article, membership of a coalition government of which his or her original political party forms part shall not affect the status of any member of Parliament.
• (3) The provisions of clauses (1)(g) and (h) and (2) of this article shall only apply during any period when the multiparty system of government is in operation.

84. Right of recall.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this article, the electorate of any constituency and of any interest group referred to in article 78 of this Constitution have the right to recall their member of Parliament before the expiry of the term of Parliament.
• (2) A member of Parliament may be recalled from that office on any of the following grounds—
  • (a) physical or mental incapacity rendering that member incapable of performing the functions of the office;
  • (b) misconduct or misbehaviour likely to bring hatred, ridicule, contempt or disrepute to the office; or
  • (c) persistent deserting of the electorate without reasonable cause.
• (3) The recall of a member of Parliament shall be initiated by a petition in writing setting out the grounds relied on and signed by at least two-thirds of the registered voters of the constituency or of the interest group referred to in clause (l) of this article, and shall be delivered to the Speaker.
• (4) On receipt of the petition referred to in clause (3) of this article, the Speaker shall, within seven days require the Electoral Commission to conduct a public inquiry into the matters alleged in the petition and the Electoral Commission shall expeditiously conduct the necessary inquiry and report its findings to the Speaker.
• (5) The Speaker shall—
  • (a) declare the seat vacant, if the Electoral Commission reports that it is satisfied from the inquiry, with the genuineness of the petition; or
  • (b) declare immediately that the petition was unjustified, if the commission reports that it is not satisfied with the genuineness of the petition.
• (6) Subject to the provisions of clauses (2), (3), (4) and (5) of this article, Parliament shall, by law prescribe the procedure to be followed for the recall of a member of Parliament.

85. Emoluments of members of Parliament.

• (1) A member of Parliament shall be paid such emoluments and such gratuity and shall be provided with such facilities as may be determined by Parliament.
• (2) A member of Parliament shall not hold any office of profit or emolument likely to compromise his or her office.

86. Determination of questions of membership.

• (1) The High Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any question whether—
  • (a) a person has been validly elected a member of Parliament or the seat of a member of Parliament has become vacant; or
  • (b) a person has been validly elected as Speaker or Deputy Speaker or having been so elected, has vacated that office.
• (2) A person aggrieved by the determination of the High Court under this article may appeal to the Court of Appeal.
• (3) Parliament shall, by law make provision with respect to—
  • (a) the persons eligible to apply to the High Court for determination

of any question under this article; and

• • (b) the circumstances and manner in which and the conditions upon which any such application may be made.

87. Clerk to Parliament and other staff. There shall be a public officer designated Clerk to Parliament appointed by the President in consultation with the Public Service Commission and such other members of staff as may be necessary for the efficient discharge of the functions of Parliament.

Procedure of Parliament.

88. Quorum of Parliament.

• (1) The quorum of Parliament shall be one-third of all members of Parliament entitled to vote.
• (2) The quorum prescribed by clause (1) of this article shall only be required at a time when Parliament is voting on any question.
• (3) Rules of procedure of Parliament shall prescribe the quorum of Parliament for the conduct of business of Parliament other than for voting.

89. Voting in Parliament.

• (1) Except as otherwise prescribed by this Constitution or any law consistent with this Constitution, any question proposed for decision of Parliament shall be determined by a majority of votes of the members present and voting in a manner prescribed by rules of procedure made by Parliament under article 94 of this Constitution.
• (2) The person presiding in Parliament shall have neither an original nor a casting vote and if on any question before Parliament the votes are equally divided, the motion shall be lost.

90. Committees of Parliament.

• (1) Parliament shall appoint standing committees and other committees necessary for the efficient discharge of its functions.
• (2) The committees of Parliament shall include sessional committees and a committee of the whole house.
• (3) Rules of procedure of Parliament shall prescribe the composition and functions of committees of Parliament.
• (4) In the exercise of their functions under this article, committees of Parliament—
  • (a) may call any Minister or any person holding public office and private individuals to submit memoranda or appear before them to give evidence;
  • (b) may co-opt any member of Parliament or employ qualified persons to assist them in the discharge of their functions;
  • (c) shall have the powers of the High Court for—
    • (i) enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examining them on oath, affirmation or otherwise;
    • (ii) compelling the production of documents; and
    • (iii) issuing a commission or request to examine witnesses abroad.

91. Exercise of legislative powers.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the power of Parliament to make laws shall be exercised through bills passed by Parliament and assented to by the President.
• (2) A bill passed by Parliament shall, as soon as possible, be presented to the President for assent.
• (3) The President shall, within thirty days after a bill is presented to him or her—
  • (a) assent to the bill;
  • (b) return the bill to Parliament with a request that the bill or a particular provision of it be reconsidered by Parliament; or
  • (c) notify the Speaker in writing that he or she refuses to assent to the bill.
• (4) Where a bill has been returned to Parliament under clause (3)(b) of this article, Parliament shall reconsider it and if passed again, it shall be presented for a second time to the President for assent.
• (5) Where the President returns the same bill twice under clause (3)(b) of this article and the bill is passed for the third time, with the support of at least two-thirds of all members of Parliament, the Speaker shall cause a copy of the bill to be laid before Parliament, and the bill shall become law without the assent of the President.
• (6) Where the President—
  • (a) refuses to assent to a bill under clause (3)(c) of this article, Parliament may reconsider the bill and if passed, the bill shall be presented to the President for assent;
  • (b) refuses to assent to a bill which has been reconsidered and passed under paragraph (a) or clause (4) of this article, the Speaker shall, upon the refusal, if the bill was so passed with the support of at least two-thirds of all members of Parliament, cause a copy of the bill to be laid before Parliament, and the bill shall become law without the assent of the President.
• (7) Where the President fails to do any of the acts specified in clause
• (3) of this article within the period prescribed in that clause, the President shall be taken to have assented to the bill and at the expiration of that period, the Speaker shall cause a copy of the bill to be laid before Parliament and the bill shall become law without the assent of the President.
• (8) A bill passed by Parliament and assented to by the President or which has otherwise become law under this article shall be an Act of Parliament and shall be published in the Gazette.

92. Restriction on retrospective legislation. Parliament shall not pass any law to alter the decision or judgment of any court as between the parties to the decision or judgment. 93. Restriction on financial matters. Parliament shall not, unless the bill or the motion is introduced on behalf of the Government—

• • (a) proceed upon a bill, including an amendment bill, that makes provision for any of the following—
    • (i) the imposition of taxation or the alteration of taxation otherwise than by reduction;
    • (ii) the imposition of a charge on the Consolidated Fund or

other public fund of Uganda or the alteration of any such charge otherwise than by reduction;

• • • (iii) the payment, issue or withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund or other public fund of Uganda of any monies not charged on that fund or any increase in the amount of that payment, issue or withdrawal; or
    • (iv) the composition or remission of any debt due to the Government of Uganda; or
  • (b) proceed upon a motion, including an amendment to a motion, the effect of which would be to make provision for any of the purposes specified in paragraph (a) of this article.

94. Rules of procedure in Parliament.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Parliament may make rules to regulate its own procedure, including the procedure of its committees.
• (2) Parliament may act notwithstanding a vacancy in its membership.
• (3) The presence or the participation of a person not entitled to be present or to participate in the proceedings of Parliament shall not, by itself, invalidate those proceedings.
• (4) The rules of procedure of Parliament shall include the following provisions—
  • (a) the Speaker shall determine the order of business in Parliament and shall give priority to Government business;
  • (b) a member of Parliament has the right to move a private member’s bill;
  • (c) the member moving the private member’s bill shall be afforded reasonable assistance by the department of Government whose area of operation is affected by the bill; and
  • (d) the office of the Attorney General shall afford the member moving the private member’s bill professional assistance in the drafting of the bill.

95. Sessions of Parliament.

• (1) Where a new Parliament is elected, the President shall, by proclamation, appoint the place and a date not beyond seven days after the

expiry of the term of Parliament or of the extended period, as the case may be, for the first sitting of the new Parliament.

• (2) A session of Parliament shall be held at such place within Uganda and shall commence at such time as the Speaker may, by proclamation, appoint.
• (3) The Speaker may, after consultation with the President, prorogue Parliament by proclamation.
• (4) A session of Parliament shall be held at least once a year but the period between one session and the next following session shall be less than twelve months.
• (5) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, at least one-third of all members of Parliament may, in writing signed by them, request a meeting of Parliament; and the Speaker shall summon Parliament to meet within twenty-one days after receipt of the request.

96. Dissolution of Parliament. Parliament shall stand dissolved upon the expiration of its term as prescribed by article 77 of this Constitution.

General.

97. Parliamentary immunities and privileges.

• (1) The Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, members of Parliament and any other person participating or assisting in or acting in connection with or reporting the proceedings of Parliament or any of its committees shall be entitled to such immunities and privileges as Parliament shall by law prescribe.
• (2) Notwithstanding article 41 of this Constitution, no member or officer of Parliament and no person employed to take minutes of evidence before Parliament or any committee of Parliament shall give evidence elsewhere in respect of the contents of such minutes of evidence or the contents of any document laid before Parliament or any such committee, as the case may be, or in respect of any proceedings or examination held before Parliament or such committee, without the special leave of Parliament first

obtained.

• (3) The special leave referred to in clause (2) of this article may, during a recess or adjournment of Parliament, be given by the Speaker or in the absence or incapacity of the Speaker or during a dissolution of Parliament, by the Clerk to Parliament.

Chapter Seven—The Executive.

The President.

98. President of Uganda.

• (1) There shall be a President of Uganda who shall be the Head of State, Head of Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and the Fountain of Honour.
• (2) The President shall take precedence over all persons in Uganda, and in descending order, the Vice President, the Speaker and the Chief Justice shall take precedence over all other persons in Uganda.
• (3) Before assuming the duties of the office of President, a person elected President shall take and subscribe the oath of allegiance and the presidential oath specified in the Fourth Schedule to this Constitution.
• (4) While holding office, the President shall not be liable to proceedings in any court.
• (5) Civil or criminal proceedings may be instituted against a person after ceasing to be President, in respect of anything done or omitted to be done in his or her personal capacity before or during the term of office of that person; and any period of limitation in respect of any such proceedings shall not be taken to run during the period while that person was President.

99. Executive authority of Uganda.

• (1) The executive authority of Uganda is vested in the President and shall be exercised in accordance with this Constitution and the laws of Uganda.
• (2) The President shall execute and maintain this Constitution and all laws made under or continued in force by this Constitution.
• (3) It shall be the duty of the President to abide by, uphold and safeguard this Constitution and the laws of Uganda and to promote the welfare of the citizens and protect the territorial integrity of Uganda.
• (4) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the functions conferred on the President by clause (1) of this article may be exercised by the President either directly or through officers subordinate to the President.
• (5) A statutory instrument or other instrument issued by the President or any person authorised by the President may be authenticated by the signature of a Minister; and the validity of any instrument so authenticated shall not be called in question on the ground that it is not made, issued or executed by the President.

100. Notification of the absence of the President from Uganda.

• The President shall, whenever leaving Uganda, notify in writing the Vice President, the Speaker and the Chief Justice.

101. Presidential addresses.

• (1) The President shall, at the beginning of each session of Parliament, deliver to Parliament an address on the state of the nation.
• (2) The President may, also, in consultation with the Speaker, address Parliament from time to time, on any matter of national importance.

102. Qualifications of the President. A person is not qualified for election as President unless that person is—

• • (a) a citizen of Uganda by birth;
  • (b) not less than thirty-five years and not more than seventy-five years of age; and
  • (c) a person qualified to be a member of Parliament.

103. Election of the President.

• (1) The election of the President shall be by universal adult suffrage through a secret ballot.
• (2) A person shall not be a candidate in a presidential election unless—
  • (a) that person submits to the Electoral Commission on or before the day appointed as nomination day in relation to the election, a document which is signed by that person nominating him or her as a candidate; and
  • (b) the nomination is supported by one hundred voters in each of at least two-thirds of all the districts in Uganda.
• (3) The election of the President shall be held during the first thirty days of the last ninety days before the expiration of the term of the President, except in the case of—
  • (a) the first election under this Constitution;
  • (b) an election held under article 104(6) of this Constitution;
  • (c) an election held under article 109(2) of this Constitution; and
  • (d) an election necessitated by the fact that a normal presidential election could not be held as a result of the existence of a state of war or a state of emergency, in which case, the election shall be held within such period as Parliament may, by law, prescribe.
• (4) A candidate shall not be declared elected as President unless the number of votes cast in favour of that candidate at the presidential election is more than 50 percent of valid votes cast at the election.
• (5) Where at a presidential election no candidate obtains the percentage of votes specified in clause (4) of this article, a second election shall be held within thirty days after the declaration of the results in which election the two candidates who obtained the highest number of votes shall be the only candidates.
• (6) The candidate who obtains the highest number of votes in an election under clause (5) of this article shall be declared elected President.
• (7) The Electoral Commission shall ascertain, publish and declare in writing under its seal, the results of the presidential election within forty-eight hours from the close of polling.
• (8) A person elected President during the term of a President shall assume office within twenty-four hours after the expiration of the term of the predecessor and in any other case, within twenty-four hours after being declared elected as President.
• (9) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Parliament shall by law, prescribe the procedure for the election and assumption of office by a President.

104. Challenging a presidential election.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this article, any aggrieved candidate may petition the Supreme Court for an order that a candidate declared by the Electoral Commission elected as President was not validly elected.
• (2) A petition under clause (1) of this article shall be lodged in the Supreme Court registry within ten days after the declaration of the election results.
• (3) The Supreme Court shall inquire into and determine the petition expeditiously and shall declare its findings not later than thirty days from the date the petition is filed.
• (4) Where no petition is filed within the time prescribed under clause
• (2) of this article, or where a petition having been filed, is dismissed by the Supreme Court, the candidate declared elected shall conclusively be taken to have been duly elected as President.
• (5) After due inquiry under clause (3) of this article, the Supreme Court may—
  • (a) dismiss the petition;
  • (b) declare which candidate was validly elected; or
  • (c) annul the election.
• (6) Where an election is annulled, a fresh election shall be held within twenty days from the date of the annulment.
• (7) If after a fresh election held under clause (6) of this article there is another petition which succeeds, then the presidential election shall be postponed; and upon the expiry of the term of the incumbent President, the Speaker shall perform the functions of the office of President until a new President is elected and assumes office.
• (8) For the purposes of this article, article 98(4) of this Constitution shall not apply.
• (9) Parliament shall make such laws as may be necessary for the purposes of this article, including laws for grounds of annulment and rules of procedure.

105. Tenure of office of a President.

• (1) A person elected President under this Constitution shall, subject to clause (3) of this article, hold office for a term of five years.
• (2) A person shall not be elected under this Constitution to hold office as President for more than two terms as prescribed by this article.
• (3) The office of President shall become vacant—
  • (a) on the expiration of the period specified in this article; or
  • (b) if the incumbent dies or resigns or ceases to hold office under article 107 of this Constitution.
• (4) The President may, by writing signed by him or her, and addressed to the Chief Justice, resign from office as President.
• (5) The resignation of the President shall take effect when it is received by the Chief Justice.
• (6) The Chief Justice shall, immediately upon receiving the resignation of the President under this article, notify the Vice President, the Speaker and the Electoral Commission of the resignation.

106. Terms and conditions of service of the President.

• (1) The President shall be paid a salary and allowances and afforded such other benefits as Parliament shall by law provide.
• (2) Parliament shall, by law, make provision for the grant of benefits for a President who ceases to hold office otherwise than by being removed under article 107(1)(a) or (b) of this Constitution.
• (3) The salary, allowances and other benefits granted to a President under this article shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund.
• (4) The President is exempted from direct personal taxation on allowances and other benefits except on the official salary.
• (5) The President shall not hold any other public office other than those conferred by this Constitution or any office of profit or emolument likely to compromise the office of President.
• (6) The salary, allowances and other benefits granted to the President under this article shall not be varied to the disadvantage of the President while he or she holds office.
• (7) The retirement benefits granted to a President under this article shall not be varied to the disadvantage of the President.

