The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995

• Art. 1
  Sovereignty of the people

  All power belongs to the people, who exercise their sovereignty through this Constitution and their elected representatives.

• Art. 2
  Supremacy of the Constitution

  This Constitution is the supreme law of Uganda; any law inconsistent with it is void to the extent of the inconsistency.

• Art. 3
  Defence of the Constitution

  Any attempt to overthrow this Constitution by unconstitutional means is unlawful, and citizens have a duty to defend it.

• Art. 4
  Promotion of public awareness of the Constitution

  The State must promote public awareness by translating and teaching the Constitution in schools and through the media.

• Art. 5
  The Republic of Uganda

  Uganda is a sovereign republic consisting of the districts listed in the First Schedule.

• Art. 6
  Official language

  English is the official language; Parliament may by law prescribe any other language as official.

• Art. 7
  Non-adoption of State religion

  Uganda shall not adopt a State religion.

• Art. 8
  National symbols and seals

  Defines the national flag, anthem, coat of arms, public seal and other national symbols.

• Art. 9
  Citizens of Uganda

  Every person who, on the commencement of the Constitution, was a citizen of Uganda continues to be a citizen.

• Art. 10
  Citizenship by birth

  A person born in or outside Uganda is a citizen by birth if a parent or grandparent belonged to an indigenous community as listed in the Third Schedule.

• Art. 11
  Foundlings and adopted children

  A child of unknown parents found in Uganda under the age of five is presumed to be a citizen by birth; adopted children may also acquire citizenship.

• Art. 12
  Citizenship by registration

  Sets out the conditions under which a person may apply to be registered as a citizen, including marriage to a Ugandan and long lawful residence.

• Art. 13
  Citizenship by naturalisation

  A person of full age and capacity may, on application, be naturalised as a Ugandan citizen on conditions prescribed by Parliament.

• Art. 14
  Loss of citizenship by registration

  Citizenship by registration may be revoked for fraud, disloyalty, serious crimes or espionage against Uganda.

• Art. 15
  Prohibition of dual citizenship

  A Ugandan citizen who voluntarily acquires the citizenship of another country loses Ugandan citizenship (subject to later amendments allowing dual citizenship).

• Art. 16
  National Citizenship and Immigration Board

  Establishes the National Citizenship and Immigration Board to grant, register and cancel citizenship and oversee immigration.

• Art. 17
  Duties of a citizen

  Lists the duties of every citizen, including respecting others' rights, defending the Constitution, paying taxes and protecting public property.

• Art. 18
  Registration of births, marriages and deaths

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

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

  A person whose parent died before their birth is treated as the citizen the parent would have been on the date of birth.

General

• Art. 20
  Fundamental and other human rights and freedoms

  Fundamental rights are inherent and not granted by the State; they are to be respected and upheld by all organs and persons.

• Art. 21
  Equality and freedom from discrimination

  All persons are equal before the law; discrimination on grounds such as sex, race, colour, ethnicity, religion, political opinion or disability is prohibited.

• Art. 22
  Protection of right to life

  No person shall be deprived of life intentionally except in execution of a court sentence after a fair trial.

• Art. 23
  Protection of personal liberty

  Personal liberty is protected; arrest or detention is only allowed in defined circumstances and detained persons must be brought to court within 48 hours.

• Art. 24
  Respect for human dignity and protection from inhuman treatment

  No person shall be subjected to torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

• Art. 25
  Protection from slavery, servitude and forced labour

  Slavery, servitude and forced labour are prohibited (subject to limited exceptions such as lawful imprisonment work).

• Art. 26
  Protection from deprivation of property

  Every person has a right to own property; compulsory acquisition is only allowed for public use with prompt, fair and adequate compensation.

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

  No person shall be subjected to unlawful search of their person, home or property, or unlawful interference with their privacy or correspondence.

• Art. 28
  Right to a fair hearing

  Everyone is entitled to a fair, speedy and public hearing by an independent and impartial court, and is presumed innocent until proved guilty.

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

  Guarantees freedom of conscience, religion, thought, expression, the press, assembly, association and movement throughout Uganda.

• Art. 30
  Right to education

  All persons have a right to education.

• Art. 31
  Rights of the family

  Men and women aged 18 and above have the right to marry and found a family; marriage requires the free consent of the parties.

• Art. 32
  Affirmative action in favour of marginalised groups

  The State shall take affirmative action in favour of groups marginalised on the basis of gender, age, disability or any other reason.

• Art. 33
  Rights of women

  Women have full and equal dignity with men; the State must protect women, support their welfare and outlaw harmful customs.

• Art. 34
  Rights of children

  Children are entitled to know and be cared for by their parents, to basic education, protection from social and economic exploitation, and not to be deprived of medical treatment, education or any other social or economic benefit by reason of religious or other beliefs.

• Art. 35
  Rights of persons with disabilities

  Persons with disabilities have a right to respect and human dignity, and the State and society must take appropriate measures for their realisation.

