INTRODUCING LAW

UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

(BLAW 1101)

LECTURER: Ms Winnifred Sarah Kwagala

TUTORIAL ASSITANT: Ms Rose Namusoke

Course Description
This course introduces the student to the general appreciation of law as a subject, discipline and
as a profession. The module for Introducing Law is the first half of a course that will also be
covered in your second semester under the title ‘Legal Methods’. These two modules are broadly
designed to introduce ‘law’ to students with no prior background in the field, and to give students
knowledge and understanding of the principles upon which the Ugandan legal system is based.

Course Objectives
By the end of this course the student should:
Be able to appreciate the meaning and function of law in society.
Be able to appreciate the various schools of thought on legal philosophy.
Demonstrate an understanding of and effectively read cases.
Be able to effectively prepare for and take law exams.
Know how to apply the knowledge gained in this course to understand all the other courses of
study in the law programme.

Required readings
Main texts
Students are advised to read the materials set out below. The facilitator may refer to further
readings in the course of the semester. A good number of these readings are available in the UCU
Law Library. Students are also encouraged to access other law libraries to enrich their study
experience.

The tutorials, which are compulsory, shall start in the second week of the semester.

Assignment Explanations

The Socratic method (discussions and sharing of ideas) will mainly be used. All students shall
be required to actively participate and contribute to the topic under discussion. Students may
also be called upon to make oral presentations in class. Short written exercises shall also be
assigned to be done either individually or as a group.

Class attendance is compulsory. Students are encouraged to do personal reading and research.
Some useful websites of interest
include www.ulii.org, www.bailii.org, www.judicature.go.ug, www.saflii.org, www.ugandaonl
inelawlibrary.com.

Assessment Criteria

This shall include tests, coursework, essay assignments and participation. The student should
endeavor to actively participate in class in order to earn marks.
Progressive Assessment
Class participation 10%
2 Exercises 20%
Coursework 30%
Final exam 40%

The class participation marks shall be divided into two. 5% shall be awarded in the ‘main’
lecture and 5% in the tutorial sessions. The coursework component will be divided in two
written assignments each carrying 15 marks.

OR

Coursework
Students will be required to write coursework. This will constitute 30% of the final mark. Further
details on how this will be distributed according to respective assessments and attendance will
be communicated.
Examination
Students will do a three (3) hour exam. This will constitute 70% of the final.
Note
Students must comply with all university regulations concerning class attendance and
examination (Coursework and final examination). For example, the student must have attained
the average mark and over of the course work (15/30 and over) to be able to write the
examination according to the university regulations. Any form examination malpractice may lead
to suspension or dismissal from the university.

The final exam for this paper is typically closed book.

Faith in Teaching

Course Content
Course Outline and Content Description

THE IDEA (CONCEPT) OF LAW

(a) African Indigenous concepts of Law and Justice:
Their application to Modern Society. The sociological background. The Social-Political structure
of Uganda. The Cultural patterns e.g.
(i) Bantu/Non-Bantu Societies (The Interlacustrine Kingdoms/societies)
(ii) Centralised societies
(iii)Segmentary societies
(iv) Age-set societies

(b) Social change and the concept of Law and Justice

(c) Universality of certain concepts of Law and Justice

e.g. Law and Justice applied in the Nuremberg Trials, 1945(Germany) and in Rwanda and Former
Yugoslavia today. Law and Justice in the last two decades particularly the development of
International Criminal Law and tribunals.

(d) The Law in Theory and the Law in Action.

The concept of Law and Justice as a norm of social behavior, a rule of conduct, a principle
governing relationships between one person and another. What is law to the ordinary man – the
boda boda rider outside the UCU main gate?

(e) Divisions of Law.

Natural Law vs. Man-made (Positive) Law. Civil Law vs. Criminal Law, Private Law v. Public
Law.

(f) Classification of views of Law

N.B: You will study these views in greater detail during the course on Jurisprudence I during
your LL.B II. Here we are interested in looking at the influential, determining factors
distinguishing one school from the others.
(i) The views of Jurists and Legal Philosophers in general
(ii) the views of Social Anthropologists and Sociologists generally
(iii) The views of Scholars of African Jurisprudence in particular

The views of Jurists and Legal Philosophers generally

The Natural Law School
The Analytical (Positivist) School
The Historical School
The Sociological School
The Realist Movement
The Pure Theory of Law
The Marxist or Economic Theory of Law
Ref: Austin – Lectures on Jurisprudence
Savigny – Of the Vocation of Our Age for Legislation and Jurisprudence
Pound – Introduction to the Philosophy of Law
Holmes – The Path of the Law, 1897
Hanbury – English Courts of Law
Works of Gray, Acquinas, Aristotle, D’Entreves, Cicero (The Prince of Lawyers)

The views of Social Anthropologists and Sociologies generally

The Historical approach
The Comprehensive approach
The Functional approach
Ref: Sir Henry Maine – Ancient Law
Hartland – Primitive Law
Malinowski – Crime and Custom in Savage Society
Paddington – An Introduction to Social Anthropology
Raddiffe-Brown – Structure and Function in Primitive Society

The views of Scholars of African Jurisprudence

Elias: The Nature of African Customary Law
Schapera: Handbook of Tswana Law & Custom
Gluckman: The Judicial Process among the Barotse of Northern Rhodesia
Fallers: Law without Precedent (Basoga0
Allot: Essays in African Law

Further readings for the Definition, Conceptualization and Function of Law in Society.

