Activists oppose Public Order Management Act

By Norah Mutesi

Civil societies have expressed dissatisfaction over the Public Order Management act which was passed and assented to by the president last month.

While at their offices yesterday in Ntinda, the Human Rights Net-work Uganda (HURINET) argued that the act infringes on Articles 29(1) (a) (b) (c) (d) and (e) of the constitution which provides for freedom of speech, expression.

They also argued that the act undermines the rule of law and constitutionalism, and that the act subjects the exercise of the above rights to the discretion of the inspector General of Police who can prohibit or allow the holding of a public meeting.

Mohammed Ndifuna, chief executive officer HURINET, appealed to the president to reverse his position on the Public Order Management act in order to ensure that it complies with the regional and international treaties to which Uganda is a party.

"The Act does not comply with the regional and international treaties to which the country is a member," said Ndifuna.

Civil societies urged members of parliament to instigate an effort to cause an amendment before the law is implemented.

They also demanded the police force that is given immense powers under the Act to act fairly and to be sensitive to the principles of accountability, and professionalism in respect to human rights.

"The present Act should not cause UPDF officers to breach existing legislations like the prevention and prohibition of torture Act 2012 which makes officers personally liable for criminal acts committed against Ugandans," he said.

They however called upon citizens and all stakeholders to join in challenging the constitutionality of the law.