107. Removal of the President.

• (1) The President may be removed from office in accordance with this article on any of the following grounds—
  • (a) abuse of office or wilful violation of the oath of allegiance and the presidential oath or any provision of this Constitution;
  • (b) misconduct or misbehaviour—
    • (i) that he or she has conducted himself or herself in a manner which brings or is likely to bring the office of President into hatred, ridicule, contempt or disrepute; or
    • (ii) that he or she has dishonestly done any act or omission which is prejudicial or inimical to the economy or security of Uganda; or
  • (c) physical or mental incapacity, namely that he or she is incapable of performing the functions of his or her office by reason of physical or mental incapacity.
• (2) For the purpose of removal of the President under clause (1)(a) or
  • (b) of this article, a notice in writing signed by not less than one-third of all the members of Parliament shall be submitted to the Speaker—
  • (a) stating that they intend to move a motion for a resolution in Parliament for the removal of the President on the charge that the President has—
    • (i) wilfully abused his or her office or wilfully violated the oath of allegiance and the presidential oath or any other provision of this Constitution in terms of clause (1)(a) of this article; or
    • (ii) misconducted himself or herself or misbehaved in terms of clause (1)(b) of this article; and
  • (b) setting out the particulars of the charge supported by the necessary documents on which it is claimed that the conduct of the President be investigated for the purposes of his or her removal.
• (3) The Speaker shall, within twenty-four hours after receipt of the notice referred to in clause (2) of this article, cause a copy to be transmitted to the President and the Chief Justice.
• (4) The Chief Justice shall, within seven days after receipt of the notice transmitted under clause (3) of this article, constitute a tribunal comprising three justices of the Supreme Court to investigate the allegation in the notice and to report its findings to Parliament stating whether or not there is a prima facie case for the removal of the President.
• (5) The President is entitled to appear at the proceedings of the tribunal and to be represented there by a lawyer or other expert or person of his or her choice.
• (6) If the tribunal determines that there is a prima facie case for the removal of the President under clause (1)(a) or (b) of this article, then if Parliament passes the resolution supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all members of Parliament, the President shall cease to hold office.
• (7) For the purposes of the removal of the President on grounds of physical or mental incapacity under clause (1)(c) of this article, there shall be submitted to the Speaker a notice in writing signed by not less than one-third of all the members of Parliament—
  • (a) stating that they intend to move a motion for a resolution in Parliament for the removal of the President from office on grounds of physical or mental incapacity; and
  • (b) giving particulars of the alleged incapacity.
• (8) The Speaker shall, within twenty-four hours after receipt of a notice under clause (7) of this article, cause a copy to be transmitted to the President and the Chief Justice.
• (9) The Chief Justice shall, within seven days after receipt of the notice transmitted under clause (8) of this article and in consultation with the professional head of the medical services in Uganda, constitute a medical board comprising five qualified and eminent medical specialists to examine the President in respect of the alleged incapacity and to report its findings to Parliament.
• (10) The Chief Justice shall, within twenty-four hours after constituting the medical board, inform the President accordingly, and the President shall submit himself or herself to the medical board for examination within seven days.
• (11) If the medical board determines that the President is by reason of physical or mental incapacity unable to perform the functions of the office of President, and Parliament passes the resolution for the removal of the President supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all the members of Parliament, the President shall cease to hold office.
• (12) If the medical board, after the expiration of the period of seven days referred to in clause (10) of this article, reports that the President has failed or refused to submit to the medical board in accordance with that clause, and Parliament passes the resolution for the removal of the President supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all the members of Parliament, the President shall cease to hold office.
• (13) The motion for a resolution for the removal of the President shall be moved in Parliament within fourteen days after the receipt by the Speaker of the report of the tribunal or the medical board.
• (14) The President is entitled to appear in person and be heard and to be assisted or represented by a lawyer or other expert or person of his or her choice during the proceedings of Parliament relating to the motion for a resolution under this article.

108. Vice President.

• (1) There shall be a Vice President of Uganda.
• (2) The President shall, with the approval of Parliament by a simple majority, appoint a Vice President.
• (3) The Vice President shall—
  • (a) deputise for the President as and when the need arises; and
  • (b) perform such other functions as may be assigned to him or her by the President, or as may be conferred on him or her by this Constitution.
• (4) The qualifications prescribed for the office of President by article 102 of this Constitution shall apply to the office of Vice President.
• (5) The office of Vice President shall become vacant if—
  • (a) the appointment is revoked by the President; or
  • (b) the incumbent resigns or dies.
• (6) With the exception of clause (2) of that article, article 106 of this Constitution shall, subject to this Constitution, apply to the Vice President.
• (7) Where the office of Vice President becomes vacant, the President shall, with the approval of Parliament, and as soon as possible but in any case not later than fourteen days, appoint a person qualified to hold the office of Vice President.
• (8) The Vice President shall, before commencing to perform the functions of Vice President, take and subscribe the oath of allegiance and the oath of Vice President, specified in the Fourth Schedule to this Constitution.

109. Absence of the President.

• (1) If the President dies, resigns or is removed from office under this Constitution, the Vice President shall assume the office of President until fresh elections are held and the elected President assumes office in accordance with article 103(8) of this Constitution.
• (2) Elections for the President under this article shall be held within six months after the death, resignation or removal of the President.
• (3) No elections shall be held under this article if the residual term of the President is one year or less.
• (4) Whenever the President is for any reason unable to perform the functions of the office of President, the Vice President shall perform those functions until the President is able again to perform those functions.
• (5) Where the President and the Vice President are both unable to perform the functions of the office of the President, the Speaker shall perform those functions until the President or the Vice President is able to perform those functions or until a new President assumes office.
• (6) The Vice President shall, before assuming the duties of the office

of President under clause (1) of this article, appoint a person to the office of Vice President, subject to the approval of Parliament.

• (7) A person appointed under clause (6) of this article, shall, before assuming the duties of the office of Vice President take and subscribe the oaths in respect of that office under article 108(7) of this Constitution.
• (8) Before assuming the duties of the office of President under clause
• (5) of this article, the Speaker shall take and subscribe the oaths specified in relation to that office in the Fourth Schedule to this Constitution.
• (9) Whenever the Speaker assumes the office of President as a result of the death, resignation or removal of the President and the Vice President, or under the provisions of article 104(7) of this Constitution, a presidential election shall be held in accordance with clause (2) of this article.

110. State of emergency.

• (1) The President may, in consultation with the Cabinet, by proclamation, declare that a state of emergency exists in Uganda, or any part of Uganda if the President is satisfied that circumstances exist in Uganda or in that part of Uganda—
  • (a) in which Uganda or that part of it is threatened by war or external aggression;
  • (b) in which the security or the economic life of the country or that part is threatened by internal insurgency or natural disaster; or
  • (c) which render necessary the taking of measures which are required for securing the public safety, the defence of Uganda and the maintenance of public order and supplies and services essential to the life of the community.
• (2) Subject to the provisions of this article, a state of emergency declared under clause (1) of this article shall remain in existence for not more than ninety days and shall then expire.
• (3) The President shall cause the proclamation declaring the state of emergency to be laid before Parliament for approval as soon as practicable and in any case not later than fourteen days after it was issued.
• (4) A state of emergency may be extended by Parliament for a period not exceeding ninety days at a time.
• (5) The President or Parliament shall, if satisfied that the circumstances for the declaration of the state of emergency have ceased to exist, revoke the proclamation by which the state of emergency was declared.
• (6) During any period when a state of emergency declared under this article exists, the President shall submit to Parliament at such intervals as Parliament may prescribe, regular reports on actions taken by or on behalf of the President for the purposes of the emergency.
• (7) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Parliament shall enact such laws as may be necessary for enabling effective measures to be taken for dealing with any state of emergency that may be declared under this article.
• (8) Any resolution passed by Parliament for the purposes of clause (4) or (5) of this article shall be supported by the votes of more than one-half of all the members of Parliament.

The Cabinet.

111. The Cabinet.

• (1) There shall be a Cabinet which shall consist of the President, the Vice President and such number of Ministers as may appear to the President to be reasonably necessary for the efficient running of the State.
• (2) The functions of the Cabinet shall be to determine, formulate and implement the policy of the Government and to perform such other functions as may be conferred by this Constitution or any other law.
• (3) There shall be a Secretary to the Cabinet who shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Public Service Commission.
• (4) The Secretary to the Cabinet shall have charge of the Cabinet Office and shall be responsible in accordance with such instructions as may be given to him or her by the President, for arranging the business for and keeping the minutes of the Cabinet and for conveying the decisions of the Cabinet to the appropriate person or authority and shall perform such other functions as the President may direct.
• (5) The Secretary to the Cabinet shall, before assuming the duties of his or her office, take and subscribe the oath of allegiance and the oath of Secretary to the Cabinet specified in the Fourth Schedule to this Constitution.

112. Meetings of the Cabinet.

• (1) Cabinet meetings shall be summoned and presided over by the President and in his or her absence, by the Vice President or in the absence of both of them, by a Minister designated in writing by the President.
• (2) The Cabinet shall regulate the procedure of its meetings.

113. Cabinet Ministers.

• (1) Cabinet Ministers shall be appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament from among members of Parliament or persons qualified to be elected members of Parliament.
• (2) The total number of Cabinet Ministers shall not exceed twenty-one except with the approval of Parliament.
• (3) A Cabinet Minister shall have responsibility for such functions of Government as the President may, from time to time, assign to him or her.
• (4) A Minister shall not hold any office of profit or emolument likely to compromise his or her office.

114. Other Ministers.

• (1) The President may, with the approval of Parliament, appoint other Ministers to assist Cabinet Ministers in the performance of their functions.
• (2) Subject to the provisions of this article, article 113(1) of this Constitution shall apply to the appointment of Ministers under clause (1) of this article.
• (3) The total number of Ministers appointed under this article shall not exceed twenty-one except with the approval of Parliament.
• (4) A Minister referred to in this article shall have responsibility for such functions of the Ministry to which he or she is appointed as the President may, from time to time, assign to him or her, and in the absence of the Cabinet Minister in his or her Ministry shall perform the functions of the Cabinet Minister as the President directs.
• (5) Article 113(4) of this Constitution applies to a Minister referred to in clause (1) of this article.

115. Oath of Minister.

• A Minister shall, before assuming the duties of office take and subscribe the oath of allegiance and the oath of Minister specified in the Fourth Schedule to this Constitution.

116. Vacation of office of Minister.

• The office of a Minister shall become vacant—
  • (a) if the appointment of the holder of the office is revoked by the President; or
  • (b) if the holder—
    • (i) resigns;
    • (ii) becomes disqualified to be a member of Parliament; or
    • (iii) dies.

117. Responsibility of Ministers.

• Ministers shall individually be accountable to the President for the administration of their Ministries and collectively be responsible for any decision made by the Cabinet.

118. Vote of censure.

• (1) Parliament may, by resolution supported by more than half of all members of Parliament, pass a vote of censure against a Minister on any of the following grounds—
  • (a) abuse of office or wilful violation of the oath of allegiance or oath of office;
  • (b) misconduct or misbehaviour;
  • (c) physical or mental incapacity, namely, that he or she is incapable of performing the functions of his or her office by reason of physical or mental incapacity;
  • (d) mismanagement; or
  • (e) incompetence.
• (2) Upon a vote of censure being passed against a Minister, the President shall, unless the Minister resigns his or her office, take appropriate action in the matter.
• (3) Proceedings for censure of a Minister shall be initiated by a petition to the President through the Speaker signed by not less than one-third of all members of Parliament giving notice that they are dissatisfied with the conduct or performance of the Minister and intend to move a motion for a resolution of censure and setting out particulars of the grounds in support of the motion.
• (4) The President shall, upon receipt of the petition, cause a copy of it to be given to the Minister in question.
• (5) The motion for the resolution of censure shall not be debated until the expiry of thirty days after the petition was sent to the President.
• (6) A Minister in respect of whom a vote of censure is debated under clause (5) of this article is entitled during the debate to be heard in his or her defence.

119. Attorney General.

• (1) There shall be an Attorney General who shall be a Cabinet Minister appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament.
• (2) A person shall not be qualified to be appointed Attorney General unless he or she is qualified to practise as an advocate of the High Court and has so practised or gained the necessary experience for not less than ten years.
• (3) The Attorney General shall be the principal legal adviser of the Government.
• (4) The functions of the Attorney General shall include the following—
  • (a) to give legal advice and legal services to the Government on any subject;
  • (b) to draw and peruse agreements, contracts, treaties, conventions and documents by whatever name called, to which the Government is a party or in respect of which the Government has an interest;
  • (c) to represent the Government in courts or any other legal proceedings to which the Government is a party; and
  • (d) to perform such other functions as may be assigned to him or her by the President or by law.
• (5) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, no agreement, contract, treaty, convention or document by whatever name called, to which the Government is a party or in respect of which the Government has an interest, shall be concluded without legal advice from the Attorney General, except in such cases and subject to such conditions as Parliament may by law prescribe.
• (6) Until Parliament makes the law referred to in clause (5) of this article, the Attorney General may, by statutory instrument, exempt any particular category of agreement or contract none of the parties to which is a foreign government or its agency or an international organisation from the application of that clause.

Director of Public Prosecutions.

120. Director of Public Prosecutions.

• (1) There shall be a Director of Public Prosecutions appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission and with the approval of Parliament.
• (2) A person is not qualified to be appointed Director of Public Prosecutions unless he or she is qualified to be appointed a judge of the High Court.
• (3) The functions of the Director of Public Prosecutions are the following—
  • (a) to direct the police to investigate any information of a criminal nature and to report to him or her expeditiously;
  • (b) to institute criminal proceedings against any person or authority in any court with competent jurisdiction other than a court martial;
  • (c) to take over and continue any criminal proceedings instituted by any other person or authority;
  • (d) to discontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered, any criminal proceedings to which this article relates, instituted by himself or herself or any other person or authority; except that the Director of Public Prosecutions shall not discontinue any proceedings commenced by another person or authority except with the consent of the court.
• (4) The functions conferred on the Director of Public Prosecutions under clause (3) of this article—
  • (a) may, in the case of the functions under clause (3)(a), (b) and (c) of this article, be exercised by him or her in person or by officers authorised by him or her in accordance with general or specified instructions; and
  • (b) shall, in the case of the functions under paragraph (d) of that clause, be exercised by him or her exclusively.
• (5) In exercising his or her powers under this article, the Director of Public Prosecutions shall have regard to the public interest, the interest of the administration of justice and the need to prevent abuse of legal process.
• (6) In the exercise of the functions conferred on him or her by this article, the Director of Public Prosecutions shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.
• (7) The Director of Public Prosecutions shall have the same terms and conditions of service as those of a High Court judge.

Prerogative of mercy.

121. Prerogative of mercy.

• (1) There shall be an Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy which shall consist of—
  • (a) the Attorney General who shall be the chairperson; and
  • (b) six prominent citizens of Uganda appointed by the President.
• (2) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a member of the committee if he or she is a member of Parliament, the Uganda Law Society or a district council.
• (3) A member appointed under clause (1)(b) of this article shall serve

for a period of four years and shall cease to be a member of the committee—

• • (a) if circumstances arise that would disqualify him or her from appointment; or
  • (b) if removed by the President for inability to perform the functions of his or her office arising from infirmity of body or mind or for misbehaviour, misconduct or incompetence.
• (4) The President may, on the advice of the committee—
  • (a) grant to any person convicted of an offence a pardon either free or subject to lawful conditions;
  • (b) grant to a person a respite, either indefinite or for a specified period, from the execution of punishment imposed on him or her for an offence;
  • (c) substitute a less severe form of punishment for a punishment imposed on a person for an offence; or
  • (d) remit the whole or part of a punishment imposed on a person or of a penalty or forfeiture otherwise due to Government on account of any offence.
• (5) Where a person is sentenced to death for an offence, a written report of the case from the trial judge or judges or person presiding over the court or tribunal, together with such other information derived from the record of the case or elsewhere as may be necessary, shall be submitted to the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
• (6) A reference in this article to conviction or imposition of a punishment, sentence or forfeiture includes conviction or imposition of a punishment, penalty, sentence or forfeiture by a court martial or other military tribunal except a field court martial.

International relations.

122. Diplomatic representation.

• (1) The President may, with the approval of Parliament, appoint ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions.
• (2) The President may receive envoys accredited to Uganda.

123. Execution of treaties, conventions and agreements.

• (1) The President or a person authorised by the President may make treaties, conventions, agreements or other arrangements between Uganda and any other country or between Uganda and any international organisation or body, in respect of any matter.
• (2) Parliament shall make laws to govern ratification of treaties, conventions, agreements or other arrangements made under clause (1) of this article.