Khiddu Makubuya, Introduction to Law: The Uganda Case, 1983, particularly Chapter 3.
Paul Denham: Law: A Modern Introduction, Fourth Edition, 1999, particularly Chapter 1.
H.L.A Hart, The Concept of Law, Oxford University Press, Clarendon Law Series, Second
Edition, 1994 p. 1
Ronald Dworkin: Law’s Empire, Hart Publishing, 1986, particularly Chapters 1 –3.
William Burnett Harvey: An Introduction to the Legal System in East Africa, EALB, Kampala
Nairobi Dar es Salaam, 1975, particularly Chapter 3. and 4.
John C.H. Wu, Fountain of Justice, Shed and Ward N.Y 1955, for a definition of law by legal
philosophers such as St. Thomas Aquinas, Austin, Cicero, Savigny and others. The said
definitions are also reproduced in George W.K.L.Kasozi, Introduction to the Law of Lesotho: A
Basic Text on Law and Judicial Conduct and Practice, Published by Ministry of Justice Human
Rights and Rehabilitation, Lesotho, Volume 1, 1999, particularly pp. 1-6. (This title is available in
the Reserve Section of UCU Main Library, Mukono).
George W.K.L.Kasozi, The Law and Globalisation: An African Perspective, The original paper
was presented to the Philosophy Day Celebration, organized by The Department of Philosophy,
Faculty of Arts, Makerere University, Faculty of Arts, Lower Lecture, Theatre 1, 18 December
2004. It was however revised and will be published by the Catholic University, New York, USA.
Will also be published in the forthcoming edition UCU Research Bulletin.
For cases >http//www.saflii.org/ug/cases/UDCC/2004/1.html< www.commonlii.org/ <
8.D. Lloyd, Introduction to Jurisprudence, 1979.
9.O.W. Holmes, The Path of Law, 1909.
10.JJ. Rousseau The Social Contract,
11.Karl Max, A Contribution to a Critique of Political Economy.
12.H.D.Lasswell and M.S. McDougal, Criteria for a Theory about Law, (1971) vol. 44 So. Cal. Law
Review 362 – 394.
A.M.Stone, Knowing the Law, 24 M.L.R 1961, pp. 475 – 480.
F. Engels, Origins of the Family, Private Property and the State.
V.I. Lenin, The State.
C.M. Munro, Laws and Conventions Distinguished 91 L.Q.R 218–255, 1975.
J.P. Humphry, On the Definition and Nature of Law 8 M.L.R, (1944), pp. 194 – 203.
John Lock, Civil Government
T.O.Elias, The Nature of African Customary Law, Manchester University Press, 1954, pp. 37 – 52.

The Legal System and Rule of Law (highlight)

Prof. Dr. George W.Kanyeihamba, Kanyeihamba’s Commentaries on Law, Politics and

Governance, Oh Uganda Book Series, Renaissance Media Ltd, 2006.
Hayek, The Road to Serfdom, particularly Chapter 6.
Declaration of Delhi (1959) 50 International Commission of Jurists, pp. 7 – 54.
George W.K.L.Kasozi, The Concept of Rule of Law in Uganda and Protection of Human Rights
and Rule of Law: 1986 to the Present, The Uganda Living Law Journal, Volume 6 No.1, 2008.

C (i) The Impact of a Revolution on a Legal Order

Hans Kelsen, The Pure Theory of Law
Molteno, The Rhodesian Crisis and the Courts (1969) CILSA p.245; article by same author in
(1970) CILSA p.19.
H.B Hansen and M.Twaddle, From Chaos to order: The Politics of Constitution Making in
Uganda, Fountain Publishers, 1995.
H.B. Hansen and M.Twaddle, Uganda Now,

Cases
Shah v Attorney General 1970 EA 524.
Uganda v Commissioner of Prisons Ex parte Matovu [1966] EA 514 248, 301.
Edward Fredrick Ssempebwa v Attorney General High Court Constitutional Case No. 1 of 1986.
Comments by
Robert Martin, vol. 1 EALR p.61
Yash Gahai, vol. 1 EALR p. 68.
Madzimbamuto v Lardness Burke 1968 3 All E.R 561,1960 (2) SA

THE LANGUAGE OF LAW AND SPEAKING IN COURT

Legislation Terminology
Principal Legislation: Bill, Act of Parliament, Statute, Ordinance, Decree
Subsidiary Legislation: Statutory Instrument (S.I), Rule, Regulation, Bye Law
Process of Law Making:
Enactment (Statutes and Delegated Legislation)
Amendment of law
Revision/Reprint
Repeal of Law
Law Reform
Codification of Law
Classification of Law:
National Law
International Law
Public Law- Private Law
Common Law-Civil Law
Substantive Law – Procedural Law
N.B. Laws of Uganda: Titles and Chapters
Ref: K.Makubuya, Cap.5

