Uganda · Overview
The legal system of Uganda
A common-law system in which the Constitutional Court sits as a panel of Court of Appeal justices exercising a distinct constitutional interpretation jurisdiction — an unusual structural arrangement. Traditional kingdoms including Buganda have constitutional recognition as cultural institutions without legislative power.
Legal tradition
Uganda belongs to the mixed (common law and customary law) tradition. A common-law system in which the Constitutional Court sits as a panel of Court of Appeal justices exercising a distinct constitutional interpretation jurisdiction — an unusual structural arrangement. Traditional kingdoms including Buganda have constitutional recognition as cultural institutions without legislative power.
How power is divided
Presidential system with a Prime Minister, a unicameral Parliament, and a judiciary in which the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal (sitting also as the Constitutional Court) and High Court form the superior courts.
Where law comes from
- Constitution
- Supreme; article 2 voids inconsistent law.
- Acts of Parliament
- Primary legislation.
- Statutory instruments
- Delegated legislation.
- Common law and doctrines of equity
- Received English rules as locally developed.
- Customary law
- Applied where not repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience.
The legal profession
Fused; an LLB, the Law Development Centre post-graduate diploma and enrolment admit an advocate. The Uganda Law Society is the professional body.
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