{UAH} East African Civil Society Forum appeals for caution over Uganda Public Order Management Bill (POMB)

East African Civil Society Forum (EACSOF) appeals for caution over Uganda Public Order Management Bill (POMB)

The East African Civil Society Forum (EACSOF) appeals to President Yoweri Museveni to ensure that the POMB is in harmony with the EAC Treaty, before signing it. The Treaty for the establishment of the East African Community, which was signed in November 1999 and came into force in July 2000, espouses: …" adherence to universally acceptable principles of good governance, democracy, the rule of law, observance of human rights and social justice", as some of the main criteria for admission into EAC membership ( Article 3.3a)

Under Articles 127, 128 and 129, Partner States committed themselves to provide an enabling environment for the private sector and civil society to take full advantage of the Community. Passing of the bill by Uganda parliament sparked off a loud outcry among a wide cross-section of society, including Amnesty International and other civic and human rights actors at home and abroad, which means many stakeholders do not see an enabling environment being promoted at the advent of this Bill.

Cognizant of the sharp controversies occasioned by this Bill, signing it up into law could trigger wide spread legal, civic and political battles, disturbing the peace and stability. The better option therefore is to allow further dialogue among stakeholders to reach a more amiable piece of legislation.

According to EACSOF CEO, Dr Mwondha … "A good law does not only reflect the will of the majority but must conform to fundamental rights and freedoms as well as internationally acceptable standards and principles; otherwise a gang of criminals could infiltrate a small village, outnumber them and start passing by-laws which are un-ethical, using the tyranny of numbers!"

Article 8 (4) of the EAC Treaty stipulates that Community laws shall take precedence over similar national ones on matters pertaining to the implementation of the Treaty. The EAC Treaty demands observance of fundamental human rights and freedoms including … freedom of opinion and information (19), right of peaceful assembly and association (20) right to participate in government (21) and freedom from state interference against these rights (30).

http://eacsof.net/upload/press%20release/11.08.13%20Uganda%20PoMb.pdf

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H.OGWAPITI
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