Citation of Cases
(i) Law Reports Nomenclature
Students are advised to refer to the official citation in Uganda and East Africa of periodicals and
journals. In this regard they are also advised to familiarize themselves with International citation.
Particularly U.K and USA., See, for example, The Bluebook, A Uniform System of Citation,
Eighteenth Edition, Compiled by the editors of the Columbia Law Review, the Harvard Law
Review, the University of Pennsylvania Law Review, and The Yale Law
Journal. www.legalbluebook.com

The following abbreviations should be noted:

AC – Appeal Cases Law Reports (England)

AD- Appellate Division (South Africa)
All E.R – All England Law Reports (England)
All N. R – All Nigeria Law Reports
ALR – African Law Reports
BCLR – Butterworths Constitutional Law Reports
CA – Court of Appeal
CCR – Criminal Cases Reports
CILSA – Comparative and International Law Journal of South Africa
CHRLD- Commonwealth Human Rights Law Digest
CWLR – Common Wealth Law Reports
Cr. App Rep – Criminal Appeal
E.A – East African Law Reports (East Africa)
EACA – East African Court of Appeal Reports (East Africa)
E.A.L.J – East African Law Journal
E.A.P.L.R – East African Protectorate Law Reports
ECHR – European Court of Human Rights
E.R – English Reports
HCB/HCMB – High Court Bulletin/ High Court Monthly Bulletin (Uganda)
HCTLR- High Commission Territory Law Reports (BBS)
ICC – International Criminal Court (The Hague)
ICJ – International Court of Justice (The Hague, situated in Peace Palace)
JAL-Journal of African Law
JLE – Journal of Legal Education
JMAS-Journal of Modern African Studies
K.L.R. Kenya Law Reports (Kenya)
KB /KBD King’s Bench/King’s Bench Division) (England)
Lesotho L.J Lesotho Law Journal
LLR – Lesotho Law Reports
LLR-LB/ Lesotho Law Reports and Legal Bulletin
LQR – Law Quarterly Review
Makerere Law Journal- Makerere Law Journal
LRNR- Law Reports of Northern Rhodesia
MLR – Modern Law Review
NSWLR – New South Wales Law Reports
PC – Privy Council
P.H – Prentice Hall Law Reports
PCIJ- Permanent Court of International Justice (Predecessor to ICJ)
Q.B/QBD – Queen’s Bench/Queen’s Bench Division (England)
R&N – Rhodesia and Nyasaland Law Report
SA – South African Law Reports
SACR – South African Criminal Reports
SALJ – South African Law Journal
T.L.R – Tanganyika Law Reports (Tanzania)
TWLS -Third World Law Studies
UCU- L.R Uganda Christian University Law Review
U.L.F- Uganda Law Focus (Uganda)
U.L.J Uganda Law Journal
U.J – Uganda Journal
U.L.R – Uganda Law Reports
WACA -West African Court of Appeal
WALR- West Africa Law Reports
W.L.R – Weekly Law Reports (England)
Yale L.J – Yale Law Journal
Z.L.R – Zanzibar Law Reports (Zanzibar)

(ii) Case Writing and Reading (Refer to Section VIII of this reading list)

(iii) Parties in Legal Disputes:

(a) Prosecution / Defence

Prosecutor / Accused – Prisoner
(b) Plaintiff / Defendant
Complainant / Respondent
Petitioner / Co-respondent
(c) Appellant / Respondent

N.B. Party reference “et. al.” = “and another”

Ref:
Makubuya, Cap. 4
I. Hayakawa, Language in Thought and Action (1964)
Lord Denning, The Discipline of Law (1979) pp. 5-6
Mellinkoff, The Language of Law (1963). Caps. 1,2 and 3
C. Hicks, Jargon and Occult Qualities 19 M.L.R 158 – 171 91956)
Harries, Language and Law in Tanzania 10 Journal of African Law (J.A.L) 164-167 (1966)
B. Weston, Language and the Law in Tanzania 11 J.A.L 63 (1967)
Glanville Williams, Language and the Law I,II,III & IV, 61 Q.R, 71-86,179-195,293-303 & 384 – 406
(1945)
Michael Hyam, Advocacy Skills, 4th Edition, Blackstone Press Ltd., 1999
Abraham, The Legal Mind
The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995) Article 6
The Civil Procedure Act

III. SOURCES AND RECEPTION OF LAW IN UGANDA

Non-legal factors facilitating the reception
The Berlin Conference of 1884
The Commercial Enterprises
The search for Knowledge
The religious factor
The Humanitarian factor
The Cultural patterns in East Africa
The Legal framework
The Foreign Jurisdiction Acts
The African Order in Council 1889
The Separate Territorial Orders in Council
The Separate Territorial Judicature Statutes

Law making and its evolution over the Colonial period to Independence and thereafter
The Law making authority
The Terminology Used

Ref: African Order in Council 1889

Foreign Jurisdiction Act, 1890 (U.K.)(53-54 Vict. C. 37)
Uganda Order in Council 1902, and 1911
Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995.
Judicature Act Cap 13, Laws of Uganda, 2000
Magistrates’ Courts’ Act 1970 as amended

