The Uganda Human Rights Commission
Any person – who claims that a human right or a right guaranteed under the Ugandan Constitution has been infringed or threatened – is entitled to apply for redress which may include compensation. The Uganda Human Rights Commission is competent to investigate – at its own initiative or on a complaint made by any person or group of persons – against the violation of any human right.
If that commission concludes that there has been an infringement of a human right, it may order:
- the release of a detained or restricted person;
- payment of compensation;
- any other legal remedy or redress.
Moreover a person or authority dissatisfied with the decision made by the commission has a right to appeal to the High Court.
The High Court
The High Court may award a writ of habeas corpus ad subjiciendum to the person in whose custody the person deprived of liberty is:
- at any time;
- upon complaint being made to the High Court;
- if there are reasonable grounds for the complaint.
On the other hand, any person aggrieved by an order made under section 34 may appeal from the decision to the Court of Appeal within 30 days after the making of the order appealed from whether the order has been made in the exercise of the civil or criminal jurisdiction of the High Court.
Legislation:
- Section 50 of the Constitution
- Section 51 of the Constitution
- Section 52 of the Constitution
- Section 53 subsection 2 of the Constitution
- Section 34 of the Judicature act