afrol News, 29 May - Uganda's constitutional court has ruled against a law that required public meeting organisers to get consent from the police, saying it infringes on the right to freedom of assembly and association.

The law gave the country's inspector general authority to approve any meeting of more than 25 people. Uganda's opposition politicians have previously accused the government and the police of frustrating their efforts to hold public rallies and demonstrations.

The ruling, which Ugandans have been patiently waiting for, will grant citizens to have public gatherings in the country without being ruled out by police.

Justice Constance Byamugisha presiding over the case, said authority vested upon the inspector general was prohibitive instead of being regulatory, which was the bearer's initial mandate.

"This means that the rights available to those who wish to assemble and therefore protest would be violated," he said, adding that the law violated democratic principles by infringing people's right.

The ruling also said upholding of freedom to assemble and express remains a powerful indicator of the democratic and political health of a country.

Uganda is one of the poorest countries in the world, whose economy was stunted by civil war in the 1970s and 1980s. It was notorious for its human rights abuses, first during the military dictatorship of Idi Amin from 1971-1979, then followed by civil war to 1985 and then after the return to power of Milton Obote, who had been ousted by Mr Amin.

Under the current rule of President Yoweri Museveni, political stability, rule of law and economic growth have returned to the country. While some democratisation processes are initiated, Mr Museveni's regime has been criticised for not allowing the opposition to play its role.

By staff writers

© afrol News

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