R.L.Johnson v A. Johnson 1960 EA 607 (U)

Mohammed Abdulla v Khoja Juma Khamis (1904 – 1910) 1 UPLR 83.
A.H. Anderson v E.A. High Commission (1921 – 1925) 1 T.L.R 514.
Re: Oboja Musoga (1904 – 1910) UPLR 86.
Moonlight Sengooba Salongo v Admin. General HCCS No. 894 of 1973.
Gulam Mohammed v Ettel (1918) 1 U.L.R 290

Nakakonge Baraka Coffee Industry Ltd. v Nkonge Turyasubira Farmers & Brothers and 3 Others
!971) U.L.R. 55

It should also be noted that English Common Law has to be modified to suit the local conditions
in Africa as was enunciated in Nyali Ltd. v Attorney General, [1955] All E.R 1 p. 646 at
653 paragraphs C – E

English cases cited herein the reading list must be read with the Supreme Court decision
in Uganda Motors v Wavah Holdings Civil Appeal No. 19/1991, in mind.

Khiddu Makubuya, Cap. 7

William Burnett Harvey, Cap. 4, pp. 413-496.
J. Read and H.F. Morris, Cap. 10.
Morris & Read, Indirect Rule and the Search for Justice: Essays in East African Legal History
(1972)
J.M.N. Kakooza, Uganda’s Legal History in a Nutshell, Makerere Law Journal, Vol.1, No.1, 1993
George Kanyeihamba, Constitutional and Political History of Uganda, from 1894 to the Present,
Centenary Publishing House, Namirembe, Uganda, 2002.
Ernest K. Beyaraza, Social Foundations of Law: A Philosophical Analysis, LDC Publishers, 2001.
Kenneth Roberts-Wray, The Adaptation of Imported Law in East Africa, (1960) 4 JAL, 21 – 35.
Seidman R.B ‘The Reception of English Law in Colonial Africa’, Volume 2, EALR, 47 (1969) pp.
56 – 60.
Seidman.R.B, Administrative Law Legitimacy in Anglophonic Africa: A problem in Reception of
Foreign Law, 5 LSR, 160 – 204
Seidman R.B, ‘The Reception of English Law in Colonial Africa’, Volume 2, EALR, 47 (1969) pp.
56 – 60.
Seidman.R.B Administrative Law Legitimacy in Anglophonic Africa: A problem in Reception of
Foreign Law, 5 LSR, 160 – 204.
Obol-Ochola, Customary Law and Economic Development of Uganda, LL.M Dissertation,
University of Dar es Salaam, 1971.
Cole & Deruson, Tanganyika – The Development of its Laws and Constitution, Stevens, London,
1964.
Malinowski, B, Crime and Custom in Savage Society, London, 1926.
Fallers I.A., Customary Law in New African Societies, Law and Contemporary Problems, Duke
University School of Law.
Customary Law, Meaning and its Application
T.O. Elias, The Nature of African Customary Law, Manchester University Press, 1954, pp. 28-34
Read ‘When is Customary Law Relevant?’ 1963 J.A.L pp. 57-59.
Read: ‘Some Legal Problems in East Africa’ (1966) E.A.L.J, p. 254-258
E.Cotran, Integration of Courts and Application of Customary Law
E.Cotran, The Position of Customary Criminal Law in African Countries, in G.F.A. Sawyer, East
African Law and Social Change.
A.N.Allott, The Judicial Ascertainment of Customary Law in British Africa, 20 M.L.R 244 – 265
(1957)
Hanninan, Native Custom: Its similarity to English Conventional Custom and its Mode of Proof,
(1958) J.A.L. 101 – 115.
J. Vanderlinden, Recording of Customary Law in France during the Fifteen and sixteenth
Centuries and Recordings of African Customary Laws. (1959) 3 J.A.L 165 175
C.M.N. White, African Customary Law: Problem of Concept and Definition, (1965) J.A.L 86 – 89.
P.P. Durand, Customary Oathing and Legal Process in Kenya, (1970) 14 J.A.L 17 – 33.
A.O. Obilade, Reform of Customary Courts in Nigeria Under the Military Government, (1969) 13
J.A.L. 28 – 44.
Sebastian.M. Poulter, Legal Dualism in Lesotho, Morija, Lesotho, 1981
Sebastian.M. Poulter, Family Law and Litigation in Basotho Society, Clarendon Press, January
1976.
Patrick Duncan, Customary Law, Maseru Government Printer, 1960.
C.M.G Himsworth, The Botswana Customary Law Act, 1969, (1972) 16 J.A.L. 4 – 18.
A.O. Obilade, Jurisdiction in Customary Law Matters in Nigeria: A Critical Examination (1973)
17 J.A.L. 227 – 240.
Joseph Kakooza, The Application of Customary Law in Uganda, The Uganda Living Law Journal,
Uganda Law Reform Commission, Vol.1. No. 1 2003
George W.K.L.Kasozi: The Law and Globalisation: An African Perspective, The original paper
was presented to the Philosophy Day Celebration, organized by The Department of Philosophy,
Faculty of Arts, Makerere University, Faculty of Arts, Lower Lecture, Theatre 1, 18 December
2004. It was however revised and will be published in the forthcoming UCU Research Bulletin.

