UGANDA: Activists go to court over public order law

Kampala

Activists have asked court to block the Internal Affairs minister from appointing a commencement date for the Public Order Management Act until some of its sections are scrapped out, citing infringement on their rights.

Three civil society organisations, Mr Muwanga Kivumbi, the MP for Butambala and Rtd Bishop Zac Niringiye want four sections of the Act declared unconstitutional alleging that they are similar to Section 32 of the Police Act that was declared unlawful in 2008.

In the petition filed before the Constitutional Court, the group challenges the authorisation procedure that grants the police broad discretion to refuse peaceful assemblies alleging that the law bars activists from enjoying their rights to assembly.

“Such regulation of public assemblies should not unconstitutionally infringe on rights of assembly, expression and demonstration which rights are inextricably linked to the enjoyment of other fundamental rights and socio-economic development of society,” the petition reads in part.

According to Mr Kivumbi, the definition of public meetings under the law is inconsistent with the Constitution and national objectives and directives of the State policy.

On October 2, President Museveni signed the controversial law that regulates public meetings, specifies the duties and responsibilities of the police. 

It also prescribes measures to safeguard public order without compromising the principles of democracy and freedom of association.

DAILY MONITOR UGANDA: