MAKERERE UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF LAW

Department of Public and Comparative Law

LL.B 1 Revised Course Outline and Reading Lists

Instructors: Ms. Dianah Ateenyi Ahumuza /Caroline Adoch/Any other as determined by

the School Board

1. Structure of the Course

Preliminaries
Course Code: L2107
Course name: Administrative Law 1
Course Credits: 5
Contact Hours:
Year of Study: Year one
Semester: Two

2. COURSE DESCRIPTION

Administrative Law I is a branch of public law that covers general principles of the laws that
control public administrative authorities. The course covers the laws relating to the
establishment, structures, sources of powers, powers, procedures of administrative officials and
other administrative organs of government. The module also covers the checks and balances for
the said powers. The focus is to promote good governance and accountability in public
institutions through respect for applicable laws, procedures and human rights. The module forms
a basis for the discussion of available judicial and non judicial fora and remedies in cases of
administrative excesses.

3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES/AIMS

The objectives of the course are to expose the student to:

(a) Principles of good governance relating to administrative authorities;

(b) The structures and establishment of administrative authorities;
(c) The powers and procedures exercised and followed by the various administrative
authorities;
(d) The limits and checks to administrative powers;
(e) The remedies available in cases of excesses or abuses of powers;
(f) The practical application of these principles to real life cases and scenarios;

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 (g) Ability to analyse the laws applicable from a constitutionality and human rights lens.
(h) The role of administrative law in the control of public powers
(i) Constitutional and other legal safeguards against misuse of public administrative powers.
(j) The establishment, structures, powers and procedures of various administrative
authorities.
(k) Remedies for the abuse of public power, with emphasis on the none judicial ones.
(l) A better appreciation of the relevant public law and administrative law principles;
(m)Ability to apply the principles to day to day situations and in problem solving;
(n) Ability to analyse the constitutional and human rights issues involved in the different
administrative laws and procedures and processes;
(o) Exposure to clinical experiential learning methods in the course of the module;
(p) Better problem solving skills in public law related subjects and situations;
(q) Enhanced writing and research skills;

4. LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the semester, the student is expected to have gained the following:

i) Exposure to clinical experiential learning methods for better appreciation of the

module;
ii) Demonstrated problem-solving skills and analytical in public law-related subjects
and situations;
iii) Enhanced writing and research skills addressing emerging rule of law, governance
and human rights issues and challenges from a social justice perspective;
iv) Law graduates equipped with knowledge & skills to promote good governance,
social justice, rule of law, and constitutionalism;

5. Issues to be mainstreamed: Gender, human rights, and social justice.

6. Teaching methods
The following clinical teaching methods will be adopted: lectures, guest lectures, research, field
studies, moots, reflection, simulations, role plays, self-study, class presentations, quick think and
write videos, and visual aids, among others.

OUTLINE

The course introduces the students to the scope, nature and general principles of Administrative
law. The course is composed of the following topics i.e. an introduction to administrative law,

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the nature of administrative law; subjects of Administrative law; constitutional framework for
administrative law; sources of administrative law, the establishment, powers and procedures of
administrative authorities including President, Ministers, Civil Servants, Local Authorities,
Public Corporations, Administrative tribunals, Police and other government agencies. The
course will discuss procedural matters such as consultations, inspections, licensing, registration,
enforcement of standards and other regulatory activities. There is also an insight into the origins
and limitations of administrative powers as contained in statutes, statutory instruments, and
policies and delegated powers.

ASSESSMENT

Coursework shall be administered during the seventh week of the semester, as per the School
time table. The instructor in charge will decide the mode and structure of the course work.
Coursework shall constitute 30% of the final assessment. This could include group work given in
class at the discretion of the subject instructor. The final closed book examination constituting
70% of the assessment shall be administered during the last two/three weeks of the semester.

BOOKS, BASIC REQUIREMENTS

Foulkes, Introduction to Administrative Law

Nade, Administrative Law
Garner, Administrative Law edited by B.C Jones
Bailey, Cross & Garnel Cases and Materials in Administrative Law
Oluyede, Administrative Law in East Africa

REFERENCE BOOKS

- Nsereko, D. Police Powers & The rights of the individual in Uganda

- De Smith – Judicial Review
- De Smith – Constitutional & Administrative law
- Wade - Administrative Law
- Graffith & Street – Principles of Administrative Law 5th Ed
- Schwartz & Wade – Legal Control of Government
- Jackson – Natural Justice
- Yardley – Principles of Administrative Law
- Yardley – A source Book of English Administrative Law
- D.Hood Philips – Constitutional and Administrative Law
- Paul Jackson – 6th Ed Sweet & Maxwell 1978.
- P.P. Criag – Administrative Law London, Sweet & Maxwell, 1983
- Haslbury’s Laws of England – Administrative Law
- B.L. Jones & Thompson – Gamer’s Administrative Law, 8th Ed Butterworths

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STATUTES AND STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS
1. The Acts of Parliaments Act Cap. 2 Laws of Uganda
2. The Rules of Procedure for Parliament
3. The Advocates Act, Cap. 267
4. The Civil Procedure Act Cap. 71 vol.4
5. The Civil Procedure and Limitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act cap 72 vol.4
6. The Commissions of Inquiry Act Cap. 166
7. The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995
8. The Employment Act 2006
9. The Evidence Act Cap.6 vol.2
10. The Government Proceedings Act Cap. 77 vol.4
11. The Inspectorate of Government Act cap 167 vol.8
12. The Interpretation Act Cap 3
13. The Judicial Service Commission Act Cap 14
14. The Judicature Amendment Act No. 3 of 2002
15. The Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement Act) 2006
16. The Leadership Code Act, Cap 168, as amended
17. The Local Government Act, cap.243 vol. 10, as amended
18. The Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Act, Cap. 272
19. The National Social Security Act, Cap 222
20. The National Environment Act, Cap 152
21. The Police Act cap. 303
22. The Public Finance and Management Act, 2015
23. The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, 2003
24. The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Regulations
25. The Public Finance and Management Act, 2014
26. The Tax Procedure Code Act, 2014
27. The Budget Act, 2021
28. The Public Order Management Act 2013.
29. The Public Service Act Cap 288.
30. The Public Service Standing Orders, 2010
31. The Registration of Persons Act Act 4 of 2015.
32. The Tax Appeals Tribunal Act cap 345 vol.13
33. The Uganda Communications Commission Act 1998
34. The Administration of the Judiciary Act, 2020

