A Critical Analysis Of The Laws Relating To Protection Of The Rights Of Suspects In Uganda

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION ............................................................................................................................. i

APPROVAL ................................................................................................................................... ii

DEDICATION ............................................................................................................................... iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................................................. iv

LIST OF STATUTES ..................................................................................................................... v

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................... vi

ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................... ix

CHAPTER ONE .......................................................•................................................................... 1

1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Background of the study ........................................................................................................... I

1.3 Statement of the problem ..............................................................................................•........... 5

1.3 General objective of the study .................................................................................................. 5

1.4 Specific objectives of the study ................................................................................................ 6

1.6 Research questions .................................................................................................................... 6

1.8 Scope of the study.: ................................................................................................................... 6

1.9 Significance of the Study .......................................................................................................... 6

1.11 Methodology ........................................................................................................................... 7

1.12 Literature review ..................................................................................................................... 8

1.10 Definition ofterms ................................................................................................................ II

1.12 Chapterisation ....................................................................................................................... II

CHAPTER TWO ........................................................................................................................ 12

THE RIGHTS OF SUSPECTS .................................................................................................. 12

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2.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 12

2.1 The rights of the accused ........................................................................................................ 12

2.3 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 20

CHAPTER THREE .................................................................................................................... 22

THE POLICY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK ON RIGHTS OF THE SUSPECTS ........... 22

3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 22

3.2 The legal framework ............................................................................................................... 22

3.2.1 The 1995 Constitution of the Republic Uganda .................................................................. 22

3 .2.2 The Criminal Procedure Code Act, Cap 116 ....................................................................... 24

3.2.3 Magistrates Courts Act, Cap. 16 .......................................................................................... 26

3.2.4 Trial on Indictment Act, Cap.23 .......................................................................................... 27

3.2.5 The Criminal Procedure Code Act Cap 116 ........................................................................ 29

3.2.6 The Police Act Cap 303 ....................................................................................................... 29

3.3 Institutional framework ........................................................................................................... 30

3.3.1. The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) ............................................................. 30

3.3.2. The Uganda Police Force (UPF) ......................................................................................... 30

3.3.3. The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) ................................................................... 31

3.3.4 The Judiciary ........................................................................................................................ 31

CHAPTER FOUR ....................................................................................................................... 32

THE GAPS AND LOOPHOLES IN THE LEGAL FRAME WORK TO THE RIGHTS OF

SUSPECTS IN UGANDA .......................................................................................................... 32

4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 32

4.2 Gaps in the legal system ......................................................................................................... 32

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4.4 Solutions to the gaps and loopholes in the legal system ......................................................... 38

4.5 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 41

CHAPTER FIVE ........................................................................................................................ 43

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ........................................................................ 43

5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 43

5.2 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 43

5.2 Recommendations ................................................................................................................... 4 7

Bibliography ................................................................................................................................. 50

ABSTRACT

The study critically analyzed the laws relating to protection of the rights of suspects in Uganda.

It was guided by the following objectives to examine the various rights of the suspects in Uganda, to identifY the legal framework governing the protection of the rights of suspects in Uganda, to examine the gaps identified in the laws relating to the protection of the rights of suspects in Uganda and to identifY the possible solutions to violations of suspects' rights. The study inclined to follow the combination of Doctrinal and Non-Doctrinal Research Method for collecting data in the present research. The study concluded that although the Ugandan justice system has come a long way and to that effect Uganda has Various Laws and Legislations that provides for the protection of the rights of criminal suspects, it is still ineffective and barbaric in nature. Yet, as the existing problems receive greater exposure; more pressure will be applied to make changes in the system. The Constitutional right of an accused person to apply for bail flows from the presumption of innocence as provided for in Article 28(3) (a) of the 1995 Constitution which states that; "An accused person is presumed to be innocent until proved guilty or until that person has accepted guilt". In other words, once an accused person is arrested he or she should be charged, tried and either convicted or acquitted within the shortest time possible. This is because if a speedy trial is not conducted, evidence in support of the accused could be distorted, and this person's freedom will be restricted yet he might actually be innocent. Remember that the person's right to liberty is a fundamental human right which should only be restricted upon conviction of that person. The study recommends that the entire Ugandan penal system needs to be revamped in order to address the concerns discussed above. Unfortunately, the laws are not the only factor playing into the inefficacy of the justice system. Torture and corruption in the justice system have become so common and expected that few people are willing to address the situation until they too fall victim to its shortcomings. Though the restoration will be a long and difficult process, there are solid steps that can be taken to improve the system and restore suspects and prisoners with their fundainental human rights. Article 23(4)(b) of the Ugandan Constitution needs to be rewritten to allow for an arrest only when there is probable cause, and not when it is merely thought that someone has or might commit a crime. This would require that investigations be completed prior to the arrest and detention of the suspect.