Declaration of a state of war.

124. Declaration of a state of war.

• (1) The President may, with the approval of Parliament, given by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of all the members of Parliament, declare that a state of war exists between Uganda and any other country.
• (2) Where it is impracticable to seek the approval of Parliament before declaration of a state of war, the President may declare a state of war without the approval but shall seek the approval immediately after the declaration and in any case not later than seventy-two hours after the declaration.
• (3) Where the President makes the declaration of a state of war under clause (2) when Parliament is in recess, the Speaker shall immediately summon Parliament to an emergency session to sit within seventy-two hours after the declaration of a state of war.
• (4) The President may, with the approval of Parliament, given by resolution, revoke a declaration of a state of war made under clause (1) or (2) of this article.

National Planning Authority.

125. National Planning Authority.

• There shall be a National Planning Authority whose composition and functions shall be prescribed by Parliament.

Chapter Eight—The Judiciary.

Administration of justice.

126. Exercise of judicial power.

• (1) Judicial power is derived from the people and shall be exercised by the courts established under this Constitution in the name of the people and in conformity with law and with the values, norms and aspirations of the people.
• (2) In adjudicating cases of both a civil and criminal nature, the courts shall, subject to the law, apply the following principles—
  • (a) justice shall be done to all irrespective of their social or economic status;
  • (b) justice shall not be delayed;
  • (c) adequate compensation shall be awarded to victims of wrongs;
  • (d) reconciliation between parties shall be promoted; and
  • (e) substantive justice shall be administered without undue regard to technicalities.

127. Participation of the people in the administration of justice. Parliament shall make law providing for participation of the people in the administration of justice by the courts. 128. Independence of the judiciary.

• (1) In the exercise of judicial power, the courts shall be independent and shall not be subject to the control or direction of any person or authority.
• (2) No person or authority shall interfere with the courts or judicial officers in the exercise of their judicial functions.
• (3) All organs and agencies of the State shall accord to the courts such assistance as may be required to ensure the effectiveness of the courts.
• (4) A person exercising judicial power shall not be liable to any action or suit for any act or omission by that person in the exercise of judicial power.
• (5) The administrative expenses of the judiciary, including all salaries, allowances, gratuities and pensions payable to or in respect of persons serving in the judiciary, shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund.
• (6) The judiciary shall be self-accounting and may deal directly with the Ministry responsible for finance in relation to its finances.
• (7) The salary, allowances, privileges and retirement benefits and other conditions of service of a judicial officer or other person exercising judicial power shall not be varied to his or her disadvantage.
• (8) The office of the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, Principal Judge, a justice of the Supreme Court, a justice of Appeal or a judge of the High Court shall not be abolished when there is a substantive holder of that office.

The courts of judicature.

129. The courts of judicature.

• (1) The judicial power of Uganda shall be exercised by the courts of judicature which shall consist of—
  • (a) the Supreme Court of Uganda;
  • (b) the Court of Appeal of Uganda;
  • (c) the High Court of Uganda; and
  • (d) such subordinate courts as Parliament may by law establish, including qadhis’ courts for marriage, divorce, inheritance of property and guardianship, as may be prescribed by Parliament.
• (2) The Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court of Uganda shall be superior courts of record and shall each have all the powers of such a court.
• (3) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Parliament may make provision for the jurisdiction and procedure of the courts.

The Supreme Court of Uganda.

130. Supreme Court of Uganda. The Supreme Court shall consist of—

• • (a) the Chief Justice; and
  • (b) such number of justices of the Supreme Court, not being less than six, as Parliament may by law prescribe.

131. Composition of the Supreme Court.

• (1) The Supreme Court shall be duly constituted at any sitting if it consists of an uneven number not being less than five members of the court.
• (2) When hearing appeals from decisions of the Court of Appeal sitting as a constitutional court, the Supreme Court shall consist of a full bench of all members of the Supreme Court; and where any of them is not able to attend, the President shall, for that purpose, appoint an acting justice under article 142(2) of this Constitution.
• (3) The Chief Justice shall preside at each sitting of the Supreme Court, and in the absence of the Chief Justice, the most senior member of the court as constituted shall preside.

132. Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

• (1) The Supreme Court shall be the final court of appeal.
• (2) An appeal shall lie to the Supreme Court from such decisions of the Court of Appeal as may be prescribed by law.
• (3) Any party aggrieved by a decision of the Court of Appeal sitting as a constitutional court is entitled to appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision; and accordingly, an appeal shall lie to the Supreme Court under clause (2) of this article.
• (4) The Supreme Court may, while treating its own previous decisions as normally binding, depart from a previous decision when it appears to it right to do so; and all other courts shall be bound to follow the decisions of the Supreme Court on questions of law.

133. Administrative functions of the Chief Justice.

• (1) The Chief Justice—
  • (a) shall be the head of the judiciary and shall be responsible for the administration and supervision of all courts in Uganda; and
  • (b) may issue orders and directions to the courts necessary for the proper and efficient administration of justice.
• (2) Where the office of the Chief Justice is vacant or where the Chief Justice is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his or her office, then until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of that office or until the Chief Justice has resumed the performance of those functions, those functions shall be performed by the Deputy Chief Justice.

The Court of Appeal of Uganda.

134. Court of Appeal of Uganda.

• (1) The Court of Appeal of Uganda shall consist of—
  • (a) the Deputy Chief Justice; and
  • (b) such number of justices of Appeal not being less than seven as Parliament may by law prescribe.
• (2) An appeal shall lie to the Court of Appeal from such decisions of the High Court as may be prescribed by law.

135. Composition of the Court of Appeal.

• (1) The Court of Appeal shall be duly constituted at any sitting if it consists of an uneven number not being less than three members of the court.
• (2) The Deputy Chief Justice shall preside at each sitting of the court and in the absence of the Deputy Chief Justice, the most senior member of the court as constituted shall preside.
• (3) The Chief Justice, in consultation with the Deputy Chief Justice, may create divisions of the Court of Appeal as the Chief Justice may consider necessary—
  • (a) consisting of such numbers of justices of Appeal as may be assigned to them by the Chief Justice;
  • (b) sitting at such places in Uganda as the Chief Justice may, after

consultation with the Attorney General, by statutory order, determine. 136. Administrative functions of the Deputy Chief Justice.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of article 133 of this Constitution, the Deputy Chief Justice shall—
  • (a) deputise for the Chief Justice as and when the need arises;
  • (b) be the head of the Court of Appeal and in that capacity assist the Chief Justice in the administration of that court; and
  • (c) perform such other functions as may be delegated or assigned to him or her by the Chief Justice.
• (2) Where—
  • (a) the office of the Deputy Chief Justice is vacant;
  • (b) the Deputy Chief Justice is acting as Chief Justice; or
  • (c) the Deputy Chief Justice is for any reason unable to perform the

functions of his or her office, then, until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of the office of the Deputy Chief Justice, those functions shall be performed by a justice of the Supreme Court or a justice of Appeal designated by the President, after consultation with the Chief Justice, or the acting Chief Justice, as the case may be.

The constitutional court.

137. Questions as to the interpretation of the Constitution.

• (1) Any question as to the interpretation of this Constitution shall be determined by the Court of Appeal sitting as the constitutional court.
• (2) When sitting as a constitutional court, the Court of Appeal shall consist of a bench of five members of that court.
• (3) A person who alleges that—
  • (a) an Act of Parliament or any other law or anything in or done under the authority of any law; or
  • (b) any act or omission by any person or authority, is inconsistent with or in contravention of a provision of this Constitution, may petition the constitutional court for a declaration to that effect, and for redress where appropriate.
• (4) Where upon determination of the petition under clause (3) of this article the constitutional court considers that there is need for redress in addition to the declaration sought, the constitutional court may—
  • (a) grant an order of redress; or
  • (b) refer the matter to the High Court to investigate and determine the appropriate redress.
• (5) Where any question as to the interpretation of this Constitution arises in any proceedings in a court of law other than a field court martial, the court—
  • (a) may, if it is of the opinion that the question involves a substantial question of law; and
  • (b) shall, if any party to the proceedings requests it to do so, refer the question to the constitutional court for decision in accordance with clause (1) of this article.
• (6) Where any question is referred to the constitutional court under clause (5) of this article, the constitutional court shall give its decision on the question, and the court in which the question arises shall dispose of the case in accordance with that decision.
• (7) Upon a petition being made or a question being referred under this article, the Court of Appeal shall proceed to hear and determine the petition as soon as possible and may, for that purpose, suspend any other matter pending before it.

The High Court of Uganda.

138. High Court of Uganda.

• (1) The High Court of Uganda shall consist of—
  • (a) the Principal Judge; and
  • (b) such number of judges of the High Court as may be prescribed by Parliament.
• (2) The High Court shall sit in such places as the Chief Justice may, in consultation with the Principal Judge, appoint; and in so doing, the Chief Justice shall, as far as practicable, ensure that the High Court is accessible to all the people.

139. Jurisdiction of the High Court.

• (1) The High Court shall, subject to the provisions of this Constitution, have unlimited original jurisdiction in all matters and such appellate and other jurisdiction as may be conferred on it by this Constitution or other law.
• (2) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and any other law, the decisions of any court lower than the High Court shall be appealable to the High Court.

140. Hearing of election cases.

• (1) Where any question is before the High Court for determination under article 86(1) of this Constitution, the High Court shall proceed to hear and determine the question expeditiously and may, for that purpose, suspend any other matter pending before it.
• (2) This article shall apply in a similar manner to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court when hearing and determining appeals on questions referred to in clause (1) of this article.

141. Administrative functions of the Principal Judge.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of article 133 of this Constitution, the Principal Judge shall—
  • (a) be the head of the High Court, and shall, in that capacity, assist the Chief Justice in the administration of the High Court and subordinate courts; and
  • (b) perform such other functions as may be delegated or assigned to him or her by the Chief Justice.
• (2) Where—
  • (a) the office of Principal Judge is vacant; or
  • (b) the Principal Judge is for any reason unable to perform the

functions of his or her office, then, until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of that office, or until the Principal Judge has resumed those functions, those functions shall be performed by a judge of the High Court designated by the President after consultation with the Chief Justice.

Appointments, qualifications and tenure of office of judicial officers.

142. Appointment of judicial officers.

• (1) The Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice, the Principal Judge, a justice of the Supreme Court, a justice of Appeal and a judge of the High Court shall be appointed by the President acting on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission and with the approval of Parliament.
• (2) Where—
  • (a) the office of a justice of the Supreme Court or a justice of Appeal or a judge of the High Court is vacant;
  • (b) a justice of the Supreme Court or a justice of Appeal or a judge of the High Court is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his or her office; or
  • (c) the Chief Justice advises the Judicial Service Commission that the state of business in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal or the High Court so requires,

the President may, acting on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, appoint a person qualified for appointment as a justice of the Supreme Court or a Justice of Appeal or a judge of the High Court to act as such a justice or judge even though that person has attained the age prescribed for retirement in respect of that office.

• (3) A person appointed under clause (2) of this article to act as a justice of the Supreme Court, a justice of Appeal or a judge of the High Court shall continue to act for the period of the appointment or, if no period is specified, until the appointment is revoked by the President acting on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, whichever is the earlier.

143. Qualifications for appointment of judicial officers.

• (1) A person shall be qualified for appointment as—
  • (a) Chief Justice, if he or she has served as a justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda or of a court having similar jurisdiction or has practised as an advocate for a period not less than twenty years before a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters;
  • (b) Deputy Chief Justice or Principal Judge, if he or she has served as a justice of the Supreme Court or as a justice of Appeal or as a judge of the High Court or a court of similar jurisdiction to such a court or has practised as an advocate for a period not less than fifteen years before a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters;
  • (c) a justice of the Supreme Court if he or she has served as a justice of Appeal or a judge of the High Court or a court of similar jurisdiction to such a court or has practised as an advocate for a period not less than fifteen years before a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters;
  • (d) a justice of Appeal, if he or she has served as a judge of the High Court or a court having similar or higher jurisdiction or has practised as an advocate for a period not less than ten years before a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters or is a distinguished jurist and an advocate of not less than ten years’ standing;
  • (e) a judge of the High Court, if he or she is or has been a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or has practised as an advocate for a period not less than ten years before a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters.
• (2) Any period during which a person has practised as a public officer holding an office for which qualification as an advocate is required shall be counted in the calculation of any period of practice required under clause (1) of this article even though that person does not have a practising certificate.

144. Tenure of office of judicial officers.

• (1) A judicial officer may retire at any time after attaining the age of sixty years, and shall vacate his or her office—
  • (a) in the case of the Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice, a justice of the Supreme Court and a justice of Appeal, on attaining the age of seventy years; and
  • (b) in the case of the Principal Judge and a judge of the High Court, on attaining the age of sixty-five years; or
  • (c) in each case, subject to article 128(7) this Constitution, on attaining such other age as may be prescribed by Parliament by law;

but a judicial officer may continue in office after attaining the age at which he or she is required by this clause to vacate office, for a period not exceeding three months necessary to enable him or her to complete any work pending before him or her.

• (2) A judicial officer may be removed from office only for—
  • (a) inability to perform the functions of his or her office arising from infirmity of body or mind;
  • (b) misbehaviour or misconduct; or
  • (c) incompetence, but only in accordance with the provisions of this article.
• (3) The President shall remove a judicial officer if the question of his or her removal has been referred to a tribunal appointed under clause (4) of this article and the tribunal has recommended to the President that he or she ought to be removed from office on any ground described in clause (2) of this article.
• (4) The question whether the removal of a judicial officer should be investigated shall be referred to the President by either the Judicial Service Commission or the Cabinet with advice that the President should appoint a tribunal; and the President shall then appoint a tribunal consisting of—
  • (a) in the case of the Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice or the Principal Judge, five persons who are or have been justices of the Supreme Court or are or have been judges of a court having similar jurisdiction or who are advocates of at least twenty years’ standing;
  • (b) in the case of a justice of the Supreme Court or a justice of Appeal, three persons who are or have been justices of the Supreme Court or who are or have been judges of a court of similar jurisdiction or who are advocates of at least fifteen years’ standing; or
  • (c) in the case of a judge of the High Court, three persons who are or have held office as judges of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from such a court or who are advocates of at least ten years’ standing.
• (5) If the question of removing a judicial officer is referred to a tribunal under this article, the President shall suspend the judicial officer from performing the functions of his or her office.
• (6) A suspension under clause (5) of this article shall cease to have effect if the tribunal advises the President that the judicial officer suspended

should not be removed.

• (7) For the purposes of this article, "judicial officer" means the Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice, the Principal Judge, a justice of the Supreme Court, a justice of Appeal or a judge of the High Court.

145. Registrars.

• (1) There shall be in the judiciary the office of Chief Registrar and such number of registrars as Parliament may by law prescribe.
• (2) The Chief Registrar and a registrar shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.

Judicial Service Commission.

146. Judicial Service Commission.

• (1) There shall be a Judicial Service Commission.
• (2) The Judicial Service Commission shall, subject to clause (3) of this article, consist of the following persons who shall be appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament—
  • (a) a chairperson and a deputy chairperson who shall be persons qualified to be appointed as justices of the Supreme Court, other than the Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice and the Principal Judge;
  • (b) one person nominated by the Public Service Commission;
  • (c) two advocates of not less than fifteen years’ standing nominated by the Uganda Law Society;
  • (d) one judge of the Supreme Court nominated by the President in consultation with the judges of the Supreme Court, the justices of Appeal and judges of the High Court; and
  • (e) two members of the public, who shall not be lawyers, nominated by the President.
• (3) The Attorney General shall be an ex officio member of the commission.
• (4) The Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice and Principal Judge shall not be appointed to be chairperson, deputy chairperson or a member of

the Judicial Service Commission.

• (5) A person is not qualified to be appointed a member of the Judicial Service Commission unless the person is of high moral character and proven integrity.
• (6) The office of chairperson shall be full time, and a person shall not engage in private legal practice while holding that office.
• (7) Subject to the provisions of this article, a member of the Judicial Service Commission shall vacate his or her office—
  • (a) at the expiration of four years from the date of his or her appointment but is eligible for reappointment for one more term;
  • (b) if he or she is elected or appointed to any office determined by Parliament to be likely to compromise the independence of the Judicial Service Commission; or
  • (c) on being removed by the President; but the President may only remove a member for inability to perform the functions of his or her office arising from infirmity of body or mind or for misbehaviour, misconduct or incompetence.
• (8) There shall be a secretary to the Judicial Service Commission who shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Public Service Commission.

147. Functions of the Judicial Service Commission.

• (1) The functions of the Judicial Service Commission are—
  • (a) to advise the President in the exercise of the President’s power to appoint persons to hold or act in any office specified in clause (3) of this article, which includes power to confirm appointments, to exercise disciplinary control over such persons and to remove them from office;
  • (b) subject to the provisions of this Constitution, to review and make recommendations on the terms and conditions of service of judges and other judicial officers;
  • (c) to prepare and implement programmes for the education of, and for the dissemination of information to judicial officers and the public about law and the administration of justice;
  • (d) to receive and process people’s recommendations and complaints concerning the judiciary and the administration of justice and,

generally, to act as a link between the people and the judiciary;

• • (e) to advise the Government on improving the administration of justice; and
  • (f) any other function prescribed by this Constitution or by Parliament.
• (2) In the performance of its functions, the Judicial Service Commission shall be independent and shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.
• (3) The offices referred to in clause (1)(a) of this article are—
  • (a) the office of the Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice, the Principal Judge, a justice of the Supreme Court, a justice of Appeal and a judge of the High Court; and
  • (b) the office of the Chief Registrar and a registrar.

148. Appointment of other judicial officers. Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Judicial Service Commission may appoint persons to hold or act in any judicial office other than the offices specified in article 147(3) of this Constitution and confirm appointments in and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices and remove such persons from office. 149. Judicial oath. Every judicial officer shall, before assuming the duties of his or her office, take and subscribe the oath of allegiance and the judicial oath specified in the Fourth Schedule to this Constitution. 150. Power to make laws relating to the judiciary.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Parliament may make laws providing for the structures, procedures and functions of the judiciary.
• (2) Without prejudice to clause (1) of this article, Parliament may make laws for regulating and facilitating the discharge by the President and the Judicial Service Commission of their functions under this Chapter.

151. Interpretation. In this Chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, "judicial officer" means—

• • (a) a judge or any person who presides over a court or tribunal howsoever described;
  • (b) the Chief Registrar or a registrar of a court;
  • (c) such other person holding any office connected with a court as may be prescribed by law.

Chapter Nine—Finance.

General.

152. Taxation.

• (1) No tax shall be imposed except under the authority of an Act of Parliament.
• (2) Where a law enacted under clause (1) of this article confers powers on any person or authority to waive or vary a tax imposed by that law, that person or authority shall report to Parliament periodically on the exercise of those powers, as shall be determined by law.
• (3) Parliament shall make laws to establish tax tribunals for the purposes of settling tax disputes.

153. Consolidated Fund.

• (1) There shall be a Consolidated Fund into which shall be paid all revenues or other monies raised or received for the purpose of, or on behalf of, or in trust for the Government.
• (2) The revenues or other monies referred to in clause (1) of this article shall not include revenues or other monies—
  • (a) that are payable by or under an Act of Parliament, into some other fund established for a specific purpose; or
  • (b) that may, under an Act of Parliament, be retained by the department of Government that received them for the purposes of defraying the expenses of that department.

154. Withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund.

• (1) No monies shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund except—
  • (a) to meet expenditure charged on the fund by this Constitution or by an Act of Parliament; or
  • (b) where the issue of those monies has been authorised by an Appropriation Act, a Supplementary Appropriation Act or as provided under clause (4) of this article.
• (2) No monies shall be withdrawn from any public fund of Uganda other than the Consolidated Fund, unless the issue of those monies has been authorised by law.
• (3) No monies shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund unless the withdrawal has been approved by the Auditor General and in the manner prescribed by Parliament.
• (4) If the President is satisfied that the Appropriation Act in respect of any financial year will not or has not come into operation by the beginning of that financial year, the President may, subject to the provisions of this article, authorise the issue of monies from the Consolidated Fund Account for the purposes of meeting expenditure necessary to carry on the services of the Government until the expiration of four months from the beginning of that financial year or the coming into operation of the Appropriation Act, whichever is the earlier.
• (5) Any sum issued in any financial year from the Consolidated Fund Account under clause (4) of this article in respect of any service of the Government—
  • (a) shall not exceed the amount shown as required on account in respect of that service in the vote on account approved by Parliament by resolution for that financial year; and
  • (b) shall be set off against the amount provided in respect of that service in the Appropriation Act for that financial year when that law comes into operation.

155. Financial year estimates.

• (1) The President shall cause to be prepared and laid before Parliament in each financial year, but in any case not later than the fifteenth day before the commencement of the financial year, estimates of revenues and expenditure of Government for the next financial year.
• (2) The head of any self-accounting department, commission or organisation set up under this Constitution shall cause to be submitted to the President at least two months before the end of each financial year estimates of administrative and development expenditure and estimates of revenues of the respective department, commission or organisation for the following year.
• (3) The estimates prepared under clause (2) of this article shall be laid before Parliament by the President under clause (1) of this article without revision but with any recommendations that the Government may have on them.
• (4) At any time before Parliament considers the estimates of revenues and expenditure laid before it by or on the authority of the President, an appropriate committee of Parliament may discuss and review the estimates and make appropriate recommendations to Parliament.
• (5) Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (1) of this article, the President may cause to be prepared and laid before Parliament—
  • (a) fiscal and monetary programmes and plans for economic and social development covering periods exceeding one year;
  • (b) estimates of revenues and expenditure covering periods exceeding one year.
• (6) Parliament may make laws for giving effect to the provisions of this article.

156. Appropriation Bill.

• (1) The heads of expenditure contained in the estimates, other than expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund by this Constitution or any Act of Parliament, shall be included in a bill to be known as an Appropriation Bill which shall be introduced into Parliament to provide for the issue from the Consolidated Fund of the sums necessary to meet that expenditure and the appropriation of those sums for the purposes specified in the bill.
• (2) If in respect of any financial year it is found—
  • (a) that the amount appropriated for any purpose under the Appropriation Act is insufficient or that a need has arisen for expenditure for a purpose for which no amount has been appropriated by that Act; or
  • (b) that any monies have been expended for any purpose in excess of the amount appropriated for that purpose or for a purpose for which no amount has been appropriated by that Act,

a supplementary estimate showing the sums required or spent shall be laid down before Parliament and in the case of excess expenditure, within four months after the money is spent.

• (3) Where, in respect of any financial year, a supplementary estimate or supplementary estimates have been approved by Parliament in accordance with clause (2) of this article, a supplementary Appropriation Bill shall be introduced into Parliament in the financial year next following that financial year to which the estimates relate, providing for the appropriation of the sums so approved for the purposes specified in those estimates.

157. Contingencies Fund. Parliament shall make provision for the establishment of a Contingencies Fund and shall make laws to regulate the operations of that fund. 158. Offices the remuneration of which is charged on the Consolidated Fund.

• (1) Where any salary or allowance of the holder of any office is charged on the Consolidated Fund, it shall not be altered to his or her disadvantage after he or she has been appointed to that office.
• (2) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Parliament shall prescribe the offices, the salaries and allowances in respect of which are charged on the Consolidated Fund by this Constitution.

159. Power of Government to borrow or lend.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Government may borrow from any source.
• (2) Government shall not borrow, guarantee, or raise a loan on behalf of itself or any other public institution, authority or person except as authorised by or under an Act of Parliament.
• (3) An Act of Parliament made under clause (2) of this article shall provide—
  • (a) that the terms and conditions of the loan shall be laid before Parliament and shall not come into operation unless they have been approved by a resolution of Parliament; and
  • (b) that any monies received in respect of that loan shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund and form part of that fund or into some other public fund which is existing or is created for the purpose of the loan.
• (4) The President shall, at such times as Parliament may determine, cause to be presented to Parliament such information concerning any loan as is necessary to show—
  • (a) the extent of the total indebtedness by way of principal and accumulated interest;
  • (b) the provision made for servicing or repayment of the loan; and
  • (c) the utilisation and performance of the loan.
• (5) Parliament may, by resolution, authorise the Government to enter into an agreement for the giving of a loan or a grant out of any public fund or public account.
• (6) An agreement entered into under clause (5) of this article shall be laid before Parliament and shall not come into operation unless it has been approved by Parliament by resolution.
• (7) For the purposes of this article, the expression "loan" includes any money lent or given to or by the Government on condition of return or repayment and any other form of borrowing or lending in respect of which—
  • (a) monies from the Consolidated Fund or any other public fund may be used for payment or repayment; or
  • (b) monies from any fund by whatever name called, established for the purposes of payment or repayment whether in whole or in part and whether directly or indirectly, may be used for payment or repayment.
• (8) Parliament may by law exempt any categories of loans from the provisions of clauses (2) and (3) of this article, subject to such conditions as Parliament may prescribe.

160. Public debt.

• (1) The public debt of Uganda shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund and other public funds of Uganda.
• (2) For the purposes of this article, the public debt includes the interest on that debt, sinking fund payments in respect of that debt and the costs, charges and expenses incidental to the management of that debt.

Central Bank of Uganda.

161. The central bank.

• (1) The Bank of Uganda shall be the central bank of Uganda and it shall be the only authority to issue the currency of Uganda.
• (2) The authority of the Bank of Uganda shall vest in a board which shall consist of a governor, a deputy governor and not more than five other members.
• (3) The governor, the deputy governor and all other members of the board shall—
  • (a) be appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament;
  • (b) hold office for a term of five years but shall be eligible for reappointment.
• (4) The office of governor and deputy governor shall each be a public office, and the governor and deputy governor shall respectively be chairperson and deputy chairperson of the board.
• (5) The governor, the deputy governor or any other member of the board may be removed from office by the President only for—
  • (a) inability to perform the functions of his or her office arising from infirmity of body or mind;
  • (b) misbehaviour or misconduct; or
  • (c) incompetence.

162. Functions of the bank.

• (1) The Bank of Uganda shall—
  • (a) promote and maintain the stability of the value of the currency of Uganda;
  • (b) regulate the currency system in the interest of the economic progress of Uganda;
  • (c) encourage and promote economic development and the efficient utilisation of the resources of Uganda through effective and efficient operation of a banking and credit system; and
  • (d) do all such other things not inconsistent with this article as may be prescribed by law.
• (2) In performing its functions, the Bank of Uganda shall conform to this Constitution but shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.
• (3) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Parliament may make laws prescribing and regulating the functions of the Bank of Uganda.

Auditor General.

163. Auditor General.

• (1) There shall be an Auditor General who shall be appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament and whose office shall be a public office.
• (2) A person shall not be appointed Auditor General unless that person—
  • (a) is a qualified accountant of not less than fifteen years’ standing; and
  • (b) is a person of high moral character and proven integrity.
• (3) The Auditor General shall—
  • (a) audit and report on the public accounts of Uganda and of all public offices, including the courts, the central and local government administrations, universities and public institutions of like nature, and any public corporation or other bodies or organisations established by an Act of Parliament; and
  • (b) conduct financial and value for money audits in respect of any project involving public funds.
• (4) The Auditor General shall submit to Parliament annually a report of the accounts audited by him or her under clause (3) of this article for the financial year immediately preceding.
• (5) Parliament shall, within six months after the submission of the report referred to in clause (4) of this article, debate and consider the report and take appropriate action.
• (6) Subject to clause (7) of this article, in performing his or her functions, the Auditor General shall not be under the direction or control of any person or authority.
• (7) The President may, acting in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet, require the Auditor General to audit the accounts of any body or organisation referred to in clause (3) of this article.
• (8) The salary and allowances payable to the Auditor General shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund.
• (9) The accounts of the office of the Auditor General shall be audited and reported upon by an auditor appointed by Parliament.
• (10) The Auditor General may be removed from office by the President only for—
  • (a) inability to perform the functions of his or her office arising from infirmity of body or mind;
  • (b) misbehaviour or misconduct; or
  • (c) incompetence.

164. Accountability.

• (1) The Permanent Secretary or the accounting officer in charge of a Ministry or department shall be accountable to Parliament for the funds in that Ministry or department.
• (2) Any person holding a political or public office who directs or concurs in the use of public funds contrary to existing instructions shall be accountable for any loss arising from that use and shall be required to make good the loss even if he or she has ceased to hold that office.
• (3) Parliament shall monitor all expenditure of public funds.

Chapter Ten—The Public Service.

Public Service Commission.

165. Public Service Commission.

• (1) There shall be a Public Service Commission.
• (2) The commission shall consist of a chairperson, a deputy chairperson and seven other members appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament.
• (3) A person is not qualified to be appointed a member of the commission unless he or she is of high moral character and proven integrity.
• (4) A person holding any of the following offices shall relinquish his or her position in that office on appointment as a member of the commission—
  • (a) a member of Parliament;
  • (b) a member of a local government council;
  • (c) a member of the executive of a political party or political organisation; or
  • (d) a public officer.
• (5) A member of the commission shall hold office for a term of four years but is eligible for reappointment; except that of the first members appointed under this Constitution, four shall be appointed to hold office for three years which shall be specified in the instruments of appointment.
• (6) The emoluments of the members of the commission shall be prescribed by Parliament and shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund.
• (7) In the absence of both the chairperson and the deputy chairperson, the President may designate one of the members to act as chairperson.
• (8) A member of the commission may be removed from office by the President only for—
  • (a) inability to perform the functions of his or her office arising from infirmity of body or mind;
  • (b) misbehaviour or misconduct; or
  • (c) incompetence.

166. Functions of the Public Service Commission.

• (1) Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, the functions of the Public Service Commission include—
  • (a) to advise the President in performing his or her functions under article 172 of this Constitution;
  • (b) to appoint, promote and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding office in the public service of Uganda as provided in article 172 of this Constitution;
  • (c) to review the terms and conditions of service, standing orders, training and qualifications of public officers and matters connected with personnel management and development of the public service and make recommendations on them to the Government;
  • (d) to guide and coordinate district service commissions;
  • (e) to hear and determine grievances from persons appointed by district service commissions; and
  • (f) to perform such other functions as may be prescribed by this Constitution or any other law.
• (2) In the exercise of its functions, the Public Service Commission shall be independent and shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority; except that it shall take into account government policy relating to the public service.
• (3) The commission shall make a report to Parliament in respect of each year, on the performance of its functions.
• (4) Parliament shall, by law, empower the Public Service Commission to make regulations for the effective and efficient performance of its functions under this Constitution or any other law.

Education Service Commission.

167. Education Service Commission.

• (1) There shall be an Education Service Commission.
• (2) The commission shall consist of a chairperson and six other

members appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament.

• (3) The President shall appoint not more than two members of the commission as deputy chairpersons of the commission.
• (4) A person is not qualified to be a member of the commission unless he or she is of high moral character and proven integrity and has substantial experience in the field of education.
• (5) A person holding any of the following offices shall relinquish his or her position in that office on appointment as a member of the commission—
  • (a) a member of Parliament;
  • (b) a member of a local government council;
  • (c) a member of the executive of a political party or political organisation;
  • (d) a member of any board or other authority responsible for the management of any school or college; or
  • (e) a public officer.
• (6) A member of the Education Service Commission shall hold office for four years but is eligible for reappointment; except that of the first members appointed under this Constitution, three shall be appointed to hold office for three years which shall be specified in the instruments of appointment.
• (7) The emoluments of members of the commission shall be prescribed by Parliament and shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund.
• (8) In the absence of both the chairperson and deputy chairpersons, the President may designate one of the members to act as chairperson.
• (9) A member of the commission may be removed from office by the President only for—
  • (a) inability to perform the functions of his or her office arising from infirmity of body or mind;
  • (b) misbehaviour or misconduct; or
  • (c) incompetence.

168. Functions of the Education Service Commission.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Education Service Commission shall—
  • (a) advise the President in performing, in relation to the education service, his or her functions under article 172 of this Constitution;
  • (b) have power to appoint persons to hold or act in any office in the education service, including the power to confirm such appointments, to exercise disciplinary control over those persons and to remove them from office;
  • (c) review the terms and conditions of service, standing orders, training and qualifications of public officers in the education service and matters connected with their management and welfare and make recommendations on them to the Government;
  • (d) perform such other functions as may be prescribed by this Constitution or any other law.
• (2) In the exercise of its functions, the commission shall be independent and shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority; except that it shall take into account government policy relating to education.
• (3) The commission may, by writing, delegate any of its functions to a district service commission or any other authority or officer.
• (4) The commission shall make a report to Parliament in respect of each year, on the performance of its functions.
• (5) Subject to the provisions of this article, Parliament shall by law regulate the functions of the commission and prescribe the categories of public officers to constitute the education service.

