Attorney General Presents Comprehensive Review of Ugandan Laws The Attorney General (AG) of Uganda, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has recently presented a comprehensive review of the country’s laws to the cabinet for consideration and approval. This review is the culmination of a thorough examination of the legal framework of Uganda, aiming to identify areas of improvement and modernization. Key Findings and Recommendations The AG’s review highlighted several key areas that require attention: * Digital Economy: The lack of a robust legal framework for the emerging digital economy has impeded its development. The review recommends enacting laws to regulate e-commerce, data protection, and cybersecurity. * Environmental Protection: Uganda’s laws on environmental protection are outdated and inadequate. The review proposes strengthening these laws to address emerging environmental challenges, such as climate change and deforestation. * Access to Justice: Many Ugandans face barriers to accessing the justice system. The review calls for reforms to simplify procedures, reduce costs, and improve legal aid services. * Human Rights: While Uganda has made progress in upholding human rights, there are still areas where improvements are needed. The review recommends amending laws to protect vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and persons with disabilities. * Business Environment: The review identifies the need for laws that foster a conducive business climate. This includes simplifying business registration, streamlining tax administration, and protecting intellectual property. Implementation Plan The AG has outlined a comprehensive implementation plan to address the recommendations of the review. This will involve working closely with relevant government ministries, agencies, and stakeholders, including the judiciary, law enforcement, and civil society organizations. Significance of the Review The review of Ugandan laws is a significant step towards modernizing the country’s legal framework and meeting the challenges of the 21st century. By addressing the identified areas of improvement, Uganda can enhance its business environment, promote social justice, protect the environment, and ensure access to justice for all its citizens.Uganda’s Revised Key Laws: A Comprehensive Legal ReferenceUganda’s Revised Key Laws: A Comprehensive Legal Reference Launch of the Seventh Edition Uganda’s Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has unveiled the seventh edition of the Key Laws of Uganda, a compilation of revised Ugandan laws. This edition supersedes the sixth edition published in 2000 and consolidates all Acts of Parliament from Uganda’s independence in 1962 to December 31, 2023, into a single statute known as the “Red Volume.” Implementation and Accessibility The implementation of the revised laws commences on July 1, 2024. Attorney General Kiwanuka urged legal practitioners to procure and study the new edition, as it provides an authoritative reference for citing laws. The seventh edition is available in both printed and electronic formats. The Uganda Law Reform Commission (ULRC) has developed online and mobile applications to facilitate easy and quick access to the laws. Consultation and Amendments Dr. Pamale Tibihikirra-Kalyegira, former president of the ULRC, noted that the seventh edition incorporates all amendments enacted since 2001, new laws passed after 2000, and omits obsolete or expired laws. Additionally, the ULRC has assigned new chapter numbers to the laws for improved organization. Call to Action Attorney General Kiwanuka expressed regret over the delay in publishing the revised laws but assured that it will not recur during his tenure. He appealed to the legal fraternity to rely solely on the seventh edition for citing legal provisions, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of their legal arguments.Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka has presented to Parliament a review of Ugandan laws, highlighting areas that need reform. The review, conducted by the Law Development Centre (LDC), identified 385 laws that require amendment or repeal. The laws are spread across various sectors, including criminal justice, land, environment, and trade. The Attorney General noted that many of the laws are outdated and no longer reflect the current needs of the country. He said that the review was necessary to ensure that Uganda’s laws are in line with international best practices and promote the rule of law. The review identified several key areas for reform, including: * Decriminalizing minor offenses to reduce prison overcrowding * Streamlining the land registration process to make it more efficient and transparent * Strengthening environmental protection laws to combat pollution and deforestation * Modernizing trade laws to promote economic growth and investment The Attorney General urged Parliament to prioritize the review of the identified laws and work towards passing necessary amendments. He said that the reforms will contribute to a more just, equitable, and prosperous Uganda. The review is part of the government’s commitment to law reform and strengthening the rule of law in Uganda. The Attorney General said that the government will continue to work with stakeholders to identify and address legal challenges facing the country.