Section
Recent legal coverage and related updates from across Uganda Online.
legal 25 May 2026
The Law Council Disciplinary Committee has struck Richard Buzibira off the Roll of Advocates for committing gross fraud and negligence, involving forged documents and the misappropriation of Shs1.2 billion in land compensation funds. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kampala-lawyer-buzibira-struck-off-roll-of-advocates-over-shs1-2b-land-fraud-5472434
news 21 May 2026
Kampala lawyer Jimmy Awanga has been denied bail and remanded to Luzira Prison over accusations of defrauding a client of Shs 193 million in a land transaction. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. Source: https://observer.ug/news/city-lawyer-remanded-over-shs-193m-land-fraud
news 21 May 2026
A Kampala lawyer, Jimmy Awanga, has been remanded in Luzira prison after being accused of defrauding a businessman, Ronald Mutebi, of Shs193 million in a botched land deal. Awanga allegedly received the money by falsely claiming he was selling land in Kiryamuli. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/lawyer-remanded-in-shs193m-land-fraud-5467516
Business 20 May 2026
The Commercial Court in Uganda has launched a two-week mediation initiative, aiming to resolve business disputes valued at approximately Shs 700 billion. This effort seeks to free up capital trapped in lengthy legal battles and alleviate pressure on the judicial system. Source: https://observer.ug/news/uganda-moves-to-unlock-shs-700-billion-trapped-in-court-battles
news 14 May 2026
Retiring Court of Appeal Judge Fredrick Egonda-Ntende has strongly condemned the denial of temporary bail to opposition politician Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, who was prevented from attending his wife's burial. The judge described the decision as inhumane and contrary to constitutional principles. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/retiring-justice-egonda-ntende-condemns-refusal-to-release-nup-s-mufumbiro-for-wife-s-burial-5460032
news 13 May 2026
Outgoing Butambala MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and 24 co-accused have applied for bail at the High Court's International Crimes Division, facing terrorism charges. The group was initially arrested on charges of incitement and property damage before the charges were amended. Source: https://observer.ug/news/muwanga-kivumbi-24-co-accused-seek-bail-in-terrorism-case
education 11 May 2026
Uganda Martyrs Secondary School, Namugongo has emerged as the top performer in Makerere University's Bachelor of Laws pre-entry examinations for the 2026/2027 academic year, with the highest number of candidates scoring 50 percent and above. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/lists-namugongo-budo-dominate-makerere-law-pre-entry-exams-5455246
news 11 May 2026
Justice Frederick Egonda-Ntende, a distinguished jurist known for his commitment to constitutionalism and human rights, is retiring after over three decades on the Bench. His career was marked by a deep-seated desire to "breathe life" into Uganda's Constitution. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/justice-egonda-ntende-jurist-who-sought-to-breathe-life-into-uganda-s-constitution-retires-5455090
Politics 6 May 2026
Petitioners challenging recent parliamentary election results across Uganda claim MP-elects are hiding to avoid service of petitions, complicating strict legal timelines. Courts have allowed alternative service methods amid rising disputes risking dismissal on technicalities. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mps-elect-accused-of-dodging-service-as-election-petition-battles-intensify-5449206
Business 5 May 2026
Ugandan courts have upheld that stamp duty must be paid by the person who signs or creates a document, not the one who benefits from it, as seen in a recent case dismissing a Shs187m URA claim against Ecobank. With URA ramping up audits and proposing stricter reporting rules, businesses are urged to review contracts and maintain clear records. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/finance/who-bears-the-burden-of-paying-stamp-duty--5448110
news 5 May 2026
After over a month in custody, journalist Arnold Anthony Mukose has been granted Shs5 million cash bail by a Kampala court for charges related to spreading false reports of First Lady Janet Museveni's death. The court set May 18, 2026, as the next hearing date. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/journalist-mukose-granted-bail-in-fake-janet-museveni-death-report-case-5447512
news 4 May 2026
The High Court in Kampala has directed the government to pay Shs10 million in damages to three environmental activists detained over 48 hours during an anti-EACOP protest. The ruling highlights a violation of constitutional rights but rejects broader claims of torture. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/court-orders-govt-to-pay-activists-shs10m-over-detention-beyond-48-hours-5446962
news 4 May 2026