Health Service Commission.

169. Health Service Commission.

• (1) There shall be a Health Service Commission.
• (2) The commission shall consist of a chairperson and six other members at least three of whom shall be persons who have substantial experience in health science, all of whom shall be appointed by the President

with the approval of Parliament.

• (3) The President shall appoint one member of the commission as deputy chairperson of the commission.
• (4) A person is not qualified to be a member of the commission unless he or she is of high moral character and proven integrity.
• (5) A person holding any of the following offices shall relinquish his or her office on appointment as a member of the commission—
  • (a) a member of Parliament;
  • (b) a member of a local government council;
  • (c) a member of the executive of a political party or political organisation;
  • (d) a member of any board or other authority responsible for the management of any Government hospital or similar Government establishment; or
  • (e) a public officer.
• (6) A member of the commission shall hold office for four years but is eligible for reappointment; except that of the first members appointed under this Constitution, three shall be appointed to hold office for three years which shall be specified in the instruments of appointment.
• (7) The emoluments of members of the commission shall be prescribed by Parliament and shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund.
• (8) In the absence of both the chairperson and the deputy chairperson, the President may designate one of the members to act as chairperson.
• (9) A member of the commission may be removed from office by the President only for—
  • (a) inability to perform the functions of his or her office arising from infirmity of body or mind;
  • (b) misbehaviour or misconduct; or
  • (c) incompetence.

170. Functions of the Health Service Commission.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Health Service Commission shall—
  • (a) advise the President in performing, in relation to the health service, his or her functions under article 172 of this Constitution;
  • (b) have power to appoint persons to hold or act in any office in the health service, including the power to confirm such appointments, to exercise disciplinary control over those persons and to remove them from office;
  • (c) review the terms and conditions of service, standing orders, training and qualifications of members of the health service and matters connected with their management and welfare and make recommendations on them to the Government;
  • (d) perform such other functions as may be prescribed by this Constitution or any other law.
• (2) In the exercise of its functions, the Commission shall be independent and shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority; except that it shall take into account government policy relating to health.
• (3) The commission may, by writing, delegate any of its functions to a district service commission or any other authority or officer.
• (4) The commission shall make a report to Parliament in respect of each year on the performance of its functions.
• (5) Subject to the provisions of this article, Parliament shall, by law regulate the functions of the commission and prescribe the categories of public officers to constitute the health service.

General.

171. Establishment of offices. Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and any Act of Parliament, the President may, after consultation with the appropriate service commission, establish offices in the public service of the Government of Uganda. 172. Appointment of public officers.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution—
  • (a) the President may, acting in accordance with the advice of the Public Service Commission, the Education Service Commission

or the Health Service Commission, as the case may be, appoint persons to hold or act in any office in the public service of Uganda of the rank of head of department or above other than those referred to in article 200 of this Constitution, including confirmation of appointments, the exercise of disciplinary control over such persons and their removal from office;

• • (b) the Public Service Commission, the Education Service Commission or the Health Service Commission, as the case may be, may appoint persons to hold or act in any office in the public service of Uganda other than those referred to in paragraph (a) of this clause and in article 200 of this Constitution, including the confirmation of their appointments and the exercise of disciplinary control over such persons and their removal from office.
• (2) Except with the consent of the President, no person shall be appointed under this article to act in any office on the personal staff of the President.
• (3) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the President may delegate any of his or her powers under this article by directions in writing, to any service commission or to any other authority or public officer as may be prescribed by Parliament and may, in like manner, revoke the delegation.

173. Protection of public officers. A public officer shall not be—

• • (a) victimised or discriminated against for having performed his or her duties faithfully in accordance with this Constitution; or
  • (b) dismissed or removed from office or reduced in rank or otherwise punished without just cause.

174. Permanent Secretaries.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, a Ministry or department of the Government of Uganda shall be under the supervision of a Permanent Secretary whose office shall be a public office.
• (2) A Permanent Secretary shall be appointed by the President acting in accordance with the advice of the Public Service Commission.
• (3) The functions of a Permanent Secretary under this article include—
  • (a) organisation and operation of the department or Ministry;
  • (b) tendering advice to the responsible Minister in respect of the business of the department or Ministry;
  • (c) implementation of the policies of the Government of Uganda;
  • (d) subject to article 164 of this Constitution, responsibility for the proper expenditure of public funds by or in connection with the department or Ministry.

175. Interpretation. In this Chapter, unless the context otherwise requires—

• • (a) "public officer" means any person holding or acting in an office in the public service;
  • (b) "public service" means service in any civil capacity of the Government the emoluments for which are payable directly from the Consolidated Fund or directly out of monies provided by Parliament.

Chapter Eleven—Local Government.

Principles and structures of local government.

176. Local government system.

• (1) The system of local government in Uganda shall be based on the district as a unit under which there shall be such lower local governments and administrative units as Parliament may by law provide.
• (2) The following principles shall apply to the local government system—
  • (a) the system shall be such as to ensure that functions, powers and responsibilities are devolved and transferred from the Government to local government units in a coordinated manner;
  • (b) decentralisation shall be a principle applying to all levels of local government and, in particular, from higher to lower local government units to ensure peoples’ participation and democratic control in decision making;
  • (c) the system shall be such as to ensure the full realisation of democratic governance at all local government levels;
  • (d) there shall be established for each local government unit a sound financial base with reliable sources of revenue;
  • (e) appropriate measures shall be taken to enable local government units to plan, initiate and execute policies in respect of all matters affecting the people within their jurisdictions;
  • (f) persons in the service of local government shall be employed by the local governments; and
  • (g) the local governments shall oversee the performance of persons employed by the Government to provide services in their areas and to monitor the provision of Government services or the implementation of projects in their areas.
• (3) The system of local government shall be based on democratically elected councils on the basis of universal adult suffrage in accordance with article 181(4) of this Constitution.

177. Districts of Uganda.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, for the purposes of local government, Uganda shall be divided into the districts referred to in article 5(2) of this Constitution.
• (2) The districts referred to in clause (1) of this article shall be taken to have been divided into the lower local government units which existed immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution.

178. Cooperation among districts.

• (1) Two or more districts shall be free to cooperate in the areas of culture and development as set out in the Fifth Schedule to this Constitution and may, for that purpose, form and support councils, trust funds or secretariats, subject to the following—
  • (a) such cooperation shall conform to the democratic principles enshrined in this Constitution;
  • (b) the councils, trust funds or secretariats so formed shall not have power to levy taxes; but Parliament may make provision enabling them to raise funds in addition to funds made available to them by the cooperating districts;
  • (c) the terms and conditions of the cooperation shall be embodied in a charter signed by the consenting districts and deposited with the Speaker of Parliament; and
  • (d) the councils, trust funds or secretariats formed under this article shall have power to make rules, regulations and bye-laws in relation to the functions assigned to them; except that such rules, regulations and bye-laws shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution or any existing law and shall not be effective unless ratified by the district councils of the cooperating districts.
• (2) The councils, trust funds or secretariats formed under this article shall be bodies corporate with powers to sue and be sued.
• (3) Subject to clause (1) of this article and to the provisions of this Constitution, the districts of Buganda as specified in the First Schedule to this Constitution shall be deemed to have agreed to cooperate on the coming into force of this Constitution.
• (4) Any district may withdraw from cooperation under this article if—
  • (a) a resolution is passed by the district council of the district in

favour of withdrawal, supported by two-thirds of all the members of the council; and

• • (b) the resolution is supported by a resolution of Parliament.

179. Boundaries of local government units.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Parliament may—
  • (a) alter the boundaries of districts; and
  • (b) create new districts.
• (2) Any measure to alter the boundary of a district or to create a new

district shall be supported by a majority of all the members of Parliament.

• (3) Parliament shall by law empower district councils to alter the boundaries of lower local government units and to create new local government units within their districts.
• (4) Any measure for the alteration of the boundaries of or the creation of districts or administrative units shall be based on the necessity for effective administration and the need to bring services closer to the people, and it may take into account the means of communication, geographical features, density of population, economic viability and the wishes of the people concerned.

180. Local government councils.

• (1) A local government shall be based on a council which shall be the highest political authority within its area of jurisdiction and which shall have legislative and executive powers to be exercised in accordance with this Constitution.
• (2) Parliament shall by law prescribe the composition, qualifications, functions and electoral procedures in respect of local government councils, except that—
  • (a) the person elected as district chairperson of a local government shall be a member of the council;
  • (b) one-third of the membership of each local government council shall be reserved for women;
  • (c) any law enacted by virtue of this article shall provide for affirmative action for all marginalised groups referred to in article 32 of this Constitution; and
  • (d) Parliament shall exercise similar powers of review as stipulated

in article 78(2) of this Constitution, in relation to paragraphs (b) and (c) of this clause.

• (3) A person shall not be a member of a local government council unless that person is a citizen of Uganda.

181. Elections of local government councils.

• (1) A district shall be divided by the Electoral Commission into electoral areas which shall be demarcated in such a way that the number of inhabitants in the electoral areas are as nearly as possible equal.
• (2) The number of inhabitants in an electoral area may be greater or less than other electoral areas in order to take account of means of communication, geographical features and density of population.
• (3) The demarcation of electoral areas shall ensure that a subcounty, a town council or an equivalent part of a municipality is represented at the district council by at least one person.
• (4) All local government councils shall be elected every four years.
• (5) Elections of all local government councils shall take place at least sixty days before the expiry of the term of the existing council, but shall not coincide with presidential or parliamentary elections.

182. Revocation of mandate.

• (1) Subject to clause (2) of this article, the mandate of an elected member of a local government council may be revoked by the electorate.
• (2) Parliament shall by law prescribe the grounds on which and the manner in which the electorate may revoke the mandate of an elected member of a local government council.

183. District chairperson.

• (1) There shall be a district chairperson who shall—
  • (a) be the political head of the district; and
  • (b) be elected by universal adult suffrage through a secret ballot.
• (2) A person is not qualified to be elected district chairperson unless he or she is—
  • (a) qualified to be elected a member of Parliament;
  • (b) at least thirty years and not more than seventy-five years of age; and
  • (c) a person ordinarily resident in the district.
• (3) The district chairperson shall—
  • (a) preside at meetings of the executive committee of the district;
  • (b) monitor the general administration of the district;
  • (c) coordinate the activities of urban councils and councils of the lower local administrative units in the district;
  • (d) coordinate and monitor Government functions as between the district and the Government; and
  • (e) perform such other functions as Parliament may prescribe.
• (4) In the performance of the functions under clause (3) of this article, the chairperson shall be subject to the rules, decisions and recommendations of the district council and be answerable to the council.

184. Speaker of a district council.

• (1) Each district council shall have a speaker elected by the district council from among its members; but a person shall only be taken to have been elected if the votes cast in his or her favour are more than 50 percent of all the members of the council.
• (2) The speaker of the council shall, in relation to the council, perform similar functions to those of the Speaker of Parliament.

185. Removal of a district chairperson and speaker.

• (1) The district chairperson or the speaker of a district council may be removed from office by the council by resolution supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all members of the council on any of the following grounds—
  • (a) abuse of office;
  • (b) misconduct or misbehaviour; or
  • (c) such physical or mental incapacity as would render him or her incapable of performing the duties of his or her office.
• (2) Parliament shall prescribe any other grounds and the procedure for the removal of a district chairperson or the speaker of a council under this article.

186. District executive committee.

• (1) There shall be an executive committee for each district council which shall perform the executive functions of the council.
• (2) An executive committee shall consist of—
  • (a) the district chairperson;
  • (b) the vice chairperson; and
  • (c) such number of secretaries as the council may decide.
• (3) The vice chairperson shall be a person nominated by the district chairperson from among members of the council and approved by two-thirds of all members of the council.
• (4) The secretaries shall be nominated by the chairperson from among members of the council and approved by a majority of all members of the council.
• (5) The vice chairperson shall deputise for the chairperson and shall perform such other functions as may be assigned to him or her by the chairperson.
• (6) If the district chairperson dies, resigns or is removed from office, the vice chairperson shall assume the office of chairperson until the election of a new district chairperson, but the election shall be held within six months after the occurrence of the event.
• (7) A secretary shall have responsibility for such functions of the district council as the district chairperson may from time to time assign to him or her.
• (8) A district council shall appoint standing and other committees necessary for the efficient performance of its functions.
• (9) The following shall apply with respect to the composition of the committees of a district council—
  • (a) the chairpersons and members of the committees shall be elected

from among the members of the council;

• • (b) the district chairperson, the vice chairperson and a secretary shall not be members of a committee of the council but may take part in its proceedings without voting.

187. Vacation of office of member of district executive committee.

• (1) The office of a member of a district executive committee shall become vacant if—
  • (a) the appointment of that member is revoked by the district chairperson; or
  • (b) that member—
    • (i) is elected as speaker of the district council;
    • (ii) resigns from office;
    • (iii) becomes disqualified to be a member of the district council;
    • (iv) is unable to perform his or her functions due to mental or physical incapacity or dies;

(v) is censured by the council; or

• • (c) a new chairperson assumes office.
• (2) A district council may, by resolution supported by not less than half of all members of the council, pass a vote of censure against a member of the executive committee.
• (3) Proceedings for censure shall be initiated by a petition to the chairperson through the speaker signed by not less than one-third of all the members of the district council to the effect that they are dissatisfied with the conduct or performance of the member of the executive committee.
• (4) The chairperson shall, upon receipt of the petition, cause a copy of it to be given to the member of the executive committee in question.
• (5) The motion for the resolution of censure shall not be debated until the expiry of fourteen days after the petition was sent to the chairperson.
• (6) A member of the executive committee in respect of whom a vote of censure is debated under clause (5) of this article is entitled during the debate to be heard in his or her defence.
• (7) Nothing in this article shall prevent a person from being reappointed to the executive committee of a district council.

188. Chief administrative officer.

• (1) There shall be a chief administrative officer for every district.
• (2) The chief administrative officer shall be appointed by the district service commission and shall be the chief accounting officer for the district.
• (3) Parliament shall by law establish the qualifications and functions of the chief administrative officer.

189. Functions of the Government and district councils.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the functions and services specified in the Sixth Schedule to this Constitution shall be the responsibility of the Government.
• (2) District councils and the councils of lower local government units may, on request by them, be allowed to exercise the functions and services specified in the Sixth Schedule to this Constitution or if delegated to them by the Government or by Parliament by law.
• (3) District councils shall have responsibility for any functions and services not specified in the Sixth Schedule to this Constitution.
• (4) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Government may, on request by a district council, assume responsibility for functions and services assigned to the district council.

Finances of local governments.

190. Planning. District councils shall prepare comprehensive and integrated development plans incorporating the plans of lower level local governments for submission to the National Planning Authority. 191. Power to levy and appropriate taxes.

• (1) Local governments shall have power to levy, charge, collect and appropriate fees and taxes in accordance with any law enacted by Parliament

by virtue of article 152 of this Constitution.

• (2) The fees and taxes to be levied, charged, collected and appropriated under clause (1) of this article shall consist of rents, rates, royalties, stamp duties, personal graduated tax, cess, fees on registration and licensing and any other fees and taxes that Parliament may prescribe.
• (3) No appropriation of funds by a local government shall be made unless approved in a budget by its council.
• (4) Parliament shall by law make provision for tax appeals in relation to taxes to which this article applies.

192. Collection of taxes by local government. Parliament shall by law provide—

• • (a) for the taxes that may be collected by a local government for or on behalf of the Government for payment into the Consolidated Fund;
  • (b) for a local government to retain for the purposes of its functions and services, a specified proportion of the revenues collected for or on behalf of the Government from the district.

