ULS releases Quarterly Rule of Law Report with a call for enhanced accountability & collective actions

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has released a joint first and second-quarter 2026 rule of law report highlighting both positive and negative strides with evidence based development ranging from key findings on human rights violations, rampant broad-daylight abductions, electoral violence among others in the period from January to June 2026.

While commending institution that contributed to positive development, The Vice President of ULS Anthony Asiimwe said that among them was the nullification of computer misuse act, the efforts of the Inspectorate of Government amendments on transparency on fight against corruption, amendment to increase Magistrate enumerations among others.

VP ULS Anthony Asiimwe during an interview at the launch 

He however said that the finding also indicated that from January to June there was a lot of human rights violations, and abuses, especially during the elections periods.

“We observed a lot of human rights abuses and violations. This was a unique election year with elections. There were abductions, with various arrests, suspects being dumped at police stations to prepare court cases which they later made it hard to secure bonds” he said.

He called for continued vigilance, accountability and collective action to strengthen the rule of law in Uganda while explaining that “The Society undertook several initiatives including providing legal support in significant cases, engaging duty bearers on violations, and leading advocacy initiatives to ensure the promotion of human rights”

The report according ULS CEO Christine Awori, is intended to provide an evidence-based account of these developments and to contribute to informed public dialogue on the rule of law. 

“Documentation is an important part of accountability: it enables institutions, citizens and other stakeholders to identify emerging trends, demand corrective action and monitor.

She said that the report examines both progress and challenges in advancing the rule of law, including allegations of corruption and abuse of public office, threats to institutional independence, human rights violations, unlawful arrests and detention, land-related disputes and evictions, and breaches of due process. 

“The report also highlights positive developments and efforts by state institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, and other stakeholders to promote constitutionalism, accountability, human rights, and access to justice”