Resources

Legal Instruments

Uganda upholds a comprehensive framework of both national legislation and international legal instruments to which it is a party. These laws collectively guide the courts and other justice system actors in the fair and child-sensitive administration of justice for juveniles who come into contact or conflict with the law. They aim to protect the rights of children, ensure due process, and promote rehabilitation over punishment in line with international best practices.

Legal Framework

In the course of our interactions with the various stakeholders of the juvenile justice system, it has come to our attention that there is significant need to raise awareness and to bring together professionals involved in implanting, monitoring and supporting the reform of the juvenile justice system in Uganda, to discuss priorities and targets

National Laws
International Laws
  • The Births and Deaths Registration Act 1973
  • The Children Act, Cap
  • The Community Service Act
  • The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995
  • The Criminal Procedure Code Act
  • The Evidence Act
  • The HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Act 2014
  • The Judicature Act
  • The Local Council Courts Act
  • The Local Governments Act
  • The Magistrates Courts Act
  • The Oaths Act
  • The Penal Code Act
  • The Penal Code Amendment Act
  • The Probation Act
  • The Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act
  • The Prevention of Trafficking in Persons
  • The Trial on Indictments
  • Trial on Indictments (Amendment) Act
  • The Anti-Pornography Act
  • Computer Misuse Act
  • Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power 1985
  • Implementation of the Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power 1985
  • Plan of action for the implementation of the Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power 1985
  • The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child 1990
  • The United Nations Basic Principles on the use of Restorative Justice Programmes in Criminal Matters 2002
  • The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1990 The United Nations Guidelines for Action on Children in the Criminal Justice System 1997
  • The United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (Riyadh Guidelines) 1990
  • The United Nations Guidelines on Justice in Matters involving Child Victims and Witnesses of Crime 2005
  • The United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty 1990
  • The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Non-custodial Measures (Tokyo Rules) 1990
  • United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (Beijing Rules) 1985