193. Grants to local governments.

• (1) The President shall for each financial year, in accordance with this Constitution, cause to be presented to Parliament proposals as to the monies to be paid out of the Consolidated Fund as—
  • (a) unconditional grant in accordance with clause (2) of this article;
  • (b) conditional grant in accordance with clause (3) of this article;
  • (c) equalisation grant in accordance with clause (4) of this article.
• (2) Unconditional grant is the minimum grant that shall be paid to local governments to run decentralised services and shall be calculated in the manner specified in the Seventh Schedule to this Constitution.
• (3) Conditional grant shall consist of monies given to local governments to finance programmes agreed upon between the Government and the local governments and shall be expended only for the purposes for which it was made and in accordance with the conditions agreed upon.
• (4) Equalisation grant is the money to be paid to local governments for giving subsidies or making special provisions for the least developed districts and shall be based on the degree to which a local government unit is lagging behind the national average standard for a particular service.
• (5) District councils shall be obliged to indicate how conditional and equalisation grants obtained from the Government are to be passed onto the lower levels of local government.
• (6) The proposals made under clause (1) of this article shall be made at the same time as the estimates of revenue and expenditure under article 155 of this Constitution and shall state the sums of monies that are to be paid to each local government.
• (7) The proposals made under this article shall form part of the Appropriation Act as provided for in article 156 of this Constitution.

194. Local Government Finance Commission.

• (1) There shall be a Local Government Finance Commission which shall consist of seven members appointed by the President.
• (2) Of the seven members referred to in clause (1) of this article, four shall be nominated by the local governments.
• (3) The members of the Local Government Finance Commission shall elect from among themselves a chairperson and a vice chairperson.
• (4) The Local Government Finance Commission shall—
  • (a) advise the President on all matters concerning the distribution of revenue between the Government and local governments and the allocation to each local government of monies out of the Consolidated Fund;
  • (b) in consultation with the National Planning Authority, consider and recommend to the President the amount to be allocated as the equalisation and conditional grants and their allocation to each local government;
  • (c) consider and recommend to the President potential sources of revenue for local governments;
  • (d) advise the local governments on appropriate tax levels to be levied by local governments;
  • (e) perform such other functions as Parliament shall prescribe.
• (5) The expenses of the commission, including salaries, allowances and pensions payable to persons serving with the commission, shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund.

195. Loans and grants. Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and with the approval of the Government, a local government may, for the carrying out of its functions and services, borrow money or accept and use any grant or assistance as Parliament shall prescribe. 196. Accountability. Parliament shall make laws—

• • (a) requiring each local government to draw up a comprehensive list of all its internal revenue sources and to maintain data on total potential collectable revenues;
  • (b) prescribing financial control and accountability measures for compliance by all local governments;
  • (c) imposing regular audit requirements and procedures for local governments.

197. Financial autonomy of urban authorities. Urban authorities shall have autonomy over their financial and planning matters in relation to the district councils as Parliament may, by law, provide.

District service commissions.

198. District service commissions.

• (1) There shall be a district service commission for each district.
• (2) The district service commission shall consist of a chairperson and such other members as the district council shall determine, at least one of whom shall represent urban authorities and all of whom shall be appointed by the district council on the recommendation of the district executive committee with the approval of the Public Service Commission.
• (3) Members of a district service commission shall be persons of high moral character and proven integrity.
• (4) Members of a district service commission shall hold office for a period of four years but are eligible for reappointment for one more term.
• (5) In the performance of its functions, a district service commission shall conform to the standards established by the Public Service Commission for the public service generally.
• (6) A member of the district service commission may be removed from office by the executive committee of the district with the approval of the district council and after consultation with the Public Service Commission but may be removed only for—
  • (a) inability to perform the functions of that office arising from physical or mental incapacity;
  • (b) misbehaviour or misconduct; or
  • (c) incompetence.

199. Secondment of staff. Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Government may, on request by a district council, post persons to fill, assist and complement the service of a local government. 200. Functions of district service commissions.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the power to appoint persons to hold or act in any office in the service of a district, including the power to confirm appointments, to exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in any such office and to remove those persons from office, is vested in the district service commission.
• (2) The terms and conditions of service of local government staff shall conform with those prescribed by the Public Service Commission for the public service generally.
• (3) The district service commission may establish committees in respect of specialised disciplines.

General.

201. Exercise of administrative functions. The functions of a district government shall be exercised in accordance with this Constitution and any other law; but the exercise of those functions shall not detract from the order, peace and good governance of any part of Uganda. 202. Takeover of district administration by the President.

• (1) The President may, with the approval of two-thirds of all the members of Parliament, assume the executive and legislative powers of any district in any of the following circumstances—
  • (a) where the district council so requests and it is in the public interest to do so;
  • (b) where a state of emergency has been declared in that district or in Uganda generally; or
  • (c) where it has become extremely difficult or impossible for the district government to function.
• (2) The exercise by the President of the power conferred by this article may be done through such persons or officers as the President may appoint; and the legislative functions shall be exercised by statutory instruments.
• (3) Unless approved by Parliament for a longer term, the exercise by the President of the power conferred by this article shall be for a period not exceeding ninety days.
• (4) Upon the expiry of the term under clause (3) of this article—
  • (a) the President shall hand back the administration of the district to the incumbent district government; or
  • (b) if Parliament decides that the prevailing circumstances still make it impossible for the incumbent district government to resume the administration of the district then—
    • (i) where the unexpired term of the council is longer than twelve months, the President shall cause elections to be held for a new district council within sixty days; or
    • (ii) where the unexpired term of the council is less than twelve months, the President shall continue to administer the district until the next elections are held.

203. Resident district commissioner.

• (1) There shall be for each district a resident district commissioner who shall be a senior civil servant appointed by the President.
• (2) The functions of a resident district commissioner are—
  • (a) to coordinate the administration of Government services in the district;
  • (b) to advise the district chairperson on matters of a national nature that may affect the district or its plans and programmes and particularly the relations between the district and the Government; and
  • (c) to carry out such other functions as may be assigned by the President or prescribed by Parliament.

204. Terms and conditions of service. Parliament shall prescribe the guidelines to be followed by the district councils in determining terms and conditions of service for—

• • (a) members of the local government councils; and
  • (b) members of the district service commissions and their committees.

205. Prohibition of holding political offices concurrently.

• (1) No person shall hold concurrently on a full-time basis, political offices—
  • (a) in the service of the Government and that of a local government; or
  • (b) in the service of a higher local government and that of a lower local government.
• (2) In this article, "political office" means the office of a Minister, a member of Parliament or a member of a local government council, or any other office prescribed by Parliament.

206. Parliament to make laws regarding local government.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Parliament shall make laws relating to local government for the purpose of giving full effect to this Chapter.
• (2) Without prejudice to the general effect of clause (1) of this article, Parliament may make laws—
  • (a) limiting the number of political offices that may be created by local governments;
  • (b) enabling councils to make laws, regulations or other instruments for the administration of their areas of jurisdiction;
  • (c) requiring that with appropriate modifications, the system of government as it operates at the district level shall apply at the lower levels of local government units.

207. Interpretation. In this Chapter, a reference to a local government includes—

• • (a) a district council;
  • (b) an urban council;
  • (c) a subcounty council; or
  • (d) any other unit prescribed by law to replace any of the councils mentioned in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this article.

Chapter Twelve—Defence And National Security.

Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.

208. Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.

• (1) There shall be armed forces to be known as the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.
• (2) The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces shall be non-partisan, national in character, patriotic, professional, disciplined, productive and subordinate to the civilian authority as established under this Constitution.
• (3) Members of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces shall be citizens of Uganda of good character.
• (4) No person shall raise an armed force except in accordance with this Constitution.

209. Functions of the defence forces. The functions of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces are—

• • (a) to preserve and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda;
  • (b) to cooperate with the civilian authority in emergency situations and in cases of natural disasters;
  • (c) to foster harmony and understanding between the defence forces and civilians; and
  • (d) to engage in productive activities for the development of Uganda.

210. Parliament to regulate the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces. Parliament shall make laws regulating the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and, in particular, providing for—

• • (a) the organs and structures of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces;
  • (b) recruitment, appointment, promotion, discipline and removal of members of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and ensuring that members of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces are recruited from every district of Uganda;
  • (c) terms and conditions of service of members of the Uganda

Peoples’ Defence Forces; and

• • (d) the deployment of troops outside Uganda.

Uganda Police Force.

211. Uganda Police Force.

• (1) There shall be a police force to be known as the Uganda Police Force and such other police forces in Uganda as Parliament may by law prescribe.
• (2) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, every police force in Uganda shall be organised and administered in such a manner and shall have such functions as Parliament may by law prescribe.
• (3) The Uganda Police Force shall be nationalistic, patriotic, professional, disciplined, competent and productive; and its members shall be citizens of Uganda of good character.

212. Functions of the Uganda Police Force. The functions of the Uganda Police Force shall include the following—

• • (a) to protect life and property;
  • (b) to preserve law and order;
  • (c) to prevent and detect crime; and
  • (d) to cooperate with the civilian authority and other security organs established under this Constitution and with the population generally.

213. Command of the Uganda Police Force.

• (1) There shall be an Inspector General of Police and a Deputy Inspector General of Police.
• (2) The Inspector General and the Deputy Inspector General of Police shall be appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament.
• (3) The Uganda Police Force shall be under the command of the Inspector General of Police who shall be assisted by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in the performance of his or her functions.
• (4) In the performance of the functions under clause (3) of this article, the Inspector General of Police shall be subject to and act in accordance with the laws of Uganda; except that on matters of policy, the President may give directions to the Inspector General.
• (5) The Inspector General or the Deputy Inspector General of Police may be removed from office by the President.

214. Parliament to regulate the Uganda Police Force. Parliament shall make laws—

• • (a) (b) (c) providing for the organisation and administration of the Uganda Police Force; ensuring that members of the Uganda Police Force are recruited from every district of Uganda; and regulating generally the Uganda Police Force.

Uganda Prisons Service.

215. Uganda Prisons Service.

• (1) There shall be a prisons service to be known as the Uganda Prisons Service.
• (2) The Uganda Prisons Service shall be nationalistic, patriotic, professional, disciplined, competent and productive; and its members shall be citizens of Uganda of good character recruited from every district of Uganda.

216. Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Prisons.

• (1) There shall be a Commissioner of Prisons and a Deputy Commissioner of Prisons appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament.
• (2) The Commissioner or the Deputy Commissioner of Prisons may be removed by the President.

217. Parliament to regulate the Uganda Prisons Service. Parliament shall make laws—

• • (a) providing for the organisation, administration and functions of the Uganda Prisons Service;
  • (b) ensuring that members of the Uganda Prisons Service are recruited from every district of Uganda; and
  • (c) regulating generally the Uganda Prisons Service.

Intelligence services.

218. Intelligence services.

• (1) Parliament may by law establish intelligence services and may prescribe their composition, functions and procedures.
• (2) No intelligence service shall be established by the Government except by or under an Act of Parliament.

National Security Council.

219. National Security Council. There shall be a National Security Council which shall consist of the President as chairperson and such other members as Parliament may determine. 220. Functions of the National Security Council. The functions of the National Security Council are—

• • (a) to inform and advise the President on matters relating to national security; and
  • (b) any other functions prescribed by Parliament.

General.

221. Security organisations to observe human rights. It shall be the duty of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and any other armed force established in Uganda, the Uganda Police Force and any other police force, the Uganda Prisons Service, all intelligence services and the National Security Council to observe and respect human rights and freedoms in the performance of their functions. 222. Parliament to regulate possession and use of firearms and ammunition. Parliament shall make laws to regulate the possession and use of firearms and ammunition.

Chapter Thirteen—Inspectorate of Government.

223. Inspectorate of Government.

• (1) There shall be an Inspectorate of Government.
• (2) The Inspectorate of Government shall consist of—
  • (a) the Inspector General of Government; and
  • (b) such number of Deputy Inspectors General as Parliament may prescribe.
• (3) At least one of the persons referred to in clause (2) of this article shall be a person qualified to be appointed a judge of the High Court.
• (4) The Inspector General of Government and a Deputy Inspector General shall be appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament and shall not, while holding office, hold any other office of emolument in the public service.
• (5) A person shall not be eligible for appointment as Inspector General of Government or Deputy Inspector General of Government unless that person—
  • (a) is a citizen of Uganda;
  • (b) is a person of high moral character and proven integrity; and
  • (c) possesses considerable experience and demonstrated competence and is of high calibre in the conduct of public affairs.
• (6) A person shall resign his or her office on appointment as an Inspector General or a Deputy Inspector General, if that person is—
  • (a) a member of Parliament;
  • (b) a member of a local government council; or
  • (c) a member of the executive of a political party or organisation.
• (7) The Inspector General of Government and Deputy Inspectors General shall hold office for a term of four years but shall be eligible for reappointment only once.
• (8) The remuneration and other conditions of service of members of the Inspectorate of Government shall be prescribed by Parliament and the salaries and allowances of members of the Inspectorate shall be charged on

the Consolidated Fund. 224. Removal of Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General. The Inspector General or a Deputy Inspector General may be removed from office by the President on the recommendation of a special tribunal constituted by Parliament only for—

• • (a) inability to perform the functions of his or her office arising from infirmity of body or mind;
  • (b) misconduct, misbehaviour or conduct unbecoming of the holder of the office; or
  • (c) incompetence.

225. Functions of inspectorate.

• (1) The functions of the Inspectorate of Government shall be prescribed by Parliament and shall include the following—
  • (a) to promote and foster strict adherence to the rule of law and principles of natural justice in administration;
  • (b) to eliminate and foster the elimination of corruption, abuse of authority and of public office;
  • (c) to promote fair, efficient and good governance in public offices;
  • (d) subject to the provisions of this Constitution, to supervise the enforcement of the Leadership Code of Conduct;
  • (e) to investigate any act, omission, advice, decision or recommendation by a public officer or any other authority to which this article applies, taken, made, given or done in exercise of administrative functions; and
  • (f) to stimulate public awareness about the values of constitutionalism in general and the activities of its office, in particular, through any media and other means it considers appropriate.
• (2) The Inspectorate of Government may investigate any matter referred to in clause (1)(a) of this article, on its own initiative or upon complaint made to it by any member of the public, whether or not that person has personally suffered any injustice by reason of that matter.

226. Jurisdiction of inspectorate. The jurisdiction of the Inspectorate of Government shall cover officers or leaders whether employed in the public service or not, and also such institutions, organisations or enterprises as Parliament may prescribe by law. 227. Independence of inspectorate. The Inspectorate of Government shall be independent in the performance of its functions and shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority and shall only be responsible to Parliament. 228. Branches of inspectorate. The Inspectorate of Government may establish branches at district and other administrative levels as it considers fit for the better performance of its functions. 229. Resources of inspectorate.

• (1) The Inspectorate of Government shall have an independent budget appropriated by Parliament and controlled by the inspectorate.
• (2) It shall be the duty of the State to facilitate the employment by the inspectorate of such adequate and qualified staff as are needed to enable the inspectorate to perform its functions effectively and efficiently.

230. Special powers of inspectorate.

• (1) The Inspectorate of Government shall have power to investigate, cause investigation, arrest, cause arrest, prosecute or cause prosecution in respect of cases involving corruption, abuse of authority or of public office.
• (2) The Inspector General of Government may, during the course of his or her duties or as a consequence of his or her findings, make such orders and give such directions as are necessary and appropriate in the circumstances.
• (3) Subject to the provisions of any law, the Inspectorate of Government shall have power to enter and inspect the premises or property of any department of Government, person or of any authority, to call for, examine and where necessary, retain any document or item in connection with the case being investigated, found on the premises; and may, in those premises, carry out any investigation for the purpose of its functions.
• (4) The Inspectorate of Government shall, when enforcing the Leadership Code of Conduct, have all the powers conferred on it by this Chapter in addition to any other powers conferred by law.
• (5) Subject to this Constitution, Parliament shall enact any law necessary for enabling the Inspectorate of Government to discharge its functions effectively and efficiently and, in particular, to ensure that the discharge of those functions is not frustrated by any person or authority.

231. Reports of inspectorate.

• (1) The Inspectorate of Government shall submit to Parliament at least once in every six months a report on the performance of its functions, making such recommendations as it considers necessary and containing such information as Parliament may require.
• (2) A copy of the report referred to in clause (1) of this article shall be forwarded by the Inspectorate of Government to the President; and where any matter contained in the report relates to the administration of any local authority, an extract of the portion of the report on the matter shall be forwarded to that local authority.
• (3) The Speaker shall lay before Parliament the report submitted under clause (1) of this article within thirty days after it has been submitted, if Parliament is then in session, or, if Parliament is not in session, within thirty days after the commencement of its next following session.