The family of UPDF Captain Amis Ainebyona has filed a habeas corpus application in the High Court, demanding the military produce him after over 15 months in detention without trial. The UPDF defends the administrative detention as part of internal disciplinary procedures. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/family-seeks-court-order-to-produce-detained-updf-soldier--5446310
news 4 May 2026
Uganda's High Court has dismissed KCB Bank's appeal to require a Shs200 million deposit from the family of late media figure Cedric Babu, preserving their temporary injunction against the foreclosure of their Kololo home. The ruling balances the bank's recovery rights with the family's hardship as a widow and minors face potential homelessness. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kcb-bank-loses-bid-to-impose-shs200m-deposit-in-cedric-babu-mortgage-row-5446034
news 3 May 2026
Legal experts confirm that Uganda lacks strict guidelines on how judges should conduct themselves when imposing death sentences, allowing for varied approaches from symbolic rituals to composed pronouncements. Recent cases highlight this flexibility amid traditions like pen-breaking that are no longer standard. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/what-judges-do-when-sentencing-a-convict-to-death-5445518
news 1 May 2026
A court has sentenced Christopher Okello Onyum to death for killing four toddlers at a Kampala daycare, marking the first such civilian case since 1999 amid Uganda's de facto abolition. Prison records indicate 377 hangings since 1938, with about 145 inmates currently on death row. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/death-sentence-in-uganda-explained-5444008
Politics 29 April 2026
Tonny Kitara, a former DP youth wing member, has filed a 41-page petition at Gulu High Court seeking to overturn Norbert Mao's election as MP for Pece-Laroo division. He accuses Mao of disrupting his campaigns, using official vehicles for campaigning, and engaging in voter bribery, while faulting the Electoral Commission for failing to intervene. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/here-is-why-kitara-wants-mao-s-election-victory-nullified-5441030
Business 29 April 2026
A coalition of major Ugandan business groups has urged the government to reform a tax law requiring companies to deposit 30% of disputed taxes before appeals can proceed, calling it a major obstacle to justice. They seek discretionary waivers to ease cash flow burdens and boost economic growth. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/private-sector-wants-30-tax-dispute-deposit-rule-removed-5440806
news 26 April 2026
In a tense courtroom clash during Dr. Kizza Besigye's treason trial, defence lawyer Frederick Mpanga grilled Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo on the absence of statutory provisions for witness protection in Uganda. The cross-examination exposed weaknesses in the state's application to hide witness identities, drawing on constitutional interpretations. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/besigye-s-lawyer-schools-state-prosecutor-on-witness-protection-5437532
Business 24 April 2026
The High Court has ruled that Airtel Uganda must pay the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Shs 1.1 billion following a dispute over the undervaluation of imported telecom equipment. Justice Stephen Mubiru overturned a Tax Appeals Tribunal decision, upholding URA's reassessment based on identical goods valuation. Source: https://observer.ug/news/airtel-ordered-to-pay-ura-shs-1-1bn-in-tax-dispute
Business 24 April 2026
Uganda's Parliament has passed amendments to copyright laws enhancing royalties and penalties, while new tax proposals target entertainers' income from performances and IP. Creatives are advised to seek professional guidance for full compliance amid intensified URA enforcement. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/caution-to-creatives-on-ip-and-taxation-5434742
Business 22 April 2026
Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire has warned four newly sworn-in Tax Appeals Tribunal members to shun the 'love of money' as a root of corruption, urging them to act like judicial officers with utmost integrity. TAT Chairperson Crystal Kabajwara emphasized their role in delivering impartial tax justice amid high-stakes disputes worth billions. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/finance/justice-warns-tax-tribunal-members-over-love-of-money--5433268
Health 22 April 2026
Uganda Medical Association and medical interns have filed a High Court petition accusing the government of human rights violations by withdrawing allowances from interns, Senior House Officers, and refugee doctors, leaving them struggling to survive. They claim the move is discriminatory and hinders education and healthcare delivery. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/medics-sue-govt-over-withdrawn-allowances-5433170
news 20 April 2026
