By Ben Musanje
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called for stronger accountability, respect for human rights and greater commitment to the rule of law as it launched its Quarter One and Two 2026 Rule of Law Report.
Speaking ahead of the presentation of the report at the Society’s headquarters in Kampala on Thursday, ULS Acting Secretary Ssali Babu said the society’s long-running quarterly reports are intended to create an institutional record of Uganda’s experience with constitutionalism, human rights, justice and the exercise of public power.
Ssali said the reports, which ULS has consistently produced for more than a decade, allow the society to document developments, identify emerging patterns and draw attention to issues requiring sustained action.
He said the importance of documentation has been particularly evident in 2026, a year that began with the general elections.
In line with its mandate to promote the rule of law and support democratic processes, Ssali said ULS monitored the elections and later published its election observation report.
“We do not wait until the end of a crisis to begin recording what has happened,” he said, stressing that timely documentation enables the society to provide evidence-based assessments that can inform advocacy and institutional reform.
Ssali said the legal profession has a responsibility to speak out when the principles of justice and constitutionalism are threatened, while also acknowledging progress when institutions and individuals uphold the law.
He urged stakeholders to ensure that the report being presented does not become merely another document on the shelf, but instead serves as a basis for reflection, policy discussions, institutional responses and reform.
ULS Chief Executive Officer Christine Awori said the report is part of the society’s continuing commitment to promoting the rule of law and fulfilling its statutory mandate under Section 3 of the Uganda Law Society Act.
She said ULS has a responsibility to advise government, the courts and the public on matters concerning the law while contributing to the protection of constitutionalism, human rights and access to justice.
Awori said the report assesses the state of the rule of law through several key areas, including human rights, checks and balances, transparency and accountability, due process, employment and equality.
She said the assessment draws on legal frameworks, judicial decisions, institutional developments and experiences from across the country.
However, Awori emphasized that the society’s role goes beyond documenting developments.
“Our purpose is not merely to identify outcomes, but to encourage constructive dialogue, strengthen institutions and contribute to practical reforms,” she said.
She said ULS will continue using research, advocacy, strategic litigation, legal aid, professional development and public engagement to advance the rule of law.
Both officials stressed that safeguarding the rule of law is a collective responsibility involving state institutions, the judiciary, Parliament, independent constitutional bodies, civil society, development partners, the media, the legal profession and the public.
Ssali said Uganda needs institutions that are independent and accountable, public officials who exercise power within the law and citizens who are able to claim and defend their rights.
As the launch proceeded, attention turned to the Quarter One and Two 2026 Rule of Law Report, whose presentation was expected to provide the society’s detailed assessment of developments during the period and outline areas requiring action.
Awori urged participants and stakeholders to engage critically and constructively with the report once presented, saying its ultimate value would lie in whether its findings contribute to meaningful action.
The society said its broader objective remains the promotion of a Uganda where the law is respected, human rights are protected and justice is accessible to all. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
