Rights body raps new Bill
Sep 18, 2010
THE proposed law to regulate public gatherings is a threat to Ugandans’ enjoyment of the freedom of expression, assembly and association, a human rights group has said.
By Raymond Baguma and Charles Ariko
THE proposed law to regulate public gatherings is a threat to Ugandans’ enjoyment of the freedom of expression, assembly and association, a human rights group has said.
The UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders, Justice Margaret Ssekagya said: “Human rights defenders and journalists are in many ways affected through legislations and laws, which inhibit their work. Freedom of expression is at its worst in this country.â€
The Public Order Management bill (2009) aims at regulating public meetings and gives powers to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to regulate the conduct of public meetings.
Ssekagya was on Thursday
speaking at the launch of the 2010 regional annual report of the observatory for the protection of human rights defenders at the Foundation of Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) offices Kampala.
Sekagya said she had read provisions of the proposed law, which she said restricts every angle of people’s freedom and should not be passed.
She suggested that human rights activists lobby Members of Parliament and donors to block the bill.
The proposed law requires that conveners of public meetings notify the Police within seven days. However, the law does not specify the timeframe within which the Police should respond to the notification.
But internal affairs state minister Matia Kasaija defended the proposed law, saying it would create obligations and responsibilities. “There must be somebody in charge. What would happen if there is a demonstration and property is destroyed? We made wide consultations and the law is in order.â€
THE proposed law to regulate public gatherings is a threat to Ugandans’ enjoyment of the freedom of expression, assembly and association, a human rights group has said.
The UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders, Justice Margaret Ssekagya said: “Human rights defenders and journalists are in many ways affected through legislations and laws, which inhibit their work. Freedom of expression is at its worst in this country.â€
The Public Order Management bill (2009) aims at regulating public meetings and gives powers to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to regulate the conduct of public meetings.
Ssekagya was on Thursday
speaking at the launch of the 2010 regional annual report of the observatory for the protection of human rights defenders at the Foundation of Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) offices Kampala.
Sekagya said she had read provisions of the proposed law, which she said restricts every angle of people’s freedom and should not be passed.
She suggested that human rights activists lobby Members of Parliament and donors to block the bill.
The proposed law requires that conveners of public meetings notify the Police within seven days. However, the law does not specify the timeframe within which the Police should respond to the notification.
But internal affairs state minister Matia Kasaija defended the proposed law, saying it would create obligations and responsibilities. “There must be somebody in charge. What would happen if there is a demonstration and property is destroyed? We made wide consultations and the law is in order.â€