Uganda's High Court dismissed a case by King Ceasor University medical graduate Henry Gavin Mukalazi against the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) for denying his internship due to invalid admission credentials. The ruling upheld that his entry qualifications failed to meet required standards, blocking recognition of his degree. Source: https://observer.ug/news/high-court-dismisses-internship-case-of-king-ceasor-university-medical-graduate
news 19 April 2026
A group of lawyers has filed a petition in the Constitutional Court seeking to nullify Local Council courts, claiming their political composition and structure violate Uganda's Constitution. The challengers argue that these courts undermine judicial independence and fair hearing rights. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/petition-seeks-to-nullify-lc-courts-over-constitutional-breach-claims-5429326
Sports 18 April 2026
Ugandan football, especially women's leagues like Kampala Queens, faces rising contract breaches by clubs over unpaid wages and other issues. Players can protect their rights by issuing formal notices, terminating with just cause, and filing claims with FIFA or national bodies for compensation and sanctions. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/sports-columnists/when-a-football-club-breaches-a-contract-what-happens-next--5428166
Business 15 April 2026
The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda's (PSU) attempt to enforce a Shs 2 million monthly minimum fee for pharmacists has been ruled illegal by the Solicitor General's office, sparking debate on professional bodies' authority. This decision underscores limits on wage-setting powers outside parliamentary legislation. Source: https://observer.ug/news/pharmacists-minimum-wage-plan-hits-legal-wall
news 14 April 2026
The Uganda Law Society has filed a lawsuit against the government, contesting the constitutionality of a public 'community trial' for the suspect in the Ggaba daycare murders of four toddlers. They argue it compromises fair trial rights and judicial independence. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/law-society-sues-govt-over-community-trial-in-ggaba-daycare-killings-5423758
news 13 April 2026
A Ugandan court has halted a bank's attempt to auction a matrimonial home, citing the legal requirement for spousal written consent before such sales. This ruling reinforces protections under Ugandan family law for shared property. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/court-stops-bank-auction-of-matrimonial-home-5420756
news 12 April 2026
The High Court in Kampala has issued interim orders blocking NCBA Bank Uganda from auctioning a disputed family home in Kiwatule due to the lack of consent from 69-year-old housewife Ms Negash Tenaye Anteneh. The judge emphasized the irreplaceable emotional and sentimental value of the property, which the couple built together over 20 years ago. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/court-stops-bank-auction-of-matrimonial-home-over-spousal-consent-5420756
news 12 April 2026
Mediation efforts to resolve the inheritance dispute between the children of late CID boss Chris John Bakiza and their stepmother Robinah Mbabazi have collapsed despite multiple sessions led by retired Justice Paul Mugamba. The wrangle over a Mityana farm and the will's provisions now awaits a ruling from the Family Division of the High Court. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mediation-in-bakiza-estate-dispute-collapses-as-family-wrangle-deepens-5420746
news 10 April 2026
Uganda's Judiciary is set to widen the application of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) across its divisions to address the mounting pressure from commercial disputes, especially in banking and finance. Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo highlighted the overwhelming caseload of 70,631 cases handled by just 30 judges. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/judiciary-to-expand-adr-to-tackle-commercial-disputes-5419440
Politics 10 April 2026
Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, NUP deputy spokesperson and Nakawa East MP aspirant, was denied temporary bail by Kawempe Chief Magistrate's Court to attend his wife Edith Katende's burial after her death from terminal cancer. The court cited the seriousness of his incitement charges and risk of absconding, rejecting his sureties including his retired magistrate father. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nup-s-mufumbiro-denied-bail-to-bury-his-wife-5418994
Business 9 April 2026
Uganda's High Court has ruled in favor of Absa Bank Uganda, formerly Barclays, dismissing liability for an unauthorized Shs 8.5 million withdrawal from customer Eron Kabachwamba's account due to her failure to secure her card and PIN. The decision overturned a lower court's order for the bank to refund the amount. Source: https://observer.ug/news/court-faults-customer-clears-absa-in-shs-8m-fraud-case
news 8 April 2026
