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Constitutional History outline

BACHELOR OF LAW (Uganda Christian University)

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UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF LAW

BACHELOR OF LAWS DEGREE YEAR ONE

COURSE NAME: Constitutional History and Politics of East Africa

LECTURERS: Ms Natamba Irene and Mr. Baguma Edgar.

TUTORS: Ms. Nassimbwa Jochebed and Ms Afoyorwoth Winnie

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The contemporary constitutional order did not develop in a vacuum. It is largely a product of the
socio-economic as well as political dynamics and configurations that have shaped Uganda over
the years from its establishment as a modern state. These developments are largely reflected in
the present day constitutional questions and constitutionalism that continues to elude political
developments in the region.

In this regard, the course will cover the following main topics:-

1. Introduction: Origins of Constitutional Law,

2. Colonial rule and birth of the colonial State in Uganda,

3. Independent Uganda (1962-1965),

4. The 1966-1971 period,

5. Militant Politics in 1971-1985,

6. NRM period, up to 1995.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

This course is a foundation course for Constitutional Law that will be offered in the second
semester. As such, the student is expected to grasp in fair detail the underlying factors in the
development of the modern constitutional state in Uganda. This, it is expected shall be achieved
through interrogation of the different political epochs of modern Uganda and how these have
shaped the constitutional destiny of Uganda.

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COURSE CONTENT.

Module I: Origins of the ideas of a Constitution

1. Greek Political Thought: Plato and his Predecessors

2. Magna Carta 1215 (UK)
3. Petition of Rights 1628 (UK)
4. Locke: Two Treaties of Government
5. Montesque: Spirit of the Laws
6. Rousseau, J-J; The social contract, 1762 (Translated by H.J Tozer)London,1924.
7. American Declaration of Independence, 1776.
8. Declaration of the Rights of Man and citizen1791 and1793 (France).
9. Constitution of the United States of America.1787.

Module II : Colonial rule and the birth of the constitutional state in East Africa/Uganda.
(1894-1962)

1. Colonial experience in Kenya and Tanganyika

2. B)uganda Agreement of 1900 and significance in constitutional history;

3. Uganda Orders-in-Council of 1902 and 1920

4. Colonial Administration between 1902 and 1920-native authority, repugnancy clauses, e.t.c.

5. Uganda Protectorate in the 1920s and 1930s – bataka and peasantry grievances (busulu-
envujjo); O-I-C vis-à-vis kingdom agreements

6. “Human Face” period of Colonial Rule (1940s onwards)-Overview

7. Constitutional reforms and the Kabaka Crisis (1953-5)

8. Sir Andrew Cohen as reformist Governor of Uganda (1952-57)

9. Birth of Political Parties – UNC, DP, UPU, PP, UPC, KY

10. Preparations for independence- Wild/Munster Reports, Buganda’s intransigence,

Lancaster/Marlborough conferences.

References

1. Buganda Agreement 1900and 1955:

2. Toro agreement 1901;
3. Ankole agreement, 1901 and 1941
4. Uganda (payment to chiefs) agreement, 1908;
5. Deportation ordinance, 1908 and 1956;

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6. Buganda (native laws) agreement, 1910;

7. Native authority ordinance, 1920;
8. Uganda poll tax) agreement, 1920;
9. Proclamation (under article 6) Uganda-in-council), 1926;
10. Busullu-Envujjo law, 1928;
11. Trading ordinance, 1938and1950;
12. African local government ordinance, 1949 and1955;
13. Order in local council, 1955 (legal notice no.140 of1955);
14. Uganda independence order-in-council, 1962.