D (i) Proof of Customary Law:

Felista Nakawuka and 2 Others v Uganda, Crim. Appeal No. 363 of 1971 (1972) 1 U.L.R 3.
Kabali v Kajubi (1944) 11 EACA 34
Gwao Bin Kilimo v Kasunda Bin Ifuti 1 T.L.R 403

For a Comparative view on existence of a custom, which gives rise to customary law:
Van Breda and Others v Jacob and Others, 1921 A.D 330.

Customary law in Africa is characterised by constant change. It is flexible, even though it may be
said to be conservative in certain respects. It is also innovative in other respects as observed
in Kajubi v Kabali, (1944) 11 EACA 34.
Kabaka’s Govt. v Musa Kitonto [1965] EA 278
Felista Nakawuma and 2 Others v Uganda, Crim. Appeal No. 368 of 1971 (1972) 1 U.L.R 3;
Eshugbay Eleko v Nigeria Government 1931 A.C 662;
Kimani v Gikanga [1965] EA 735; Oyat v Uganda 1967 EA 824; Mwagiru v Mumbi 1967 EA 637.
Repugnancy Clause and customary law. Colonial courts and customary law: Hamilton C.J in Rex
v Amkeyo, EACA (1917) p.14
Seedat’s Executor v The Master (Natal) 1917 AD 302.
Virginia Edith Wambui v. Joash Ochieng Ougo and Omolo Sirange[1] [1982-88] 1 KAR 1049 –
1990, 104/105, 20;

For background and in-depth analysis of the issue, see, David William Cohen and E.S. Atieno
Odhiambo, Burying SM: The Politics of Knowledge and the Sociology of Power in Africa,
Heinemann, Portsmouth, James Curry London, 1992. See also
>http://www.lawandjustice.org.uk/LAWJUSTICEcases.htm<

Bruno L. Kiwuwa v Ivan Serunkuma and Juliet Namazzi, High Court Civil suit No.52 of 2006
Best Kemigisha v Mable Komuntale & Another. Civil Suit No. MFP5/1998, High Court
Malefetsane v Mpho [1959] HCTLR 107, per Elyan C.J,
Mapetla C.J in Ntsoele v Ramamokhele. CIV/APN/13/74

1995 Constitution of Uganda, which deals with issues of custom. This is provided for under what
is considered: National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy. For details see pages 2
– 8, particularly Clause XXIV, entitled: Cultural Objectives.

Welbeck v Brown (Sar, F.C.L 185, also summarized in A.N. Allott, New Essays in African Law
infra p. 51
Judgment of Elayn CJ of the High Court of Basotholand regarding application of customary law
which is repugnant to morality, in Malefetsane v Mpho, 1959 HCTLR 107. This case is
summarised in Kasozi infra, footnote 39 p.131. (The book is available in UCU Main Library).

Customary Law and the Repugnancy Clause:

Cooper, Validity of Customary Law: Incompatibility and Repugnancy Tests. Monthly Bulletin
147/70, p.188.

The Law Applied in Uganda:

Legal/political history of Uganda
In relation to a particular court
As to the corpus juris in Uganda
What is the significance of these expressions: ‘English Law’, ‘Colonial Law’ in Uganda Legal
dialogue?
Customary law (You will study this topic in much greater detail under ‘Legal Methods’)
Meaning on Customary Law
Customs and law
Customs and traditions
Customary Law and usage
(ii) Statutory provision for operation of customary law
The Judicature Act, 1967, Sec.3(2)(b)(ii)
The Magistrates’ Courts’ Act, 1970, Sec.9
The Resistance Committees (Judicial Powers) Statute, 1987
The position of criminal customary law: See The Constitution, 1967 Art.15 Clause (8), The
Constitution, 1962 Art.24(8), The Constitution 1995

For discussion
Consider the application and effect of the repugnancy doctrine in criminal customary law in East
Africa
Where customary law is incorporated into statutory non-customary law or on its own into
writing, does it cease to be customary law?

CLASSIFICATION/SOURCES OF LAW APPLIED

– Statutory law – Principle and Subsidiary
– Common law
– Case law
– Customary law
– Principles of Equity (Maxims of Equity):
Equity acts in personam
Equity acts on the conscience
Equity will not suffer a wrong to be without a remedy
Equity follows the Law
Equity looks to intent rather than the form
Equity looks on that as done which ought to be done
Equity imputes an intent to fulfill an obligation
Equitable remedies are discretionary
Delay defeats equity
He who comes to equity must come with clean hands
Where there are equal equities, the first in time prevails
He who seeks equity must do equity
Equity, like nature, does nothing in vain
Equity never wants (i.e. Lacks) a trustee
Equity aids the vigilant and not the indolent (N.B Caveat Emptor)
– Statutes of General Application
– Certain personal law
– Public International Law

IV. COURTS AND COURT SYSTEM IN UGANDA (Compare with the rest of East Africa)
K.Makubuya, Cap.8
G.Williams, Caps I & II
Morris & Read, Cap. 8
G.W. Kanyeihamba, Constitutional Law and Government in Uganda 91975), Caps. 7,14,15 & 16
The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995)
The Magistrates’ Courts’ Act 1970 as ammended
The Judicature Act, Cap 13 Laws of Uganda 2000
The Penal Code Act
The Oaths Act
The National Resistance Army Statute (No.3 of 1992)
The Uganda Human Rights Commission Act 1997
The Local Government Act 1997, S.18(e) and 27 (e)
The Inspectorate of Courts of Judicature, Courts of Judicature, Court Users Guide, Issue No. 1.