• Art. 36
  Protection of rights of minorities

  Minorities have a right to participate in decision-making processes and have their views and interests taken into account.

• Art. 37
  Right to culture and similar rights

  Every person has a right to belong to, enjoy, practise, profess, maintain and promote any culture, cultural institution, language, tradition, creed or religion.

• Art. 38
  Civic rights and activities

  Every Ugandan citizen has the right to participate in the affairs of government and in peaceful activities to influence government policies.

• Art. 39
  Right to a clean and healthy environment

  Every person has a right to a clean and healthy environment.

• Art. 40
  Economic rights

  Sets out economic rights including just conditions of work, fair pay, leave, equal pay for equal work, and the right to form trade unions.

• Art. 41
  Right of access to information

  Every citizen has a right of access to information in the possession of the State, except where it would prejudice security or another person's right to privacy.

• Art. 42
  Right to just and fair treatment in administrative decisions

  Any person appearing before an administrative official or body has a right to be treated justly and fairly and is entitled to apply to court for redress.

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

  Rights may be limited only as prescribed by law and as is acceptable and demonstrably justifiable in a free and democratic society.

• Art. 44
  Prohibition of derogation from particular human rights and freedoms

  Certain rights may never be derogated from, including freedom from torture, slavery, the right to a fair hearing and habeas corpus.

• Art. 45
  Human rights and freedoms additional to other rights

  The rights expressly mentioned do not exclude other rights not specifically mentioned.

Human rights and freedoms during a state of emergency

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

  Sets the conditions under which laws made for a state of emergency may operate, and limits their effect to the emergency period.

• Art. 47
  Detention under emergency laws

  Sets safeguards for persons detained under emergency laws, including notification of grounds, family contact and judicial review.

• Art. 48
  Review by the Uganda Human Rights Commission

  The Uganda Human Rights Commission must review the cases of persons detained under emergency laws every 21 days.

• Art. 49
  Report to Parliament

  The Minister responsible must report monthly to Parliament on detentions and other measures taken under a state of emergency.

Enforcement of rights and freedoms by courts

• Art. 50
  Enforcement of rights and freedoms by courts

  Any person who claims a right has been infringed may apply to a competent court for redress, including compensation.

Uganda Human Rights Commission

• Art. 51
  Uganda Human Rights Commission

  Establishes the Uganda Human Rights Commission as an independent body of a chairperson and not less than three other commissioners.

• Art. 52
  Functions of the Human Rights Commission

  Lists the Commission's functions: investigating human-rights complaints, inspecting places of detention, monitoring compliance, educating the public and recommending remedies.

• Art. 53
  Powers of the commission

  Gives the Commission powers similar to a court, including issuing summons, ordering release of detainees and awarding compensation.

• Art. 54
  Independence of the commission

  The Commission shall be independent and not subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.

• Art. 55
  Expenses of the commission

  The Commission's expenses, including salaries and allowances, are charged on the Consolidated Fund.

• Art. 56
  Removal of the commissioners

  A commissioner may only be removed for inability or misbehaviour, in the same manner as a judge of the High Court.

• Art. 57
  Staff of the commission

  The Commission appoints its own staff on terms approved by the Public Service Commission.

• Art. 58
  Parliament to make laws regarding functions of the commission

  Parliament may make laws to give full effect to the functions and powers of the Commission.

Right to vote

• Art. 59
  Right to vote

  Every citizen of 18 years and above has the right to vote, and the State must ensure all citizens can register and vote.

Electoral Commission

• Art. 60
  Electoral Commission

  Establishes an Electoral Commission consisting of a chairperson, deputy chairperson and five other members appointed by the President with parliamentary approval.

• Art. 61
  Functions of the Electoral Commission

  Lists the Commission's functions: organising elections and referenda, compiling and updating the voters' register, demarcating constituencies and hearing complaints.

• Art. 62
  Independence of the commission

  The Electoral Commission is independent and not subject to the direction of any person or authority.

• Art. 63
  Constituencies

  Uganda is divided into electoral constituencies as determined by the Electoral Commission, with regard to population and ease of administration.

• Art. 64
  Appeals from decisions of the commission

  Decisions of the Commission may be challenged by petition to the High Court, which must determine such cases expeditiously.

• Art. 65
  Staff of the commission

  The Commission appoints its own officers and staff in consultation with the Public Service Commission.

• Art. 66
  Expenses of the commission

  Expenses of the Commission, including salaries, are charged on the Consolidated Fund.

• Art. 67
  Organisation of elections

  Sets the framework for the conduct, dates and supervision of presidential, parliamentary and local government elections.

• Art. 68
  Voting at elections and referenda

  Voting is by secret ballot using a transparent ballot box, with results immediately announced and posted at the polling station.

Political systems

• Art. 69
  Political systems

  The people of Uganda shall have the right to choose and adopt a political system through free and fair elections or referenda.

• Art. 70
  Movement political system

  Describes the Movement political system as broad-based, inclusive and non-partisan.

• Art. 71
  Multiparty political system

  Describes the multiparty system in which political parties operate freely under the law.

• Art. 72
  Right to form political organisations

  Every Ugandan has the right to form a political party or organisation, subject to the Constitution and the law.

• Art. 73
  Regulations of political organisations

  Parliament shall make laws regulating the financing and functioning of political organisations.

• Art. 74
  Change of political systems by referenda or elections

  Sets the procedure for changing the political system through a referendum or, in some cases, an election.

• Art. 75
  Prohibition of one-party State

  Parliament shall make no law establishing a one-party State.

General

• Art. 76
  Parliament to enact laws on elections

  Parliament shall make laws to give effect to the provisions of this chapter on elections.

Establishment, composition and functions of Parliament

• Art. 77
  Parliament of Uganda

  Establishes Parliament of Uganda as the law-making organ of the State.

• Art. 78
  Composition of Parliament

  Parliament consists of constituency representatives, women representatives for each district, and representatives of special interest groups (army, youth, workers, persons with disabilities).

• Art. 79
  Functions of Parliament

  Parliament's primary function is to make laws for peace, order, development and good governance, and to protect this Constitution.

• Art. 80
  Qualifications and disqualifications of members of Parliament

  Sets eligibility (citizen, registered voter, minimum advanced-level education) and disqualifications (insanity, bankruptcy, certain convictions) for MPs.

• Art. 81
  Election of members of Parliament

  Members of Parliament are elected by universal adult suffrage through secret ballot.

• Art. 82
  Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament

  MPs elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker from among themselves at the first sitting.

• Art. 83
  Tenure of office of members of Parliament

  An MP holds office for the term of Parliament; the seat becomes vacant on death, resignation, ceasing to qualify, or absence without leave.

• Art. 84
  Right of recall

  Voters in a constituency have the right to recall their MP on grounds of physical or mental incapacity, misconduct or persistent absenteeism.

• Art. 85
  Emoluments of members of Parliament

  MPs are paid such emoluments and granted such gratuity as Parliament prescribes.

• Art. 86
  Determination of questions of membership

  The High Court hears and determines questions of whether a person was validly elected or has vacated a parliamentary seat.

• Art. 87
  Clerk to Parliament and other staff

  Parliament has a Clerk and other staff appointed by the Parliamentary Commission on terms approved by Parliament.

Procedure of Parliament

• Art. 88
  Quorum of Parliament

  The quorum of Parliament for any sitting is one-third of all members entitled to vote.

• Art. 89
  Voting in Parliament

  Decisions are by majority of members present and voting; the Speaker has a casting vote in case of a tie.

• Art. 90
  Committees of Parliament

  Parliament shall appoint standing and other committees necessary for efficient discharge of its functions.

• Art. 91
  Exercise of legislative powers

  Legislative power is exercised through bills passed by Parliament and assented to by the President.

• Art. 92
  Restriction on retrospective legislation

  Parliament shall not pass any law altering decisions or judgments of courts retrospectively to the detriment of any person.

• Art. 93
  Restriction on financial matters

  Parliament cannot impose taxes or charge expenditure on public funds except on the recommendation of the President.

• Art. 94
  Rules of procedure in Parliament

  Parliament may make rules to regulate its own procedure, including the conduct of its committees.

• Art. 95
  Sessions of Parliament

  Parliament must meet at least once a year and not more than twelve months may elapse between sessions.

• Art. 96
  Dissolution of Parliament

  Parliament stands dissolved on the expiry of five years from its first sitting after a general election.

General

• Art. 97
  Parliamentary immunities and privileges

  MPs enjoy freedom of speech and debate in Parliament, immunity from civil or criminal proceedings for things said in Parliament, and other privileges.

The President

• Art. 98
  President of Uganda

  There shall be a President of Uganda who is the Head of State, Head of Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces.

• Art. 99
  Executive authority of Uganda

  Executive authority of Uganda vests in the President and is exercised in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Uganda.

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

  The President must notify the Speaker of Parliament before leaving Uganda and on return.

• Art. 101
  Presidential addresses

  The President shall at least once a year address Parliament on the state of the nation.

• Art. 102
  Qualifications of the President

  A person qualifies for election as President if they are a Ugandan citizen by birth, at least 35 and not more than 75 years old, and qualified to be an MP.

• Art. 103
  Election of the President

  The President is elected by universal adult suffrage through secret ballot; a winner needs more than 50% of valid votes.

• Art. 104
  Challenging a presidential election

  Any aggrieved candidate may petition the Supreme Court to challenge the election within ten days of the result.

• Art. 105
  Tenure of office of the President

  The President holds office for a term of five years (originally limited to two terms; the limit was later removed by amendment).

• Art. 106
  Terms and conditions of service of the President

  Parliament prescribes the President's salary, allowances, gratuity and pension, charged on the Consolidated Fund.

• Art. 107
  Removal of the President

  The President may be removed for abuse of office, misconduct, physical or mental incapacity through processes initiated in Parliament.

• Art. 108
  Vice President

  There is a Vice President nominated by the President with parliamentary approval, who deputises for the President.

• Art. 109
  Absence of the President

  Where the President is absent or unable to perform functions, the Vice President or another designated person acts in his place.

• Art. 110
  State of emergency

  The President may declare a state of emergency for Uganda or any part, subject to parliamentary approval, for an initial period not exceeding 90 days.

The Cabinet

• Art. 111
  The Cabinet

  There shall be a Cabinet of the President, Vice President, Prime Minister and other Ministers appointed by the President.

• Art. 112
  Meetings of the Cabinet

  The Cabinet meets to determine, formulate and implement government policy and is presided over by the President.

• Art. 113
  Cabinet Ministers

  Cabinet Ministers are appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament from among MPs or persons qualified to be MPs.

• Art. 114
  Other Ministers

  The President may, with parliamentary approval, appoint other Ministers (Ministers of State) to assist Cabinet Ministers.

• Art. 115
  Oath of Minister

  A Minister must take and subscribe the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Minister before assuming office.

• Art. 116
  Vacation of office of Minister

  A Minister vacates office on death, resignation, dismissal, or upon ceasing to be qualified.

• Art. 117
  Responsibility of Ministers

  Ministers are individually accountable to the President for the administration of their ministries and collectively for Cabinet decisions.

• Art. 118
  Vote of censure

  Parliament may, by a vote of censure passed by majority, recommend the removal of a Minister from office on specified grounds.

• Art. 119
  Attorney General

  There shall be an Attorney General who is the principal legal adviser to the Government.

Director of Public Prosecutions

• Art. 120
  Director of Public Prosecutions

  There shall be a Director of Public Prosecutions appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament; the DPP is independent in instituting prosecutions.

Prerogative of mercy

• Art. 121
  Prerogative of mercy

  The President may grant pardons, reprieves or commutations of sentences on the advice of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.

International relations

• Art. 122
  Diplomatic representation

  The President appoints, accredits and receives diplomatic representatives.

• Art. 123
  Execution of treaties, conventions and agreements

  The President or a person authorised by the President may make treaties, conventions and agreements; Parliament makes laws governing ratification.

Declaration of a state of war

• Art. 124
  Declaration of a state of war

  Uganda shall not engage in war except with parliamentary approval; the President may declare war when it is necessary, with subsequent parliamentary endorsement.

National Planning Authority

• Art. 125
  National Planning Authority

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

Administration of justice

• Art. 126
  Exercise of judicial power

  Judicial power is derived from the people and exercised in their name by the courts; courts shall apply principles of justice including impartiality, no delay and substantive justice.

• Art. 127
  Participation of the people in the administration of justice

  Parliament shall make laws providing for participation of the people in the administration of justice (e.g. through assessors).

• Art. 128
  Independence of the judiciary

  The judiciary is independent and not subject to the control or direction of any person or authority in the exercise of judicial power.

The courts of judicature

• Art. 129
  The courts of judicature

  The courts of judicature consist of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court and any subordinate courts established by Parliament.

The Supreme Court of Uganda

• Art. 130
  Supreme Court of Uganda

  The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal in Uganda.

• Art. 131
  Composition of the Supreme Court

  The Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice and not less than six other Justices.

• Art. 132
  Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court

  The Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction and is the only court that may hear appeals from the Court of Appeal sitting as the constitutional court and presidential election petitions.

• Art. 133
  Administrative functions of the Chief Justice

  The Chief Justice is head of the judiciary and is responsible for its administration and supervision.

The Court of Appeal of Uganda

• Art. 134
  Court of Appeal of Uganda

  There is a Court of Appeal of Uganda which also sits as the Constitutional Court when interpreting the Constitution.

• Art. 135
  Composition of the Court of Appeal

  The Court of Appeal consists of the Deputy Chief Justice and not less than seven Justices of Appeal.

• Art. 136
  Administrative functions of the Deputy Chief Justice

  The Deputy Chief Justice deputises for the Chief Justice and is the head of the Court of Appeal.

The constitutional court

• Art. 137
  Questions as to the interpretation of the Constitution

  Any question as to the interpretation of the Constitution is determined by the Court of Appeal sitting as the Constitutional Court.

The High Court of Uganda

• Art. 138
  High Court of Uganda

  Establishes the High Court of Uganda, which has unlimited original jurisdiction in all civil and criminal matters.

• Art. 139
  Jurisdiction of the High Court

  The High Court has supervisory powers over magistrates' courts and other subordinate tribunals.

• Art. 140
  Hearing of election cases

  Election cases (other than presidential) and constitutional cases must be heard expeditiously, with judgment within set time limits.

• Art. 141
  Administrative functions of the Principal Judge

  The Principal Judge is responsible for the administration of the High Court.

Appointments, qualifications and tenure of office of judicial officers

• Art. 142
  Appointment of judicial officers

  The Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, Principal Judge and Justices/Judges are appointed by the President on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission and with parliamentary approval.

• Art. 143
  Qualifications for appointment of judicial officers

  Sets the qualifications and minimum years of legal practice required for appointment to each level of the judiciary.

• Art. 144
  Tenure of office of judicial officers

  Judicial officers hold office until retirement age (70 for Supreme Court Justices, 65 for High Court judges) and may only be removed for inability or misbehaviour.

• Art. 145
  Registrars

  Parliament shall provide for the appointment, qualifications and tenure of registrars of the courts.

Judicial Service Commission

• Art. 146
  Judicial Service Commission

  Establishes a Judicial Service Commission consisting of a chairperson, a deputy and seven other members appointed by the President with parliamentary approval.

• Art. 147
  Functions of the Judicial Service Commission

  Lists the Commission's functions, including advising the President on judicial appointments and on improving the administration of justice.

• Art. 148
  Appointment of other judicial officers

  The Judicial Service Commission appoints persons to hold or act in any judicial office below that of judge.

• Art. 149
  Judicial oath

  Every judicial officer must take and subscribe the judicial oath before assuming office.

• Art. 150
  Power to make laws relating to the judiciary

  Parliament may make laws relating to the judiciary including the practice and procedure of the courts.

• Art. 151
  Interpretation

  Defines key terms used in the chapter, including 'judicial officer'.

General

• Art. 152
  Taxation

  No tax may be imposed except under the authority of an Act of Parliament.

• Art. 153
  Consolidated Fund

  There shall be a Consolidated Fund into which all revenues of Government are paid.

• Art. 154
  Withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund

  Money may be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund only as authorised by an Appropriation Act, supplementary estimates or this Constitution.

• Art. 155
  Financial year estimates

  The President shall cause to be laid before Parliament estimates of revenue and expenditure for each financial year.

• Art. 156
  Appropriation Bill

  Heads of expenditure approved by Parliament are included in an Appropriation Bill which becomes the Appropriation Act.

• Art. 157
  Contingencies Fund

  Parliament may by law provide for a Contingencies Fund to meet urgent unforeseen expenditure.

• Art. 158
  Offices the remuneration of which is charged on the Consolidated Fund

  Salaries and allowances of certain constitutional office holders (judges, the Auditor General, etc.) are charged on the Consolidated Fund.

• Art. 159
  Power of Government to borrow or lend

  Government may borrow or guarantee loans only with the authority of Parliament; loan agreements must be laid before Parliament.

• Art. 160
  Public debt

  Public debt is a charge on the Consolidated Fund and other public funds.

Central Bank of Uganda

• Art. 161
  The Central Bank

  Establishes the Bank of Uganda as the Central Bank, headed by a Governor and Deputy Governor.

• Art. 162
  Functions of the bank

  Lists the Bank's functions: issuing currency, regulating it, advising government on monetary policy and supervising financial institutions.

Auditor General

• Art. 163
  Auditor General

  Establishes the office of the Auditor General, who audits all government accounts and reports to Parliament.

• Art. 164
  Accountability

  Public officers are accountable for their actions; Parliament shall enact laws on accountability and combating corruption.

Public Service Commission

• Art. 165
  Public Service Commission

  Establishes a Public Service Commission consisting of a chairperson, deputy and other members appointed by the President with parliamentary approval.

• Art. 166
  Functions of the Public Service Commission

  The Commission advises the President on appointments, promotions, discipline and removal of public officers, and reviews public service terms and conditions.

Education Service Commission

• Art. 167
  Education Service Commission

  Establishes an Education Service Commission for the appointment of teachers and other education officers.

• Art. 168
  Functions of the Education Service Commission

  Lists the functions of the Education Service Commission, including advising on conditions of service in the education service.

Health Service Commission

• Art. 169
  Health Service Commission

  Establishes a Health Service Commission for appointment of health workers and officers.

• Art. 170
  Functions of the Health Service Commission

  Lists the functions of the Health Service Commission, including advising on the health service and its conditions of service.

General

• Art. 171
  Establishment of offices

  Public offices are established by an Act of Parliament or in accordance with this Constitution.

• Art. 172
  Appointment of public officers

  Public officers are appointed by the relevant service commission, subject to this Constitution and any Act of Parliament.

• Art. 173
  Protection of public officers

  A public officer shall not be victimised or discriminated against for performing their duties faithfully.

• Art. 174
  Permanent secretaries

  There shall be a Permanent Secretary for each ministry who is the head of the ministry's public service.

• Art. 175
  Interpretation

  Defines 'public office', 'public officer' and other terms used in the chapter.

Principles and structures of local government

• Art. 176
  Local government system

  The local government system is based on the district as the unit, with elected councils and devolution of powers from central to local government.

• Art. 177
  Districts of Uganda

  Uganda is divided into the districts listed in the First Schedule; new districts may be created by Parliament.

• Art. 178
  Cooperation among districts

  Two or more districts may cooperate in the areas listed in the Fifth Schedule and form regional governments.

• Art. 179
  Boundaries of local government units

  Boundaries of districts and lower local government units are determined by Parliament; alterations require local consultation.

• Art. 180
  Local government councils

  Each local government unit has an elected council that is the highest political authority within its area of jurisdiction.

• Art. 181
  Elections of local government councils

  Members of local government councils are elected by universal adult suffrage through secret ballot.

• Art. 182
  Revocation of mandate

  Voters may revoke the mandate of a councillor on grounds and procedure prescribed by Parliament.

• Art. 183
  District chairperson

  There is a chairperson for each district elected directly by universal adult suffrage to head the district executive committee.

• Art. 184
  Speaker of a district council

  Each district council elects a Speaker from among its members to preside over its sittings.

• Art. 185
  Removal of a district chairperson and speaker

  Sets out the grounds and procedure (including a vote of no confidence) for removal of a district chairperson and Speaker.

• Art. 186
  District executive committee

  The district executive committee consists of the chairperson, vice-chairperson and secretaries appointed by the chairperson with council approval.

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

  Members of the district executive committee may vacate office on death, resignation, removal or end of council term.

• Art. 188
  Chief administrative officer

  Each district has a chief administrative officer who is the head of the public service in the district.

• Art. 189
  Functions of the Government and district councils

  Specifies which functions and services are reserved to central Government (Sixth Schedule) and which are devolved to district councils.

Finances of local governments

• Art. 190
  Planning

  District councils must prepare comprehensive and integrated development plans for their areas.

• Art. 191
  Power to levy and appropriate taxes

  Local governments may levy, charge, collect and appropriate fees and taxes in accordance with laws made by Parliament.

• Art. 192
  Collection of taxes by local governments

  Local governments are responsible for collecting taxes within their jurisdictions and may also collect taxes for central Government.

• Art. 193
  Grants to local governments

  Government shall provide unconditional, conditional and equalisation grants to local governments as set out in the Seventh Schedule.

• Art. 194
  Local Government Finance Commission

  Establishes a Local Government Finance Commission to advise the President on grants to local governments and revenue distribution between central and local governments.

• Art. 195
  Loans and grants

  Local governments may, with central government approval, raise loans and receive grants for development.

• Art. 196
  Accountability

  Local governments must prepare and publish annual financial statements which are audited by the Auditor General.

• Art. 197
  Financial autonomy of urban authorities

  Urban authorities have autonomy over their finances and shall prepare their own budgets.

District service commissions

• Art. 198
  District service commissions

  There shall be a district service commission for each district appointed by the district council with the consent of the chief administrative officer.

• Art. 199
  Secondment of staff

  Senior officers of central Government may be seconded to local governments.

• Art. 200
  Functions of district service commissions

  District service commissions exercise the same powers as the Public Service Commission within the district.

General

• Art. 201
  Exercise of administrative functions

  Local governments shall exercise their administrative functions in accordance with this Constitution and the laws.

• Art. 202
  Takeover of district administration by the President

  The President may, with parliamentary approval, take over the administration of a district in defined emergency or breakdown circumstances.

• Art. 203
  Resident district commissioner

  There shall be a resident district commissioner appointed by the President to represent central Government in each district.

• Art. 204
  Terms and conditions of service

  Parliament prescribes the terms and conditions of service of district chairpersons, councillors and other local government leaders.

• Art. 205
  Prohibition of holding political offices concurrently

  A person elected to a local government office may not concurrently hold another political office.

• Art. 206
  Parliament to make laws regarding local government

  Parliament shall make laws to give full effect to local government provisions.

• Art. 207
  Interpretation

  Defines 'local government', 'district', 'urban authority' and other terms used in the chapter.

Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces

• Art. 208
  Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces

  Establishes the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces, which shall be non-partisan, national in character and subordinate to civilian authority.

• Art. 209
  Functions of the defence forces

  Lists the functions of the defence forces: defending Uganda's sovereignty and territorial integrity, cooperating with civilian authority and engaging in productive activities for development.

• Art. 210
  Parliament to regulate the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces

  Parliament shall make laws regulating the UPDF, including its organisation, recruitment, control and discipline.

Uganda Police Force

• Art. 211
  Uganda Police Force

  Establishes the Uganda Police Force, which shall be nationalistic, patriotic, professional, disciplined, competent and productive.

• Art. 212
  Functions of the Uganda Police Force

  Lists the functions of the police: protecting life and property, preserving law and order, preventing and detecting crime and cooperating with the public.

• Art. 213
  Command of the Uganda Police Force

  There is an Inspector General of Police and a Deputy appointed by the President with parliamentary approval to command the Police.

• Art. 214
  Parliament to regulate the Uganda Police Force

  Parliament shall make laws regulating the Police Force.

Uganda Prisons Service

• Art. 215
  Uganda Prisons Service

  Establishes the Uganda Prisons Service, with similar national and professional character.

• Art. 216
  Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Prisons

  There is a Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Prisons appointed by the President with parliamentary approval.

• Art. 217
  Parliament to regulate the Uganda Prisons Service

  Parliament shall make laws regulating the Prisons Service.

Intelligence services

• Art. 218
  Intelligence services

  Provides for the establishment of intelligence services with their composition and functions prescribed by law.

National Security Council

• Art. 219
  National Security Council

  Establishes a National Security Council to advise the President on matters of national security.

• Art. 220
  Functions of the National Security Council

  Lists the Council's functions, including informing and advising the President on national security threats.

General

• Art. 221
  Security organisations to observe human rights

  All security organisations must observe and respect human rights and freedoms in the performance of their functions.

• Art. 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.

• Art. 223
  Inspectorate of Government

  There shall be an Inspectorate of Government consisting of an Inspector General of Government and Deputies appointed by the President with parliamentary approval.

• Art. 224
  Removal of Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General

  The Inspector General and Deputies may only be removed for inability, misbehaviour or misconduct, in the same manner as a judge of the High Court.

• Art. 225
  Functions of inspectorate

  Lists the inspectorate's functions: promoting good governance, eliminating corruption and abuse of office, and enforcing the Leadership Code.

• Art. 226
  Jurisdiction of inspectorate

  The inspectorate has jurisdiction over all officers and leaders to whom the Leadership Code applies, even after they leave office.

• Art. 227
  Independence of inspectorate

  The inspectorate is independent and not subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.

• Art. 228
  Branches of inspectorate

  The inspectorate may have branches at such places in Uganda as it considers necessary.

• Art. 229
  Resources of inspectorate

  The inspectorate is funded directly from the Consolidated Fund and controls its own budget.

• Art. 230
  Special powers of inspectorate

  The inspectorate has special powers including investigation, search, seizure and arrest in performance of its functions.

• Art. 231
  Reports of inspectorate

  The inspectorate must submit reports to Parliament at least once every six months.

• Art. 232
  Powers of Parliament regarding inspectorate

  Parliament has power to enact laws to give full effect to the inspectorate's mandate.

• Art. 233
  Leadership Code of Conduct

  Parliament shall by law establish a Leadership Code of Conduct for persons holding such offices as may be specified.

• Art. 234
  Enforcement of the code

  The Code shall be enforced by the Inspectorate of Government, with sanctions including dismissal and disqualification from holding office.

• Art. 235
  Disqualification for breach of the code

  A breach of the Code that involves dishonesty disqualifies a person from being elected to or holding any public office.

• Art. 236
  Interpretation

  Defines 'leader' and other terms used in the chapter.

Land

• Art. 237
  Land ownership

  Land in Uganda belongs to the citizens and is held under the four tenures: customary, freehold, mailo and leasehold.

Uganda Land Commission

• Art. 238
  Uganda Land Commission

  Establishes the Uganda Land Commission consisting of a chairperson and not less than four other members appointed by the President with parliamentary approval.

• Art. 239
  Functions of the Uganda Land Commission

  The Commission holds and manages land vested in or acquired by the Government and performs other functions prescribed by Parliament.

District land boards

• Art. 240
  District land boards

  There shall be a district land board for each district which is independent of the Uganda Land Commission.

• Art. 241
  Functions of district land boards

  District land boards hold and allocate land in the district that is not owned by any person, and facilitate registration and transfer of interests in land.

General

• Art. 242
  Land use

  Government may, by law, regulate the use of land subject to the rights of land owners.

• Art. 243
  Land tribunals

  Parliament shall by law provide for the establishment of land tribunals to determine disputes relating to land.

• Art. 244
  Minerals

  All minerals and petroleum vest in the Government on behalf of Uganda; royalties are shared with local governments and lawful land owners.

Environment

• Art. 245
  Protection and preservation of the environment

  Parliament shall by law provide measures to protect and preserve the environment and to promote rational use of natural resources.

• Art. 246
  Institution of traditional or cultural leaders

  Recognises the institution of traditional or cultural leaders in any area of Uganda; such leaders are non-political and non-partisan.

• Art. 247
  Administration of estates

  Parliament shall by law provide for the administration of the estates of deceased persons.

• Art. 248
  Law Reform Commission

  Establishes a Law Reform Commission to study and review Ugandan law and recommend reforms.

• Art. 249
  Disaster Preparedness and Management Commission

  Establishes a Disaster Preparedness and Management Commission whose functions and composition are prescribed by Parliament.

• Art. 250
  Legal proceedings by or against the Government

  Civil proceedings by or against the Government may be instituted in the manner prescribed by Parliament; no execution may issue against the Government.

• Art. 251
  Performance of functions of commissions and authorities

  Constitutional commissions and authorities operate by majority decision and may regulate their own procedure.

• Art. 252
  Resignations

  Sets out the procedure for resignations of office holders, including to whom resignations are addressed.

• Art. 253
  Reappointments and concurrent appointments

  A person who has resigned or whose term has ended may be reappointed to the same office; concurrent appointments are limited.

• Art. 254
  Pension

  Public officers are entitled to pension and gratuity which are charged on the Consolidated Fund and are exempt from tax.

• Art. 255
  Right of citizens to demand referenda

  Citizens have the right to demand the holding of a referendum on issues of national importance, in accordance with laws made by Parliament.

• Art. 256
  Manner of administering oaths

  Oaths set out in the Fourth Schedule are administered in the manner prescribed by law.

• Art. 257
  Interpretation

  Defines key terms used throughout the Constitution, including 'Act of Parliament', 'court', 'public officer' and 'Uganda'.

• Art. 258
  Ratification of certain Acts relating to the procedure of Parliament

  Ratifies certain Acts relating to the procedure of Parliament passed before this Constitution.

• Art. 259
  Amendment of the Constitution

  Parliament may amend any provision of this Constitution by an Act passed in the prescribed manner.

• Art. 260
  Amendments requiring a referendum

  Amendments to entrenched provisions (such as sovereignty, term of the President, and the Bill of Rights) require approval by a referendum.

• Art. 261
  Amendments requiring approval by district councils

  Amendments affecting the interests of districts (such as creation or boundaries) require approval by two-thirds of district councils.

• Art. 262
  Amendments by Parliament

  Other amendments may be made by Parliament with a two-thirds majority of all members at the second and third readings.

• Art. 263
  Certificate of compliance

  A bill amending the Constitution must be accompanied by a certificate of compliance issued by the Speaker.

• Art. 264
  Transitional Government

  Provides for a transitional Government to take office on the commencement of this Constitution and until the first elections.

• Art. 265
  Particular functions of transitional Government

  Sets out particular functions of the transitional Government, including organising the first elections under this Constitution.

• Art. 266
  Existing courts of judicature

  Existing courts of judicature continue in operation as if established under this Constitution.

• Art. 267
  Existing offices of judges

  Persons holding the office of judge before the Constitution continue in office on the same terms.

• Art. 268
  Interim membership of Court of Appeal

  Provides for the interim membership and constitution of the Court of Appeal.

• Art. 269
  Existing offices

  Persons holding existing public offices continue in office subject to this Constitution.

• Art. 270
  Regulation of political organisations

  Political organisations existing before the commencement of this Constitution are regulated by Parliament.

• Art. 271
  Existing political parties or organisations

  Existing political parties or organisations may continue in existence subject to laws made by Parliament.

• Art. 272
  First elections

  The first presidential, parliamentary and local elections under this Constitution shall be held within the period prescribed.

• Art. 273
  Appointment to certain offices

  The President may make appointments to certain offices for the first time under this Constitution.

• Art. 274
  Existing law

  Existing law continues in force, with such modifications as are necessary to bring it into conformity with this Constitution.

• Art. 275
  Modification of existing law by first President

  The first President may, by statutory instrument, modify existing law to bring it into conformity with this Constitution.

• Art. 276
  Enactments not yet in force

  Enactments passed before commencement but not yet in force come into force on commencement subject to this Constitution.

• Art. 277
  Provisions regarding urban authorities

  Existing urban authorities continue under this Constitution until further provision is made.

• Art. 278
  Existing commissions and committees of inquiry

  Commissions and committees of inquiry established before this Constitution continue their work as if established under it.

• Art. 279
  Oaths deemed to have been taken

  Oaths taken under previous laws are deemed to have been validly taken.

• Art. 280
  Pending matters

  Matters pending immediately before the commencement of this Constitution may be continued under it.

• Art. 281
  Proceedings pending before courts

  Proceedings pending in courts at the commencement of this Constitution may continue as if instituted under this Constitution.

• Art. 282
  Prerogative of mercy re cases before Constitution

  The prerogative of mercy applies to cases pending or decided before the commencement of this Constitution.

• Art. 283
  Devolution of rights and liabilities

  Rights, liabilities and obligations of the previous Government devolve on the Government under this Constitution.

• Art. 284
  Succession to property

  Property vested in any authority before this Constitution vests in the corresponding authority under this Constitution.

• Art. 285
  Succession to contracts

  Contracts entered into by previous authorities continue and are enforceable by or against the corresponding authorities.

• Art. 286
  Revocation of statutory leases to urban authorities

  Statutory leases granted to urban authorities under previous law are revoked, and the land reverts to the lawful owners.

• Art. 287
  International agreements, treaties and conventions

  International agreements, treaties and conventions in force at the commencement of this Constitution continue in force.

• Art. 288
  Repeal of 1967 Constitution and Legal Notice No. 1 of 1986

  Repeals the 1967 Constitution and Legal Notice No. 1 of 1986 (the NRM proclamation), saving acts done under them.