Cases

1. Katozi v. Kanizi (1907) Uganda Protectorate Law Reports, vol.1, 24.

2. Kibuuka v A.E. Bertie Mith (1908) Uganda Protectorate Law Reports, vol 1,34

3. R v Amkeyo(1917) KRL14.

4. Rex v. Kowasi K. Pailo7 2 Ors, Crim.Rev. No.43 of 1992 (1920) ULR 98.

5. Mwenge v Migadde (1932-5) ULR 97.

6. R v. Besweri Kiwanuka H C Crim. App. No.38 of 1937.

7. Gwao Bin Kilimo v Kisunda bin Ifuti (1938) 1 TLR 405.

8. Mukumbwa & Ors v. Mukubira & Ors, civil case no. 50 of 1954(1952) E A 382.

9. Re G. L. Binaisa (1959)E A 997

10. Daudi Ndibarema & ors v. the Enganzi of Ankole& ors (1960) EA 47.

Reports

1. Uganda Protectorate, Memorandum on the Constitutional Development and

Representation in Buganda, Government printer, Entebbe, 1959.
2. Uganda Protectorate, Report of the East African Royal Commission, 1953-1955,comd
9475(1955).
3. Allen, C.P.S; A report on the direct election to the legislative council in Uganda
Protectorate, Government printer, 1959
4. The Wild committee 1959
5. Uganda Protectorate Report on the 1961 Direct election to the legislative council,
government printer, Entebbe, 1961.

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6. The Uganda protectorate report Report of the Uganda relationship commissions (lord
Munster), June 1961.
7. HMSO Uganda protectorate, Report of the Uganda constitutional conference, 1961,
Comd 1523,1961.
8. The Lancaster Constitutional conference (sept-oct.1961)
9. The constitutional conference at Marlborough (June 1962)
10. Hancock I.R.”Patriotism an neo –traditionalism in Buganda: the Kabaka Yeka (the king
alone) Movement ,1961-1962 journal of African history, vol.1 no.3,pp.419-34.
11. Kayunga,S.S Uganda national congress and the struggle for democracy : 1952-
1962;centre for basic research working paper no.14
12. Low,D.A;& PRATT, R.C;Buganda and British overrule : two studies (OUP,1955).
13. Mulira, j” Nationalism and the communist phobia in colonial Uganda, 1945-
1960;Mawazo, vol.5 no.1 (1983).
14. Muscat R. (ed) history of the democratic party, 1954-1984, FAD, kampala

Module 3: Independent Uganda (1962-1965): Grappling with the Constitution (1962-65)

1. West-Minister model of Government vis-à-vis problems of head of state.

2. Unitary-Federal Question: Buganda within Uganda.
3. Question of the “Lost Counties” -1964 referendum and worsening of Mutesa-Obote
relations
4. Overall problems of political governance.Onset of the Kabaka (Uganda) Crisis of 1966.
(1963-5)

References

1. Administration of Justice Act,Cap26 of 1964 Volume of Laws of Uganda.

2. Administration (Western Kingdoms and Busoga) Act, no. 18of 1964.
3. Busoga Validation Act, No 9 of 1963.
4. Independence Constitution of 1962.
5. Constitution of Uganda (first amendment) Act, no 36 of 1964.
6. Constitutional Heads (Elections) Act, no 66 of 1963.
7. Emergency Powers Act, no.25 of 1963.

Cases

1. Jowett Lyagoba v. Bakasonga& ors (1963)E A 57.

2. John Kazaraine v Lukiiko (1963) E A 472.

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3. Kabaka’s Government& Anor v. Attorney general of Uganda& anor Privy Council App.
No 56 of 1964.
4. Attorney General of Uganda v. Kabaka v.Government (1965) E A 393.

Module 4 : The 1966-1971 period: 1966 Buganda crisis and Obote 1 ‘Emergency’

1. Events leading to and of the Crisis in 1966.

2. Ibingira cases 1 & 2 and the Judicial Power of Courts.
3. Ex parte Matovu case and the phenomenon of extra-constitutional changes of government
in Uganda.
4. Demise of Judicial Independence in Obote 1 regime (1966-71)

References

1. Interim Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1966.

2. Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1967.
3. mergency Power Detention Regulations, I. 65 of 1966.
4. Local Administration (amendment) Act, 1967.
5. Public Order and Security Act, No.20 of 1967.
6. Deportation (Validation) Act, No.14 of 1966.

Cases

1. Ibingira & ors .v AG (1966) E.A 305.

2. G v. Ibingira & ORS (1996) E.A 445.
3. In Re Lumu App .No 31-35 of 1966 (HC).
4. Uganda Commissioner of Prisons ex parte Matovu (1966) E.A 514.
5. Ondongkara & ors v. Kamada & Ors (1968) E.A I,
6. Ochieng v. Uganda (1966) E.A I.
7. Shah v. Uganda (1969) E.A 261.
8. Opolot v.AG (1969) E.A 631.

Module 5: Militant Politics in Uganda 1971-1985: Amin Era to Obote II

1. Legal Notice No. 1/71 and the Constitutionality of the Amin regime.
2. UNLF period and ousting of Yusuf Lule-Lutakome Kayira case (1979).
3. Obote II regime and the fate of constitutionalism

References

1. Constitution (modification) Decree, no.5 of 1971.

2. Detention (Prescription of the Time Limit) Decree, No.7 of 1971.

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3. Legal Notice No.i1 of 1971.

4. Legal Notice of No1 of 1979.
5. Military Police (Powers of Arrest) Decree, No.35 of 1972.
6. Newspapers and Publications Vested Decree, No.8 of 1972.
7. Process dings against Government (protection) Decree, no.8 of 1972.
8. Suspension of Political Activities Decree, no.12 of 19731.
9. Trial by Military Tribunals Decree 12of 1973.

Cases

1. Efulayimu Bukenya v.AG (1972) HCB 87.

2. Uganda v. Alfred James Kisubi (1975) HCB 173.
3. Amos Mugisha v. Uganda (179).HCB 271.
4. Kayira & Ors v. Rugumayo & Ors Constitutional Case No.1of 1979.
5. John F. Kityo v.AG (1983)HCB 56.
6. Kyesimira v. AG civ App No.1 of 1981. Kiyemba v.AG. HCCS No.192 of 1983.
Rwakasisi v. AG (1985) HCB 113.

Module 6 : NRM Period: Up To The Promulgation Of The 1995 Constitution

1. ‘Fundamental Change’ and ‘Not a mere change of Guards’ –NRM/A and

Constitutionalism in Uganda.
2. NRM/A government and the courts –Ssempebwa (1986).
3. Constitutional making process and the political destiny of Uganda (1992-95)

References.

1. Legal Notice No. 1 of 1986.

2. Legal Notice No. 6 of 1986.
3. Legal notice no.6 of 1986 (Amendment) Ordinance,1986.
4. Resistance Committees (Judicial Powers) Statute, No.1 of 1987.
5. Resistance Committees (Judicial Powers) Amendment Bill, 1991.
6. Resistance Councils and Committees Statute, No.9 of 1987.
7. Resistance Councils and Committees Statute (Amendment) (No.2) Ordinance 89.
8. Uganda Constitutional Commissions Statute, No.5 of 1988 Uganda Constitutional
Commission Report; Analysis and Recommendations
9. Constitution Assembly Statute, No.6 of 1993.
10. Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995.
11. Constitutional (Amendment) Act, No.13 of 2000.

Cases

1. In Re Muwanga, misc. cause no.72 of 1987.

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2. F Sempebwa v.AG, Constitutional Case No.1 of 1987.

3. In Re Mukasa-Muyanja, misc. cause No.29 of 1989.
4. Oonyu v. A G MISC Cause no.113 of 1989.
5. Uganda v. Muhammed Sharif Bazibu & Ors, crim .case No U1423 of 1991.

Suggested reading

1. Barya ,J.J; Popular democracy and the legitimacy of the Constitution: some reflects
on Uganda’s Constitution –Making Process,CBR publications Working paper no.8
(1993) The making of Uganda’s Constitution: achieving consensus by law? CBR
Publications, working paper no. 57 (2000).
2. Bwenje,F.A/W; The Agony of Uganda; from Idi Amin to Obote;an Analysis of the
1980 controversial general Elections and its aftermaths; repressive rule And blood
shed; regency press, London,(1985).
3. Decalo,s; Coups and army rule in africa;2nd Edition, Yale University ,press, new
haven,& London,1990: Uganda the post independence vaccum”; (pp.139-197).
4. Geoffrey Wilson; Cases and materials on Constituently and Administrative law,
Cambridge University Press, 1966.
5. Gingyera –Pinycwa Northern Uganda in national politics; fountain Publishers
Kampala,(1992).
6. Hansen,H.B. Uganda now and between decay and development East African studies;
James carry London,(1998).
7. Hood Philips; leading cases in constitution and leading law, 3rd edition), Sweet
Maxwell, London, 1967.
8. Hood Philips; Constitution and administrative law,(4th), Maxwell,1967.
9. Kabwegyere,B.T, Peoples,Choice,People’s Power challengesAnd prospects of
democracy in Uganda, Fountain publisher’s kampala,2000.
10. Kabwegyere,t.b; The politics of the state formation and destruction In Uganda;
fountain publisher’s Kampala 1995.
11. Kanyeihamba,g.w; Constitutional law and government in Uganda, East African
literature bureau, 1975.
12. Karugire: A constitutional history of Uganda
13. Kirunda –Kivejinja, Uganda ,the crisis of confidence, progressive Publishing house,
Kampala, 1995
14. Mamdani,M; Pluralism and the right of association, CBR Publications working
paper no.29(1993)
15. Ministry of information and broadcacasting The first 366 days, Kampala.
Monshipouri,M; Democratization, and human rights in the third World; Lynne Reiner
publishers, London (1995)
16. Morris and Read; Uganda; the development of its constitutionand its laws,
Cambridge University Press 1966.

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17. Mudoola,,Dan,M; Religion ethnicity and politics in Uganda; (2nd) Fountain

publishers kampala,1996.
18. Mugaju ,J (ed.); Uganda’s age of reforms; a critical review, Fountain publishers
Kampala, 1999.
19. Mugaju,j Oloka-Onyango,J. (Eds.); No-party Democracy: Myths and Realities,
Fountain Publisher’s Kampala,2000.
20. Museveni,Y.K; What is Africa’s Problem, Speeches and Writings on Africa NRM
Publications Kampala, 1992.
21. Museveni,Y.K; Sowing the Mustard Seed: The Struggle for Freedom and Democracy
in Uganda, (1997).
22. Mutibwa, P; Uganda since independence; a story of Unfulfilled hopes; London;
Hurst& co. (Publishers) ltd (1992).
23. Nabudere, D.W; Imperialism and Revolution in Uganda, Oryx Press, Tanzania
publishing house,1980. Ondoga;O; A Museveni’s long march from guerilla to
Statesman, fountain publishers, Kampala (1998).
24. Tumusiime, J;(Ed.) Uganda, 30years,1962-1992, Fountain Publishers ltd, Kampala.

Articles.

Abu Mayanja; The Government’s Proposal for a new constitution Transition No.3 vol.7 (I) 1967.

W.Bradley; Constitution making in Uganda; Transition no.3 vol.7 (i) 1967.

.Emery Bundy; Uganda’s new constitution, East African Journal vol.3 1966.

Ibiringira,G.S; A Perspective on Uganda’s constitution making experience 1992-1993, a paper

conference Centre, Kampala, 1993.

Onyango-Oloka; j; Taming the Executive: the history of and challenges to Uganda’s

constitution-making.

Government Documents

Amnesty Commission; qualification for amnesty& application guidelines (2001).

Parliament of the republic of Uganda; report of the sessional committee on defense and internal
affairs on the amnesty bill, 1999, the parliament house, Kampala (November 1999).

Uganda Human Rights Commission Annual Reports

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COURSE ASSESSMENT:

The course shall be assessed as herein below:-

Course Work: 30%

A ‘closed book’ written examination at the end of the semester totaling 70%.

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