1.Severino Ongyetho & 16 Others V. Attara Riji & West Nile District Administration U.H.C.C
Application No.8 of 1968
2.Shabane Opolloto V A.G. E.A.C.A Civil App. 7 of 1968
3.Kawuka V Karim (1938) 5 E.A.C.A 37
4.Mohamed Ali V Rex (1921 – 1952) 1 T.L.R[R] 691
In the matter of Nakivubo Chemists (U) Ltd (1977) HCB 311
A.G. V Olwoch [1972] E.A. 392 (C.A.-K)[1979] HCB 267
P.K. Kagodo V K. Kyagaza [1979] HCB 136
Go Ongon V A.G. [1979] HCB 267

L.L.Kato, The Court of Appeal for East Africa: From a Colonial Court to an International Court,
[1971] 7 (1) E.A.L.J 1 – 31
F.M. Ssekandi, The Structure, Organisation and Personnel of Courts in Uganda, 1(1) Uganda Law
Focus 156-166 (1973)

V. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR)

Arbitration and Conciliation Act, Cap. 4
What is ADR?
How does it operate?
How different is it from the adversarial court system?
VI. Preparing for and writing law examinations – tutorial
VII. Writing Legal Assignments – tutorial

VIII. Case Reading and Analysis – tutorial

K. Makubuya, Cap.6
G. Williams Caps. 2,5 & 6
D. Llyod, The Idea of Law (1981) Cap.11
W. B. Harvey, Cap 2.
Lakhamashi Brothers Ltd. V Raja and Sons [1966] EA 313 (CA).
Young v Bristol Aeroplane Co. Ltd. [1944] 2 All E.R 293 (CA)
R v. Taylor [1950] All E.R 170.
Joseph Kabui v. Reginam 1954 E.ACA 41
Rex v Assa Singh 1937 4 EACA 41
Kiriri Cotton Co. Ltd v R.K.Dewani [1958] E.A 239
Dohia v National Grindlays Bank Ltd. [1970] E.A 195 (CA)
Practice Directions (H.L) [1966] 3 All E.R 77
Practice Directions (H.L) Preparation of Cases 1971 LR 534
Opoya v Uganda [1967] E.A 752 (CA)
Riziki Binti Abdulla v Sherifa B. Mohamed Bin Hemed [1959] EA 1035
Namala v Sebutemba [1963] E.A 631
Poole v R [1960] EA 62
The Kabaka’s Govt v Musa Kitonto [1965] EA 278 (CA)
Eshugbayi Eleko v Officer Administering the Government of Nigeria and Another [1931] AC 662
(PC)
Commissioner of Lands v Bashir [1958] EA 45
Erenesti Mayanja et al v Uganda No. 127/8 Unreported.
Blair v Curran 1939 62 C.L.R 464.
Prince George Mawanda v The Kabaka Govt HCCC No. 390 of 1963.
Kabaka v Prince George Mawanda Civil App. No. KAM 6 of 1964 (CA)
Tororo Town Council v P.M. Luande 1971 U.L.R 1.

J (i) Colonial Courts’ view of Polygamous Marriages, Whether such marriages were recognized
in Law.
Hyde v Hyde [1861 – 73] All E.R (R) 175.
R v Amkeyo [1917] E.A.P.L.R 14.
Rex v Oumu s/o Achanda [1915] U.L.R 152.
Rex v Obungo [1920] U.L.R 31.
Laila Jhana Mawji and Another v R [1956] 23 EACA 609.
Abudulrahman Bin Mohamed and Another v R [1963] E.A 188.
Alai v Uganda [1967] E.A 596

J (ii) Analysis of Other Cases:

Dixon v Bell [1816] 105 E.R 1023.
Langridge v Levy [1837] 150 E.R 863
Winterbottom v Wright [1842] 152 E.R 402
Longmaid v Holliday [1851] 155 E.R 752
George v Skivington [1869] L.R 5 EX 1
Heaven v Pender [1883] 11 Q.B.D 503
Le Lievre v Gould [1893] 1 Q.B 491.
Donoghue v Stevenson [1932] AC 562.
Grant v Australian Knitting Mills Ltd. [1936] 1 All E.R 283
Spartan Steel and Alloys Ltd v Martin and Co. [1973] Q.B. 27
Barnett v Cohen [1921] 2KB 461
Benhan v Gambling [1941] AC 157
Suleiman Muwanga v Jiwani [1964] EA 171
W. Kabega v UTC [1971] HCB 227
l. Akol v Industrial Sales Promotion Ltd 1973 HCB 15
P.Serwadda v Sewakiryanga [1976] HCB 340
Edward Nyanzi v Securico (U) Ltd. 1978 HCB 93.
Uganda v Commissioner of Prisons Ex. Parte Matovu [1966] E.A 514
Kayira and Another v Rugumayo Constitutional Case No 1 1979.
Kimani v Gikanga [1965] EA 735.
Rex v Ndembera s/o Mwandawale (1947) 14 EACA 85.
Rex v Kiswana s/o Luguma (1948) 15 EACA 50
Njirwa v Kagangama 1932 – 35 U.L.R 146.
Mwagiru v Mumbi [1967] E.A 639.
Wairaho wa Kingate v Kamuete wa Ngugi 1927 – 28 K.L.R 67.
Enginu v Olinger (1936 – 51) 6 U.L.R 109
Kigozi v Lukiiko (1936 – 54)6 U.L.R 113.
J.M. Kivu v Rex (1936 – 51) 6 U.L.R 109
Regina v Luke Marangura (1949 – 54) LRNR 148.
Re. Kibiego [1972] EA 179
Kajubi v Kabali 1944 11 EACA 34.
Uganda v Naika HC Criminal Session Case No. 76 of 1974
Olese Oloso v N. Ole Kidoi (19150 5 EACA 210.
Karuru v Njeri[1968]EA 361
Nasanga v Nanyonga [1977] HCB 319
Rodento Larok v Pyerino Obwoya [1970] HCB 41
Nakawuka and 2 others v Uganda Crim. App.No. 368 of 1971 (1972) U.L.R. 3

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Khiddu-Makubuya, Introduction to Law: The Uganda Case (1983).

2. Glanville Williams, Learning the Law, 11th Edition, Stevens, London (1982).
3. H. L. A. Hart, The Concept of Law, Oxford University Press, 2nd Edition (1994).
4. H.F. Morris & J. Read, Uganda, The Development of its Laws and Constitution, Stevens,
London (1966).
5. William Burnett Harvey: An Introduction to the Legal System in East Africa, East African
Literature Bureau (1975).
6. George Kanyeihamba, Constitutional and Political History of Uganda, from 1894 to the
Present, Centenary Publishing House, Namirembe, Uganda (2002).
7. J. F. Cunningham, Uganda and its people, London (1929).
8. B. Thomas & R. Scott, Uganda, Oxford University Press (1935).
 9. J. Roscoe, The Banyankole, Oxford University Press, (1923).
10. Roscoe, J. The Bakitara or Banyoro, Oxford University Press (1921).
11. Edel, M. M., The Chiga of Western Uganda, Oxford University Press (1957).
12. Roscoe, J. The Baganda (1911).
13. Hattersby, C. W. The Baganda at Home, London (1960).
14. Roscoe, J. The Bagishu and other tribes of Uganda Protectorate, Cambridge University
Press (1924).
15. J.H.Drieberg, The Lango, 1923.
16. J.C.D.Lawrence, The Iteso, Oxford University Press, 1957.
17. F.A. Girling, The Acholi of Uganda, London, 1960.
18. Hone, H.R., The Nature of Uganda and Criminal Law, Uganda Journal, Vol.6 No.1, (1938).
19. Roberts, A. The Evolution of the Uganda Protectorate, Uganda Journal, Vol.27, No.1
(1963).
20. Haydon E. S. Law and Justice in Buganda, London (1960).
21. Ernest K. Beyeraza, Social Foundations of Law: A Philosophical Analysis, Law
Development Centre Publishers (2001).
22. T.O. Elias, The Nature of African Customary Law, Manchester University Press (1954).
23. M. Chanock, Law, Custom and Social Order, Cambridge University Press (1985).
24. A.N. Allot, New Essays in African Law (1960).
25. M.D.A Freeman, Lloyds Introduction to Jurisprudence, 6th Edition, Sweet and Maxwell,
London (1994).
26. Catherine Elliot & Frances Quinn, English Legal System, 3rd Edition, Longman, London,
New York (2000).
27. Joseph G. Allegretti: The Lawyers Calling: Christian Faith and Legal Practice, Paulist
Press, New York, Mahwah, N.J, 1996.
28. Thomas E. Charbonneau, Arbitration in a Nutshell, Thomas West, St Paul Minnesota,
USA, (2007).