President Museveni has ordered a community trial for the suspect in the Ggaba toddler killings via mobile court, sparking debate on its merits like faster justice and community involvement against concerns over judicial independence and security. Experts highlight pros such as reduced costs and better access, but warn of procedural gaps and risks. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/pros-and-cons-of-mobile-courts-or-community-trials-5416384
news 2 April 2026
The Uganda Law Society has filed a lawsuit challenging the government's acceptance of deportees from the US, claiming the process lacks legal backing and proper consultation. Authorities defend the move under a 2025 Safe Third Country Agreement, amid aviation denials and human rights concerns. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/lawyers-sue-govt-over-deportees-from-us-5411702
Politics 2 April 2026
Tonny Kitara has filed a petition in Gulu's High Court contesting Justice Minister Norbert Mao's election as MP for Laroo-Pece Division, citing multiple electoral malpractices in the January 2026 polls. Kitara accuses Mao and the Electoral Commission of violations that he says tainted the results, seeking to nullify the win and order a fresh poll. Source: https://observer.ug/news/minister-maos-election-as-laroo-pece-mp-challenged-in-high-court
news 1 April 2026
Arnold Anthony Mukose, a Digital Talk journalist, faces charges for allegedly publishing false claims about the death of First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni. He was remanded to Luzira Prison after denying the charges in court. Source: https://observer.ug/news/journalist-mukose-charged-over-false-death-report-on-first-lady
Business 1 April 2026
A Tax Appeals Tribunal ruling has halted URA's enforcement of a Shs169.9 billion tax demand on MTN Uganda due to the lack of a formal statutory assessment, particularly for mobile money findings. The decision underscores the critical role of legal processes in tax disputes, leaving the validity of the underlying liability unresolved. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/markets/mtn-ura-tax-row-a-process-failure-and-shs169b-at-stake--5409878
news 1 April 2026
City lawyer Male Mabirizi Kiwanuka saw four charges under the Computer Misuse Act dropped in Buganda Road Chief Magistrate's Court due to a Constitutional Court ruling, but prosecutors immediately filed three fresh counts related to false publications and unlicensed broadcasting on TikTok. The court deferred his plea to April 15, 2026. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/lawyer-mabirizi-faces-fresh-charges-after-initial-ones-dismissed-5409832
news 30 March 2026
The High Court in Mbarara has dismissed a bid by two administrators to extend their management of the late Boniface Byanyima's estate, prioritizing the unanimous opposition from all beneficiaries. Justice Allan Nshimye ruled that the estate belongs to the heirs, not the executors. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/court-kicks-out-byanyima-estate-administrators-over-beneficiaries-objections-5407742
news 26 March 2026
Uganda's Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka has instructed prosecuting agencies to stop arrests and terminate cases based on sections of the Computer Misuse Act recently struck down by the Constitutional Court. The directive ensures no new proceedings under the invalidated provisions, though existing convictions stand. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ag-halts-prosecution-of-offenders-of-nullified-computer-misuse-law-5403596
legal 25 March 2026
Legal experts are calling on Uganda's Judiciary to increase magistrates' pecuniary jurisdiction from Shs50 million to Shs200 million, arguing the current limit clogs the High Court with simple land disputes. This reform, alongside ADR promotion by Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, aims to speed up justice delivery amid massive case backlogs. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/judiciary-urged-to-raise-magistrates-pecuniary-jurisdiction-to-shs200m-to-cut-backlog--5403516
Politics 24 March 2026
Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court has freed Nakawa I councillor and NUP supporter Johnmary Ssebuwufu on bail following more than two months on remand for alleged incitement to violence. Arrested post-elections in January 2026, he now awaits trial under strict conditions. Source: https://observer.ug/news/nakawa-councillor-ssebuwufu-granted-bail-after-2-months-on-remand
news 24 March 2026
Chief Justice Flavian Zeija has announced that Ugandan courts will automatically dismiss civil suits not advanced within 28 days after preliminary pleadings, under new rules to combat the judiciary's massive case backlog. This shift places greater responsibility on litigants to drive proceedings forward. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/courts-to-strike-out-idle-cases-after-28-days--5401676
Politics 19 March 2026
