The Implications of the Law On Freedom of Expression in Uganda

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION ............................................................................................................................. i

APPROVAL ................................................................................................................................... ii

DEDICATION ............................................................................................................................... iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................................... iv

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................. v

ABBREVIATIONS ....................................................................................................................... ix

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................. !

1.1 Backgrotmd of the Study ........................................................................................................ 1

1.2 Statement of the Problem ....................................................................................................... 8

1.3 Objectives of the Study .......................................................................................................... 9

1.3.1 General Objective ............................................................................................................... 9

1.3.2. Specific Objectives ............................................................................................................ 9

1.4 Scope of the Study ............................................................................................................ 9

1.5 Structure of the Thesis .................................................................................................... 1 0

1.5.1 Chapter one: ................................................................................................................ 10

1.5.2 Chapter Two: ..................................................................................................................... 10

1.5.3 Chapter Tlu·ee: ............................................................................................................. 11

1.5.4 Chapter Four: .................................................................................................................... 11

1.6 Research Methodology ................................................................................................... 11

1.6.1 Library Research ......................................................................................................... 11

1.6.2 Field Research ............................................................................................................. 12

1.7 Sampling Design ............................................................................................................. 12

1.8 Data Collection Methods ................................................................................................ 12

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1.8.1 Document Analysis ..................................................................................................... 12

1.8.2 Primary Sources .......................................................................................................... 13

1.8.3 Secondary Sources ...................................................................................................... 13

1.8.4 Electronic Sources ....................................................................................................... 14

1.9 Data Analysis .................................................................................................................. 14

1.9.1 Data Analysis Methods ............................................................................................... 14

1.9.2 Analysis Based on the two main Research Objectives ................................................ l4

1.9.3 Meaning Interpretation ................................................................................................ 15

1.1 0 Validity and Reliability ................................................................................................... 15

1.11 Research Limitations and Setbacks ................................................................................. l7

1.12 Literature Review ............................................................................................................ 17

1.12.1 The Legal and Institutional Framework on the Implications of the Law on Freedom

of Expression in Uganda ............................................................................................................ 24

1.12.1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 24

1.12.1.2 International Development ...................................................................................... 24

1.12.1.3 Regional Development ............................................................................................ 25

1.12.1.3 .1 European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights (1950) .................... .25

1.12.1.3.2 African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights-ACHPR (1982) ........................ 26

1.12.1.4 The Nature and Contents of the Freedom of Expression under UDHR and ICCPR27

1.12.1.4.1 Freedom of Opinion (par. 1) ..................................................................................... 28

1.12.1.4.2 Freedom of Expression and Opinion (par. 2) ............................................................ 28

1.12.1.4.3 Duties and Responsibilities (par 3) ...................................................................... 29

1.12.1.4.4 Permissible Limitations ............................................................................................. 29

1.12.1.4.5 Necessmy in a Democratic Society ........................................................................... 30

1.12.1.5 Legislation Restrictive to Freedom ofExpression .................................................. 30

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CHAPTER TWO ........................................................................................................................... 34

2.1 Social Sciences Perspective on Freedom of Expression ................................................ 34

2.2 Law Enforcement and Freedom ofExpression .............................................................. .36

2.2.1 Role of Domestic Comis in Ensuring Freedom ofExpression ......................................... 37

2.3.2 Compliance of the public authorities with domestic and intemational obligations with

regard to freedom of expression ................................................................................................ .40

2.3.3 The impact of presidential elections period on free speech and expression ............... .41

CHAPTER THREE ....................................................................................................................... 46

RESEARCH FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................... .46

3.1.1 Role of Domestic Courts in Ensuring Freedom of Expression .................................. .46

3.1.2 Compliance of the Public Authorities with Domestic and International Obligations

With Regard To Freedom of Expression .................................................................................. .46

3.2 Possible Recommendations ............................................................................................ .4 7

CHAPTER FOUR: CONCLUSIONS .......................................................................................... 50

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study The status of freedom of expression as a fundamental right is enshrined in international and regional human rights instruments as well as national constitutions. In some cases, it may be characterised as the right to 'freedom of expression and information', 'free speech' or 'freedom of speech'. There are differences of emphasis between these formulations, but this review will generally refer to 'freedom of expression' as a broad category. Internationally, the right to freedom of expression to recognized in both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ('UDHR') and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ('ICCPR'). In both of these cases, the right to freedom of expression is framed as including the freedom to hold opinions without interference and the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas. The ICCPR further provides that the right to freedom of expression may be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall be confined to those that are provided by law and are necessary for respect of the rights or reputations of others, or for the protection of national security or of public order, or of public health or morals.