232. Powers of Parliament regarding inspectorate.

• (1) Parliament shall, subject to the provisions of this Constitution, make laws to give effect to the provisions of this Chapter.
• (2) Laws made for the purpose of this Chapter may, in particular, provide—
  • (a) for regulating the procedure for the making of complaints and requests to the Inspectorate of Government and for the exercise of its functions;
  • (b) for conferring such powers on it and imposing such duties on persons concerned as are necessary to facilitate it in the performance of its functions;
  • (c) for ensuring accessibility to the services of the inspectorate by the general public and decentralising the exercise of those functions and, where necessary, for enabling the delegation by the inspectorate of any of those functions to other authorities or persons at district or lower local government levels; and
  • (d) for regulating the functioning of the Inspectorate of Government in relation to other institutions or bodies established under this Constitution or any other law.

Chapter Fourteen—Leadership Code of Conduct.

233. Leadership Code of Conduct.

• (1) Parliament shall by law establish a Leadership Code of Conduct for persons holding such offices as may be specified by Parliament.
• (2) The Leadership Code of Conduct shall—
  • (a) require specified officers to declare their incomes, assets and liabilities from time to time and how they acquired or incurred them, as the case may be;
  • (b) prohibit conduct—
    • (i) likely to compromise the honesty, impartiality and integrity of specified officers;
    • (ii) likely to lead to corruption in public affairs; or
    • (iii) which is detrimental to the public good or welfare or good governance;
  • (c) prescribe the penalties to be imposed for breach of the code, without prejudice to the application of criminal penalties prescribed for the breach in question;
  • (d) prescribe powers, procedures and practices for ensuring the effective enforcement of the code; and
  • (e) make any other provision as may be necessary for ensuring the promotion and maintenance of honesty, probity, impartiality and integrity in public affairs and the protection of public funds and other public property.

234. Enforcement of code. The Leadership Code of Conduct shall be enforced by the Inspectorate of Government or such other authority as Parliament may by law prescribe. 235. Disqualification for breach of code. Parliament may, by law, provide that a person who has been dismissed or removed from office by reason of breach of the code of conduct shall be disqualified from holding any other public office whether appointive or elective and either generally or for a prescribed period. 236. Interpretation. In this Chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, "specified officer" means the holder of an office to which the Leadership Code of Conduct applies.

Chapter Fifteen—Land and Environment.

Land.

237. Land ownership.

• (1) Land in Uganda belongs to the citizens of Uganda and shall vest in them in accordance with the land tenure systems provided for in this Constitution.
• (2) Notwithstanding clause (1) of this article—
  • (a) the Government or a local government may, subject to article 26 of this Constitution, acquire land in the public interest; and the conditions governing such acquisition shall be as prescribed by Parliament;
  • (b) the Government or a local government as determined by Parliament by law shall hold in trust for the people and protect natural lakes, rivers, wetlands, forest reserves, game reserves, national parks and any land to be reserved for ecological and touristic purposes for the common good of all citizens;
  • (c) noncitizens may acquire leases in land in accordance with the laws prescribed by Parliament, and the laws so prescribed shall define a noncitizen for the purposes of this paragraph.
• (3) Land in Uganda shall be owned in accordance with the following land tenure systems—
  • (a) customary;
  • (b) freehold;
  • (c) mailo; and
  • (d) leasehold.
• (4) On the coming into force of this Constitution—
  • (a) all Uganda citizens owning land under customary tenure may acquire certificates of ownership in a manner prescribed by Parliament; and
  • (b) land under customary tenure may be converted to freehold land ownership by registration.
• (5) Any lease which was granted to a Uganda citizen out of public land may be converted into freehold in accordance with a law which shall be

made by Parliament.

• (6) For the purposes of clause (5) of this article, "public land" includes statutory leases to urban authorities.
• (7) Parliament shall make laws to enable urban authorities to enforce and to implement planning and development.
• (8) Upon the coming into force of this Constitution and until Parliament enacts an appropriate law under clause (9) of this article, the lawful or bonafide occupants of mailo land, freehold or leasehold land shall enjoy security of occupancy on the land.
• (9) Within two years after the first sitting of Parliament elected under this Constitution, Parliament shall enact a law—
  • (a) regulating the relationship between the lawful or bonafide occupants of land referred to in clause (8) of this article and the registered owners of that land;
  • (b) providing for the acquisition of registrable interest in the land by the occupant.

Uganda Land Commission.

238. Uganda Land Commission.

• (1) There shall be a commission to be known as the Uganda Land Commission.
• (2) The commission shall consist of a chairperson and not less than four other members appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament.
• (3) A person holding office as a member of Parliament or a member of a local government council shall relinquish that office upon appointment as a member of the commission.
• (4) The members of the commission shall hold office for a period of five years and shall be eligible to be reappointed.
• (5) A member of the commission may be removed from office by the President only for—
  • (a) inability to perform the functions of his or her office arising from infirmity of body or mind;
  • (b) misbehaviour or misconduct; or
  • (c) incompetence.
• (6) The salaries and allowances of the members of the commission shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund.

239. Functions of the Uganda Land Commission. The Uganda Land Commission shall hold and manage any land in Uganda vested in or acquired by the Government of Uganda in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution and shall have such other functions as may be prescribed by Parliament.

District land boards.

240. District land boards.

• (1) There shall be a district land board for each district.
• (2) Parliament shall prescribe the membership, procedure and terms of service of a district land board.

241. Functions of district land boards.

• (1) The functions of a district land board are—
  • (a) to hold and allocate land in the district which is not owned by any person or authority;
  • (b) to facilitate the registration and transfer of interests in land; and
  • (c) to deal with all other matters connected with land in the district in accordance with laws made by Parliament.
• (2) In the performance of its functions, a district land board shall be independent of the Uganda Land Commission and shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority but shall take into account national and district council policy on land.

General.

242. Land use. Government may, under laws made by Parliament and policies made from time to time, regulate the use of land. 243. Land tribunals.

• (1) Parliament shall by law provide for the establishment of land tribunals.
• (2) The jurisdiction of a land tribunal shall include—
  • (a) the determination of disputes relating to the grant, lease, repossession, transfer or acquisition of land by individuals, the Uganda Land Commission or other authority with responsibility relating to land; and
  • (b) the determination of any disputes relating to the amount of compensation to be paid for land acquired.
• (3) The chairperson of a land tribunal established under this article shall be appointed on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission under any law made for the purposes of clause (1) of this article.
• (4) A member of a land tribunal shall hold office on terms and conditions determined under a law made by Parliament under this article.
• (5) A law made under this article may prescribe the practice and procedure for land tribunals and shall provide for a right of appeal from a decision of a land tribunal to a court of law.

244. Minerals.

• (1) Subject to clause (2) of this article, Parliament shall make laws regulating—
  • (a) the exploitation of minerals;
  • (b) the sharing of royalties arising from mineral exploitation;
  • (c) the conditions for payment of indemnities arising out of exploitation of minerals; and
  • (d) the conditions regarding the restoration of derelict lands.
• (2) Minerals and mineral ores shall be exploited taking into account the interests of the individual land owners, local governments and the Government.
• (3) For the purpose of this article, "mineral" does not include clay, murram, sand or any stone commonly used for building or similar purposes.

Environment.

245. Protection and preservation of the environment. Parliament shall, by law, provide for measures intended—

• • (a) to protect and preserve the environment from abuse, pollution and degradation;
  • (b) to manage the environment for sustainable development; and
  • (c) to promote environmental awareness.

Chapter Sixteen—Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders.

246. Institution of traditional or cultural leaders.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the institution of traditional leader or cultural leader may exist in any area of Uganda in accordance with the culture, customs and traditions or wishes and aspirations of the people to whom it applies.
• (2) In any community, where the issue of traditional or cultural leader has not been resolved, the issue shall be resolved by the community concerned using a method prescribed by Parliament.
• (3) The following provisions shall apply in relation to traditional leaders or cultural leaders—
  • (a) the institution of traditional leader or a cultural leader shall be a corporation sole with perpetual succession and with capacity to sue and be sued and to hold assets or properties in trust for itself and the people concerned;
  • (b) nothing in paragraph (a) shall be taken to prohibit a traditional leader or cultural leader from holding any asset or property acquired in a personal capacity;
  • (c) a traditional leader or cultural leader shall enjoy such privileges and benefits as may be conferred by the Government and local government or as that leader may be entitled to under culture, custom and tradition;
  • (d) subject to paragraph (c) of this clause, no person shall be compelled to pay allegiance or contribute to the cost of maintaining a traditional leader or cultural leader;
  • (e) a person shall not, while remaining a traditional leader or cultural leader, join or participate in partisan politics;
  • (f) a traditional leader or cultural leader shall not have or exercise any administrative, legislative or executive powers of Government or local government.
• (4) The allegiance and privileges accorded to a traditional leader or a cultural leader by virtue of that office shall not be regarded as a discriminatory practice prohibited under article 21 of this Constitution; but any custom, practice, usage or tradition relating to a traditional leader or cultural leader which detracts from the rights of any person as guaranteed by

this Constitution, shall be taken to be prohibited under that article.

• (5) For the avoidance of doubt, the institution of traditional leader or cultural leader existing immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution shall be taken to exist in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
• (6) For the purposes of this article, "traditional leader or cultural leader" means a king or similar traditional leader or cultural leader by whatever name called, who derives allegiance from the fact of birth or descent in accordance with the customs, traditions, usage or consent of the people led by that traditional or cultural leader.

Chapter Seventeen—General and Miscellaneous.

247. Administration of estates. Parliament shall—

• • (a) by law establish an efficient, fair and expeditious machinery for the administration and management of the estates of deceased persons; and
  • (b) under the law referred to in paragraph (a) of this article, ensure that the services of the department or organisation established for the purpose are decentralised and accessible to all persons who may reasonably require those services and that the interests of all beneficiaries are adequately protected.

248. Law Reform Commission.

• (1) There shall be a Law Reform Commission for Uganda the composition and functions of which shall be prescribed by Parliament by law.
• (2) The Law Reform Commission established under clause (1) of this article shall publish periodic reports on its findings and submit annual reports to Parliament.

249. Disaster Preparedness and Management Commission.

• (1) There shall be a Disaster Preparedness and Management Commission for Uganda to deal with both natural and man-made disasters.
• (2) Parliament shall, for the purposes of this article, prescribe the composition, functions and procedure for implementation of the functions of the commission.

250. Legal proceedings by or against the Government.

• (1) Where a person has a claim against the Government, that claim may be enforced as a right by proceedings taken against the Government for that purpose.
• (2) Civil proceedings by or against the Government shall be instituted by or against the Attorney General; and all documents required to be served

on the Government for the purpose of or in connection with those proceedings shall be served on the Attorney General.

• (3) Parliament may by law make provision for the purposes of clause
• (1) of this article.
• (4) In the title of any criminal proceedings, the prosecution shall be designated by the word "Uganda".

251. Performance of functions of commissions and authorities.

• (1) Any commission or authority established by this Constitution may, subject to the provisions of this Constitution, regulate its own procedure or confer powers or impose duties on any officer or authority of the Government for the purpose of discharging its functions.
• (2) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, any decision of any commission or authority established by this Constitution shall require the concurrence of a majority of all its members; and it may act notwithstanding the absence of any member or any vacancy in the office of a member.
• (3) In this article, "commission or authority" includes a council and a committee of the commission or authority.

252. Resignations.

• (1) Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, any person who is appointed or elected to any office established by this Constitution may resign from that office by writing signed by that person addressed to the person or authority by whom he or she was appointed or elected.
• (2) The resignation of a person from any office established by this Constitution shall take effect in accordance with the terms on which that person was appointed or, if there are no such terms, when the writing signifying the resignation is received by the person or authority to whom it is addressed or by any person authorised by that person or authority to receive it.
• (3) For the purposes of clause (1) of this article, "office" includes the office of—
  • (a) the Vice President;
  • (b) the Speaker and Deputy Speaker;
  • (c) a Minister;
  • (d) the Attorney General;
  • (e) a member of Parliament;
  • (f) a member of any commission, authority, council or committee established by this Constitution; and
  • (g) a public officer.
• (4) Subject to the provisions of this article, Parliament may make laws providing for the resignation of persons holding offices established by this Constitution not provided for in this article.

253. Reappointments and concurrent appointments.

• (1) Where any person has vacated an office established by this Constitution, that person may, if qualified, again be appointed or elected to hold that office in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
• (2) Where a power is conferred by this Constitution on any person to make any appointment to any office, he or she may appoint a person to that office even while another person holds the office, when that other person is on leave of absence pending the relinquishment of the office.
• (3) Where two or more persons hold the same office by reason of an appointment made by virtue of clause (2) of this article, then, for the purposes of any function conferred on the holder of that office, the person last appointed shall be taken to be the sole holder of that office.

254. Pension.

• (1) A public officer shall, on retirement, receive such pension as is commensurate with his or her rank, salary and length of service.
• (2) The pension payable to any person shall be exempt from tax and shall be subject to periodic review to take account of changes in the value of money.
• (3) The payment of pension shall be prompt and regular and easily accessible to pensioners.

255. Right of citizens to demand referenda. Parliament may by law make provision for the right of citizens to demand the holding by the Electoral Commission of a referendum whether national or in any particular part of Uganda, on any issue. 256. Manner of administering oaths. The oaths specified in the Fourth Schedule to this Constitution shall be administered in a manner prescribed by law. 257. Interpretation.

• (1) In this Constitution, unless the context otherwise requires—
  • (a) "Act of Parliament" means a law made by Parliament;
  • (b) "article" means an article of this Constitution;
  • (c) "child" means a person under the age of eighteen years;
  • (d) "court" means a court of judicature established by or under the authority of this Constitution;
  • (e) "Court of Appeal" means the Court of Appeal of Uganda;
  • (f) "district" means a district referred to in article 5 of this Constitution;
  • (g) "district council" means a district council established under article 180 of this Constitution;
  • (h) "education service" means any part of the public service established as the education service by Parliament by law in conformity with this Constitution;
  • (i) "financial year" means the period of twelve months ending on the thirtieth day of June in any year or such other day as Parliament may by law prescribe;
  • (j) "functions" includes powers and duties;
  • (k) "Gazette" means The Uganda Gazette and includes any supplement of that Gazette;
  • (l) "Government" means the Government of Uganda;
  • (m) "health service" means any part of the public service established as the health service by Parliament by law in conformity with this Constitution;
  • (n) "High Court" means the High Court of Uganda;
  • (o) "judgment" includes a decision, an order or decree of the court;
  • (p) "judicial power" means the power to dispense justice among persons and between persons and the State under the laws of Uganda;
  • (q) "Leadership Code of Conduct" means the Leadership Code of Conduct established under Chapter Fourteen of this Constitution;
  • (r) "local government council" means a council referred to in article 180 of this Constitution;
  • (s) "Minister" means a Minister of the Government and includes a Minister of State and a Deputy Minister;
  • (t) "oath of allegiance" means an oath of allegiance prescribed by this Constitution;
  • (u) "Parliament" means the Parliament of Uganda;
  • (v) "President" means the President of Uganda;
  • (w) "public office" means an office in the public service;
  • (x) "public officer" means a person holding or acting in any public office;
  • (y) "public service" means service in a civil capacity of the Government or of a local government;
  • (z) "session" means a series of meetings of Parliament within a period of twelve months;

(aa) "sitting" includes a period during which Parliament is continuously sitting without adjournment and a period during which it is in committee; (bb) "Speaker" means the Speaker of Parliament and "Deputy Speaker" shall be construed accordingly; (cc) "subordinate court" means a court subordinate to the High Court; (dd) "Supreme Court" means the Supreme Court of Uganda; (ee) "Uganda" means the Republic of Uganda.

• (2) In this Constitution—
  • (a) unless the context otherwise requires, a reference to an office in the public service includes—
    • (i) a reference to the office of Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, Principal Judge, a justice of the Supreme Court or a justice of Appeal, or a judge of the High Court and the office of a member of any other court of law established by or under the authority of this Constitution, other than a court-martial, being an office the emoluments of which are paid directly from the Consolidated Fund or directly out of monies provided by Parliament; and
    • (ii) a reference to the office of a member of the Uganda Police Force, the Uganda Prisons Service, the education service and the health service;
  • (b) a reference to an office in the public service does not include a

reference to the office of the President, the Vice President, the Speaker or Deputy Speaker, a Minister, the Attorney General, a member of Parliament or a member of any commission, authority, council or committee established by this Constitution.

