Date of publication:

01/08/2026

Uganda

Do domestic laws and policies provide forcibly displaced and stateless persons who face violations of their right to freedom of movement and choice of residence the right of recourse to effective administrative or judicial remedies?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

The Constitution of Uganda, as per article 28 (1), is explicit in safeguarding the right to a fair, expedient, and public hearing "in the determination of civil rights and obligation or any criminal offence" standing before an independent, impartial court or tribunal established in accordance with the law.  This article clearly supports the relevant access to justice rights of refugees since the target of this protection is "a person", not just citizens of Uganda. 

Also, article 126 of the Constitution prescribes that the exercise of judicial power during the adjudication of civil and criminal matter to include justice for all irrespective of social or economic status and without delay. Furthermore, the Refugees Act 2006 accord refugees the same rights as nationals in terms of access to justice. Pursuant to section 29(1)(h) of the Refugees Act, a recognized refugee shall, subject to this Act, the OAU Convention and the Geneva Convention have free access to courts of law, including legal assistance under applicable laws of Uganda.
 

Regulation 25(a) of the Advocates (Legal Aid to Indigent Persons) Regulations No.6/2007 provides that when considering an application for legal aid under the regulations, a legal aid provider shall consider a priority category of vulnerable persons that includes internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.
 

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    The Constitution of The Republic of Uganda

    Legal provision

    Article 28 (1) - Right to a fair hearing

    In the determination of civil rights and obligations or any criminal charge, a person shall be entitled to a fair, speedy and public hearing before an independent and impartial court or tribunal established by law.

    Article 126 - Exercise of judicial power.

    (1) Judicial power is derived from the people and shall be exercised by the courts established under this Constitution in the name of the people and in conformity with law and with the values, norms and aspirations of the people. (2) In adjudicating cases of both a civil and criminal nature, the courts shall, subject to the law, apply the following principles— (a) justice shall be done to all irrespective of their social or economic status; (b) justice shall not be delayed; (c) adequate compensation shall be awarded to victims of wrongs; (d) reconciliation between parties shall be promoted; and (e) substantive justice shall be administered without undue regard to technicalities.

    The Refugees Act (2006)

    Legal provision

    Section 29(1)(h) - Rights of refugee while in Uganda

    A recognised refugee shall, subject to this Act, the OAU Convention and the Geneva Convention have free access to courts of law, including legal assistance under applicable laws of Uganda.

    Statutory Instrument 2007 no. 12. the advocates (legal aid to indigent persons) regulations, 2007.

    Legal provision

    Regulation 25(a) - Matters to be given priority.

    When considering an application for legal aid under these Regulations, a legal aid provider shall consider the following— (a) the elderly, widows, orphans, children, people with disabilities, internally displaced persons, people living with HIV/AIDS, prisoners on remand or refugees shall be given priority over other persons;