Uganda's Attorney General has advised against tight restrictions on private analytical labs in the proposed Forensic and Scientific Analytical Services Bill, 2025, favoring a licensing system under the Ministry of Internal Affairs to address oversight gaps. Government officials defended the approach during parliamentary scrutiny, emphasizing independence and the need for confirmatory tests in court. Source: https://www.howwe.ug/news/national/42662/attorney-general-advises-against-strict-restrictions-on-analytical-labs
Business 18 March 2026
Uganda's Court of Appeal has ruled that KCB Bank must compensate Deborah Kigongo of Kaaya Enterprises Limited for failing to issue promised letters of credit, leading to significant business losses. The decision awards damages, costs, and withheld contract funds, serving as a warning to banks on honoring client commitments. Source: https://observer.ug/news/businesswoman-wins-landmark-battle-against-kcb-bank
Politics 18 March 2026
Parliament approved the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025 on March 17, 2026, prompting cheers from creatives in the public gallery. The law promises better royalties, stricter penalties for infringement, and protections aligned with international standards. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4304/smiles-creatives-mps-pass-copyright-law
Politics 18 March 2026
Esther Nakawooya, a National Unity Platform candidate, has filed a petition at Luweero High Court against the Electoral Commission and winner Sarah Najjuma, alleging irregularities including two conflicting result declarations that altered vote tallies. She claims alterations at multiple polling stations and use of improvised forms denied her victory in the January 2026 election. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/-ec-dragged-to-court-over-conflicting-nakaseke-woman-mp-results-5394932
news 16 March 2026
The Commercial Court dismissed Entebbe Mayor Fabrice Brad Rwalinda's lawsuit against Stanbic Bank Uganda regarding a reversed $73,262.50 deposit equivalent to Shs 273 million, tied to the M23 rebels in DRC. Justice Stephen Mubiru ruled the transaction illegal, citing money laundering concerns and Rwalinda's failure to verify the funds' suspicious origins. Source: https://observer.ug/news/m23-rebels-entebbe-mayor-rulinda-loses-shs-273m-case-against-stanbic-bank
news 16 March 2026
Uganda's Court of Appeal has suspended the convictions of civilians who were tried by a military court, following a precedent set by the Supreme Court. The ruling emphasizes that civilians should not be subjected to military trials. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/court-of-appeal-suspends-convictions-of-civilians-tried-by-military-court-5393212
Business 16 March 2026
A routine rent disagreement between Muwema & Co. Advocates and their landlord in Kololo has escalated into a court battle, forced eviction, and robbery allegations after the law firm exercised an option to buy the property. The firm disputes the court's ruling ordering payment of over $372,000 and vacating the premises, now accusing the landlord of seizing their assets illegally. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/muwema-eviction-rent-saga-takes-darker-turn-5392902
news 15 March 2026
Children of the late former CID director Chris John Bakiza are suing their stepmother Robinah Mbabazi in Uganda's High Court, contesting his will for failing to adequately provide for dependents and alleging she undervalued the Shs1 billion estate as Shs100 million. They accuse her of mishandling assets and seek fair distribution among all 12 children plus removal of current executors. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ex-cid-boss-children-contest-his-will-sue-stepmother-over-shs1b-5391924
news 13 March 2026
Gloria Grace Laker, a law intern at Gulu High Court, has been charged and remanded for allegedly photographing and sharing unauthorized court records on social media related to Bobi Wine's case. She pleaded not guilty and will seek bail on March 17, 2026. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/court-intern-remanded-for-sharing-records-about-bobi-wine-case-without-permission-5390274
national 9 March 2026
Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija has renewed Justice Stephen Musota's appointment as Chief Inspector of Courts for another three years, effective January 25, 2026. The decision underscores confidence in his prior leadership of the inspectorate. Source: https://www.howwe.ug/news/national/42598/justice-stephen-musota-is-the-new-chief-inspector-of-courts
Politics 13 February 2026
Nakawa Grade One Magistrate Frank Namanya dismissed the arson and incitement case against National Unity Platform deputy spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro due to the prosecution's failure to specify the offence location, resulting in lack of jurisdiction. Mufumbiro stays detained over separate unlawful drilling allegations. Source: https://www.howwe.ug/news/national/42456/court-dismisses-arson-case-against-nups-waiswa-mufumbiro