• (3) In this Constitution unless the context otherwise requires, a reference to the holder of an office by the term designating that office includes a reference to any person for the time being lawfully acting in or performing the functions of that office.
• (4) For the purposes of this Constitution, a person shall not be considered as holding a public office by reason only of the fact that that person is in receipt of a pension or similar allowance in respect of service under the Government.
• (5) The power to remove a public officer from office includes the power to require or permit that officer to retire from public service; except that nothing in this clause confers on any person or authority power to require the retirement of a person holding a public office for which the method of retirement or removal is specifically provided for by this Constitution.
• (6) Any provision in this Constitution that vests in any person or authority power to remove a public officer from office shall not prejudice the power of any person or authority to abolish any office or any law providing for the compulsory retirement of public officers generally or any class of public officer on attaining an age specified in that law.
• (7) Where power is vested by this Constitution in any person or authority to appoint any person to act in or perform the functions of any office if the holder of the office is unable to perform those functions, no such appointment shall be called in question on the ground that the holder of the office was able to perform those functions.
• (8) Where any power is conferred by this Constitution to make any statutory instrument or rule, or pass any resolution, or give any direction, the power shall be construed as including the power, exercisable in like manner, to amend or revoke any such statutory instrument, rule, resolution or direction.
• (9) In this Constitution, references to the amendment of any of the provisions of this Constitution or any Act of Parliament include references

to the alteration, modification or re-enactment, with or without amendment or modification of that provision, the suspension or repeal of that provision and the making of a different provision in place of that provision.

• (10) In this Constitution, unless the context otherwise requires—
  • (a) words referring to natural persons include a reference to corporations;
  • (b) words in the singular include the plural, and words in the plural include the singular;
  • (c) words directing or empowering a public officer to do any act or thing, or otherwise applying to that officer by the designation of the office of that person, include the successors in office and all deputies and other assistants of that person.

258. Ratification of certain acts relating to the procedure of Parliament. Subject to article 92 of this Constitution—

• • (a) no Act, resolution or decision passed or taken or purported to have been passed or taken by Parliament at any time after the commencement of this Constitution using the procedure of voting by voice vote, namely, by the voices of "Ayes" for those in favour of the question and "Noes" for those against the question, shall be taken to be invalid by reason of the use of that procedure;
  • (b) no Act passed or purported to have been passed by Parliament at any time after the commencement of this Constitution shall be taken to be invalid by reason of the fact that the bill for the Act was not discussed and recommendations made on it to Parliament by a standing committee.

Chapter Eighteen—Amendment of the Constitution.

259. Amendment of the Constitution.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Parliament may amend by way of addition, variation or repeal, any provision of this Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down in this Chapter.
• (2) This Constitution shall not be amended except by an Act of Parliament—
  • (a) the sole purpose of which is to amend this Constitution; and
  • (b) the Act has been passed in accordance with this Chapter.

260. Amendments requiring a referendum.

• (1) A bill for an Act of Parliament seeking to amend any of the provisions specified in clause (2) of this article shall not be taken as passed unless—
  • (a) it is supported at the second and third readings in Parliament by not less than two-thirds of all members of Parliament; and
  • (b) it has been referred to a decision of the people and approved by them in a referendum.
• (2) The provisions referred to in clause (1) of this article are—
  • (a) this article;
  • (b) Chapter One—articles l and 2;
  • (c) Chapter Four—article 44;
  • (d) Chapter Five—articles 69, 74 and 75;
  • (e) Chapter Six—article 79(2);
  • (f) Chapter Seven—article 105(1);
  • (g) Chapter Eight—article 128(1); and
  • (h) Chapter Sixteen.

261. Amendments requiring approval by district councils.

• (1) A bill for an Act of Parliament seeking to amend any of the provisions specified in clause (2) of this article shall not be taken as passed unless—
  • (a) it is supported at the second and third readings in Parliament by not less than two-thirds of all members of Parliament; and
  • (b) it has been ratified by at least two-thirds of the members of the district council in each of at least two-thirds of all the districts of Uganda.
• (2) The provisions referred to in clause (1) of this article are—
  • (a) this article;
  • (b) Chapter Two—article 5(2);
  • (c) Chapter Nine—article 152;
  • (d) Chapter Eleven—articles 176(1), 178, 189 and 197.

262. Amendments by Parliament. A bill for an Act of Parliament to amend any provision of the Constitution, other than those referred to in articles 260 and 261 of this Constitution, shall not be taken as passed unless it is supported at the second and third readings by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all members of Parliament. 263. Certificate of compliance.

• (1) The votes on the second and third readings referred to in articles 260 and 261 of this Constitution shall be separated by at least fourteen sitting days of Parliament.
• (2) A bill for the amendment of this Constitution which has been passed in accordance with this Chapter shall be assented to by the President only if—
  • (a) it is accompanied by a certificate of the Speaker that the provisions of this Chapter have been complied with in relation to it; and
  • (b) in the case of a bill to amend a provision to which article 260 or 261 of this Constitution applies, it is accompanied by a certificate of the Electoral Commission that the amendment has been approved at a referendum or, as the case may be, ratified by the district councils in accordance with this Chapter.
• (3) Where the provisions of clause (2) of this article are complied with in the case of a bill to which article 260 or 261 of this Constitution applies, the President shall not refuse to assent to the bill.
• (4) Where in the case of a bill to which clause (3) of this article applies the President—
  • (a) refuses to assent to the bill; or
  • (b) fails to assent to the bill within thirty days after the bill is

submitted, the President shall be taken to have assented to the bill, and the Speaker shall cause a copy of the bill to be laid before Parliament and the bill shall become law without the assent of the President.

Chapter Nineteen—Transitional Provisions.

264. Transitional Government.

• (1) Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, the Government of the National Resistance Movement existing immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution, in this Chapter referred to as "the NRM Government" shall—
  • (a) continue in office until a new government is elected in accordance with this Constitution;
  • (b) as far as possible, exercise its functions in such a manner and with such modifications as are necessary to bring them into conformity with the provisions of this Constitution.
• (2) The elections provided for in clause (1) of this article shall be held within nine months after the promulgation of this Constitution.

265. Particular functions of transitional Government. The appropriate organs of the NRM Government shall take such measures that are necessary or practical to give effect to the provisions of this Constitution and, in particular, but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, shall—

• • (a) by law establish an Interim Electoral Commission whose composition, appointment and functions shall, as far as possible, conform to the provisions of articles 60 and 61 of this Constitution;
  • (b) make interim laws for elections and other matters connected with elections to any office under this Constitution;
  • (c) ensure that the tribunal for determination of disputes in respect of demarcation of electoral areas is appointed;
  • (d) make laws for the expeditious disposal of appeals referred to in article 64 of this Constitution;
  • (e) ensure that adequate resources and facilities are provided to the Interim Electoral Commission in accordance with article 66 of this Constitution.

266. Existing courts of judicature. The Supreme Court and the High Court in existence immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution shall be taken to have been established under this Constitution and shall perform the functions of the Supreme Court and the High Court as specified in Chapter Eight of this Constitution. 267. Existing offices of judges.

• (1) A justice of the Supreme Court or a judge of the High Court holding office immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution shall continue to hold office as if appointed to that office under this Constitution.
• (2) Any person to whom this article applies shall, on the coming into force of this Constitution, be deemed to have taken and subscribed the oath of allegiance and the judicial oath as prescribed by this Constitution or any other law.

268. Interim membership of Court of Appeal. Upon the coming into force of this Constitution and until justices of the Court of Appeal are appointed under article 134 of this Constitution, the Chief Justice shall, in consultation with the Principal Judge, from time to time, designate such number of judges of the High Court as may be necessary to constitute the Court of Appeal. 269. Existing offices.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this article, every person who immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution held or was acting in any office established by or by virtue of the Constitution then in force, so far as is consistent with the provisions of this Constitution, shall be taken to have been appointed as from the coming into force of this Constitution, to hold or to act in the equivalent office under this Constitution.
• (2) The provisions of this article shall not prejudice any powers conferred by or under this Constitution or any other law on any person or authority to make provision for the abolition of office, or for the removal from office of persons holding or acting in any office and for requiring persons to retire from office.
• (3) In determining, for the purpose of any law relating to retirement benefits or otherwise, the length of service of a public officer to whom clause
• (1) of this article applies, service as a public officer under the Government in existence immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution shall be deemed to be continuous with service as a public officer which begins immediately after the coming into force of this Constitution.
• (4) Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, the terms and conditions of service of a person to whom this article applies shall not be less favourable than those applicable to that person immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution.
• (5) For the avoidance of doubt, it is declared that any office established before the coming into force of this Constitution which is inconsistent with any provision of this Constitution is, on the coming into force of this Constitution, abolished.

270. Regulation of political organisations. On the commencement of this Constitution and until Parliament makes laws regulating the activities of political organisations in accordance with article 73 of this Constitution, political activities may continue except—

• • (a) opening and operating branch offices;
  • (b) holding delegates’ conferences;
  • (c) holding public rallies;
  • (d) sponsoring or offering a platform to or in any way campaigning for or against a candidate for any public elections;
  • (e) carrying on any activities that may interfere with the movement political system for the time being in force.

271. Existing political parties or organisations. Notwithstanding the provisions of article 72(2) of this Constitution, but subject to article 270 of this Constitution, the political parties or organisations in existence immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution shall continue to exist and operate in conformity with the provisions of this Constitution until Parliament makes laws relating to registration of political parties and organisations. 272. First elections.

• (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of article 69 of this Constitution, the first presidential, parliamentary, local government and other public

elections after the promulgation of this Constitution shall be held under the movement political system.

• (2) Two years before the expiry of the term of the first Parliament elected under this Constitution, any person shall be free to canvass for public support for a political system of his or her choice for purposes of a referendum.
• (3) During the last month of the fourth year of the term of Parliament referred to in clause (2) of this article, a referendum shall be held to determine the political system the people of Uganda wish to adopt.
• (4) Parliament shall enact laws to give effect to the provisions of this article.

273. Appointment to certain offices. The first appointments to the following offices shall be made within six months after the assumption of office of the first President elected in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution—

• • (a) the chairperson and other members of the Uganda Human Rights commission;
  • (b) the chairperson and other members of the Electoral Commission;
  • (c) the Inspector General of Government and the Deputy Inspectors General; and
  • (d) the chairperson, deputy chairperson and other members of the Judicial Service Commission.

274. Existing law.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this article, the operation of the existing law after the coming into force of this Constitution shall not be affected by the coming into force of this Constitution but the existing law shall be construed with such modifications, adaptations, qualifications and exceptions as may be necessary to bring it into conformity with this Constitution.
• (2) For the purposes of this article, the expression "existing law" means the written and unwritten law of Uganda or any part of it as existed immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution, including any Act of Parliament or Statute or statutory instrument enacted or made before

that date which is to come into force on or after that date. 275. Modification of existing law by first President. The first President elected under this Constitution may, within twelve months after assuming office as President, by statutory instrument, make such provision as may appear necessary for repealing, modifying, adding to or adapting any law for bringing it into conformity with this Constitution or otherwise for giving effect to this Constitution. 276. Enactments not yet in force. Where immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution any existing law had not been brought into force or was to come into force on a date subsequent to the coming into force of this Constitution, that law may be brought into force in accordance with its terms or shall come into force on such subsequent date as the case may be. 277. Provisions regarding urban authorities.

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the urban authorities in existence at the coming into force of this Constitution, other than the Kampala City Council, shall constitute lower local government units under the district councils within whose district they fall.
• (2) Subject to the powers of Parliament, the laws applicable to urban authorities immediately before the commencement of this Constitution, shall apply with such modifications as may be necessary to give effect to the provisions of Chapter Eleven of this Constitution.

278. Existing commissions and committees of inquiry. Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution to the contrary, any commission or committee of inquiry in existence immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution may continue in existence until the submission of its report unless otherwise dissolved in accordance with the law. 279. Oaths deemed to have been taken. Notwithstanding any provision of this Constitution, any person who immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution held or was acting in any office established under or by virtue of the Constitution then in force and who holds or is acting in an equivalent office under this Constitution shall be deemed to have taken and subscribed any necessary oath under this Constitution, in accordance with this Constitution. 280. Pending matters.

• (1) Where any matter or thing has been commenced before the coming into force of this Constitution by any person or authority having power to do so under the existing law, that matter or thing may be carried on and completed by the person or authority having power to do so on or after the coming into force of this Constitution and, unless the President in any case otherwise directs, it shall not be necessary for that person or authority to commence that matter or thing afresh.
• (2) This article shall have effect subject to the provisions of this Constitution and to any law made by Parliament.

281. Proceedings pending before courts. Legal proceedings pending immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution before any court, including civil proceedings against the Government, may be proceeded with and completed. 282. Prerogative of mercy re cases before constitution. The prerogative of mercy of the President under article 121 of this Constitution may be exercised in respect of any criminal offences committed before the coming into force of this Constitution as it may in respect of a criminal offence committed after the coming into force of this Constitution. 283. Devolution of rights and liabilities. Subject to the provisions of article 284 of this Constitution—

• • (a) any right, prerogative, privilege or function which under the existing law vested in the President shall vest in the President or other person or authority as is specified under this Constitution;
  • (b) any right, privilege, obligation, liability, or function vested in or subsisting against the Government by or under an existing law shall continue to so vest or subsist.

284. Succession to property.

• (1) All property, whether movable or immovable, and all assets which immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution were vested in any authority or person for the purposes of or in right of the Government or in the Government shall, on the coming into force of this Constitution, vest in the Government, subject to the provisions of Chapter Fifteen of this Constitution.
• (2) Any property which was immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution liable to escheat or to be forfeited to any person or authority in right of the Government shall, on the coming into force of this Constitution, be liable to escheat or to be forfeited to the Government.

285. Succession to contracts. Where there is subsisting, immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution, a contract which has been entered into by or on behalf of the Government, then on and after the coming into force of this Constitution, all rights, liabilities and obligations of the Government under the contract shall be vested in or, as the case may be, subsist against the Government; and the contract shall otherwise continue to be of full force and effect. 286. Revocation of statutory leases to urban authorities. Upon the coming into force of this Constitution and subject to the provisions of article 237(2)(a) of this Constitution, statutory leases to urban authorities shall cease to exist. 287. International agreements, treaties and conventions. Where—

• • (a) any treaty, agreement or convention with any country or international organisation was made or affirmed by Uganda or the Government on or after the ninth day of October, 1962, and was still in force immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution; or
  • (b) Uganda or the Government was otherwise a party immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution to any such treaty, agreement or convention,

the treaty, agreement or convention shall not be affected by the coming into force of this Constitution; and Uganda or the Government, as the case may be, shall continue to be a party to it. 288. Repeal of 1967 Constitution and Legal Notice No. 1 of 1986.

• (1) Subject to articles 264 and 265 of this Constitution, the Constitution of Uganda of 1967 and Legal Notice No. 1 of 1986 as amended, shall, upon the coming into force of this Constitution, stand repealed.
• (2) For the avoidance of doubt, the enactments repealed by clause (1) of this article, shall, notwithstanding the repeal, continue in force for the purposes only of the exercise by the NRM Government of its functions under articles 264 and 265 of this Constitution.

Schedules

First Schedule—Districts of Uganda

• 1. Arua
• 2. Bundibugyo
• 3. Kabale
• 4. Kampala
• 5. Kasese
• 6. Kibale
• 7. Kisoro
• 8. Kotido
• 9. Kumi
• 10. Mbale
• 11. Moroto
• 12. Nebbi
• 13. Pallisa
• 14. Rukungiri
• 15. Soroti
• 16. Tororo
• 17. Kabarole of Toro
• 18. Kapchorwa of Sebei
• 19. Moyo of Madi
• 20. Gulu of Acholi
• 21. Kitgum of Acholi
• 22. Apac of Lango
• 23. Lira of Lango
• 24. Iganga of Busoga
• 25. Jinja of Busoga
• 26. Kamuli of Busoga
• 27. Hoima of Bunyoro
• 28. Masindi of Bunyoro
• 29. Kalangala of Buganda
• 30. Kiboga of Buganda
• 31. Masaka of Buganda
• 32. Mpigi of Buganda
• 33. Mubende of Buganda
• 34. Mukono of Buganda
• 35. Luwero of Buganda
• 36. Rakai of Buganda
• 37. Bushenyi of Ankole
• 38. Mbarara of Ankole
• 39. Ntungamo of Ankole