Recommended texts

1. Francis A. Wazarwahi Bwengye: Legal Practice in Uganda: The Law, Practice and
Conduct of Advocates, Mariunum Publishing Company, Kisubi, Uganda, 2002.
2. L.C.B. Gower, Independent Africa: The Challenge of the Legal; Profession, Cambridge,
Harvard University Press, 1967.
3. D.W. Nabudere, Imperialism and Revolution in Uganda, 1981.
4. Herbert N. Ramy, Succeeding in Law School, Carolina Academic Press, Durham, N.
Carolina (2006).
5. John C.H. Wu, Fountain of Justice, Shed and Ward N.Y 1955.
6. C.K.Allen, The Making of Law, Third Edition.
7. Joseph Raz: The Concept of a Legal System: An Introduction to the Theory of Legal
Systems, Second Edition, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1980.
8. Ronald Dworkin: Law’s Empire, Hart Publishing, 1986.
9. Paul Denham: Law: A Modern Introduction, Fourth Edition, 1999.
10. Rudolf V. Van Puymbroeck: Comprehensive Legal and Judicial Development: Towards
an Agenda for a Just and Equitable Society in the 21 Century. The World Bank, 2000.
11. William M. Evan: Law and Sociology, The Free Press of Glencoe, NY, USA, 1962.
 12. S.H.Bailey and M.J Gunn: The Modern Legal System, Third Edition, London Sweet and
Maxwell, 1996.
13. Michael Hyam, Advocacy Skills, 4th Edition, Blackstone Press Ltd., 1999. (Extracts will be
placed in the reserve section UCU Library).
14. Abraham, The Legal Mind. (Extracts will be placed in the reserve section UCU Library).
15. T.W. Bennett, A Source Book of Customary Law for Southern Africa, Cambridge
University Press, 1985.
16. L.A Pallers, Law without Precedent – Legal Ideas in Action in the Court of Colonial
Busoga.

Articles in Law Journals and Periodicals, and Papers for General Reading

1. William Twining, Pericles and the Plumber, vol.44 JLE 1967.

2. J. Oloka-Onyango, Law in Context: Enlarging A Discipline, Oxford University Press, 1997.
3. R.B Seidman ‘The Reception of English Law in Colonial Africa’, Volume 2, EALR, 47
(1969) pp. 56 – 60.
4. R.B Seidman, Administrative Law Legitimacy in Anglophonic Africa: A problem in
Reception of Foreign Law, 5 LSR, 160 – 204.
5. Seidman R.B, On Teaching Law and Development, TWLS 1986.
6. Z. Mustafa, Opting out of the Common Law: Recent Developments in the Legal System
of Sudan, (1973) 17 JAL, 133 – 138.
7. A.N. Allot ‘Judicial Precedent in Africa Revisited’ JAL, Volume 12, spring, 1968, No 1, pp.
3-31.
8. H.R Hone, ‘The Nature of Uganda and Criminal Law’, UJ volume VI, No 1 of 1938.
9. E.Cotran, ‘Unification of Laws in Africa’, JMAS, Vol. 1, No.2, 1963.
10. David W.Carroll Comments on Legal Education in Uganda, ULF, 1972-73, Volume 1 Nos.
1-4, pp. 241 – 250.
11. Glanville Williams, Language and the Law, L.Q.R (61), pp.71-76.
12. Professor George Kanyeihamba, Justice within the Legal Profession, ULSR, 1992, pp. 62 –
88.
13. Kenneth Roberts, The Adaptation of Imported Law in East Africa, (1960) 4 JAL, 21 – 35.
14. Driberg J.H. The African Conception of Law, Journal of Comparative Legislation and
Information Law, Nov. 1934.
15. Beattie J.H.M Informal Judicial Activity in Bunyoro, vol. ix
16. J.Oloka-Onyango, Joe Kivutha Kibwana and Maina Chris Peter, Law and the Struggle for
Democracy in East Africa, Claripress, Nairobi.
17. C.Dundas, Native Laws of some tribes of East Africa, Journal of the Royal Anthropological
Institute, Great Britain and Northern Ireland vol. 51, 1921.

Constitutional Instruments, and Acts/ of Parliament/Statutes

1. Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995

2. Judicature Act Cap 13, Laws of Uganda 2000
3. Magistrate Court Act 1970
4. Evidence Act, as amended by statute No.2 of 1996
5. Civil Procedure Act as amended by Statute No. 13 of 1996
 6. Customary Marriage (Registration) Decree (No. 16 of 1973)
7. Interpretation Act Cap 3,
8. Acts of Parliament Act, Cap 2,
9. Advocates Act, 1970, as amended
10. Arbitration and Conciliation Act Cap 4

In keeping with the University’s Identity, reference everywhere possible will be made to the
Christian world view.

Bibliography

Texts available at the UCU main library include:

Khiddu-Makubuya, Introduction to Law: The Uganda Case (1983).

Glanville Williams, Learning the Law, 11th Edition, Stevens, London (1982).
H. L. A. Hart, The Concept of Law, Oxford University Press, 2nd Edition (1994).
H.F. Morris & J. Read, Uganda, The Development of its Laws and Constitution, Stevens,
London (1966).
William Burnett Harvey: An Introduction to the Legal System in East Africa, East African
Literature Bureau (1975).
George Kanyeihamba, Constitutional and Political History of Uganda, from 1894 to the Present,
Centenary Publishing House, Namirembe, Uganda (2002).
Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995
Judicature Act Cap 13, Laws of Uganda 2000
Magistrate Court Act 1970
Evidence Act, as amended by statute No.2 of 1996
Civil Procedure Act as amended by Statute No. 13 of 1996
Customary Marriage (Registration) Decree (No. 16 of 1973)
Interpretation Act Cap 3,
Acts of Parliament Act, Cap 2,
Advocates Act, 1970, as amended
Arbitration and Conciliation Act Cap 4
Uganda Christian University Bachelor of Laws Courses For Year 1
LLB 1