1. THE NATURE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

- Art, 42 & 43 of the Constitution

- Wade, 6th Ed. Pg 1-22
- Garner 7th Ed. Pg 1-16
- Foulkes, pg. 1-6
- Yardley, pg 1-20
- Ernest Gellhork/Boyer 2nd Ed, pg. 63

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 - Halsbury’s Laws, para 1.
- Indiana Journal of Global Legal Studies vol. 2, Issue 7 Fall 1994.
- McCubbins, et al, Administrative Procedures as Instruments of Political Control, Journal
of Law, Economics and Organisation Vol 3 (2) Fall 1987.
- Jonathan R. Macey, Organisational Design and Political Control of Administrative
Agencies, Journal of Law, Economics and Organsation, Vol 8 (1) pp, 93-110.
(a) Roberts vs Hopwood (1925) App case 578
(b) Ridge vs Baldwin (1964) A.C. 40, 72
(c) Breen vs Amalgamated Eng. Union (1971) 2 U.L.R. 742, 749
(d) R vs Secretary of State for Home Dept ex.p
(e) Mohammed Fayed (1996) EWCA, civ 946, 13/11/96, RSVI
(f) Council of Civil Service Unions vs Minister for the Civil Service (1985) A.C. 374
(g) Pius Niwagaba Vs LDC HCCA No. 589 of 2005.
(h) Proline Football Academy Vs. Fufa ,Lawrence Mulindwa and Ors HMA No. 0459 of
2009.
(i) Peter Ochieng Vs. President General of DP & Ors HMC No. 217 of 2008.
(j) Yasin Ssentumbwe Vs. UCU
(k) Amuron Dorothy Vs. LDC HCMc No. 042 of 2016.
(l) Stream Aviation Vs Civil Aviation Authority HCMA No. 377 of 2008.
(m)Clear Channel Ltd Vs. PPDA HMA No. 380 of 2008 and 156 of 2008.
(n) Annebrit Aslund Vs. AG HMC. No. 441 of 2004.

2. CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

(a) Supremacy of the Constitution – Art. 2, 173(a)
Mufumi Vs. AG Const. Petition No. 12 of 2007.
Law and Advocacy for Women Vs. AG
Prof. Oloka Onyango Vs. AG Const Petition no. 08 of 2014.
FIDA Vs. AG

(b) Doctrine of Separation of Powers

Applicability of the Doctrine of the Separation of Powers in the Uganda Constitution.
See Articles 7,79,98,99,107,126,128
Bob Kasango v Ag & Another Const Petition No. 16/2016
Hon. Jim Muhwezi and 3 Others Ks Attorney General and Another Constitutional
Petition No. 10 of 2009.

(c) Executive Responsibility

Articles 107, 117, 118
Oluyede, pg 6-30
Foulkes, pg 6-7
Wade,pg 31-32
CEHURD Vs. AG Constitutional Petition No. 16 of 2011.
Maj. General David Tinyefuza Vs. AG Const. Petition No. 1 of 1997.
Paul Kawanga Ssemwogerere & Ors Vs. AG Constit. Petition No. 1 of 2002.
ULS Vs. AG Const. Petition No. 1 of 2006.
Joseph Tumushabe Vs. AG Const. Petition No. 3 of 2005.

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 (d) The Rule of Law
Article 1,2,29-58, 173
Friedman, Law in a Changing Society, 273-290
Wade 23-27
Fulkes 7-10
Ganer 11-16

3. SOURCES OF ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS

A. PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION
- Chapter 6, Constitution of Uganda.
- Acts of Parliament Act. Cap. 2 Laws of Uganda
- Interpretation Act Cap.3 Laws of Uganda
- Edward Page. The Civil Servant as a Legislator: Law-Making in British Administration,
Public Administration, Vol 81(4) p.651, 2003
- Black pool Corporation vs. Locker (1948)1 KB 349
- Lewis ham B.C vs. Roberts (1949)1 AIIER at 823 E.
- Jackson Satisfied vs. Butterworths (1948) AIIER 558.
- Yates vs. Vegetable Seeds Committee (1945) 72 CLR 37
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B. SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION
- Art 79 of the Constitution
- S.38 and 39 of the Local Governments Act.
- S.72 of the Universities and other Tertiary Institutions Act.
- S.12 of the Community Service Act.
- Wade 314-321, 330-331, 337-245
- Ghai & McAslan 268-273.
- Interpretation Act. Cap. 3.
- Local Government Act S.33-34. Cap. 243.
a) Mwangi vs. R. (1960)24KLR 72.
b) Bailey vs. Williamson (1873) LR 80 B.118.
c) Simms vs. Minister of Labour (1946)2 AIIER
d) Johnson vs. Sergeant, (1918)1 KB 101
e) National Social Security Fund Act SS.54 and 37.
f) Dun key vs. Evans (1981)3 AIIER 285.
g) Kampala City Solid Waste Ordinance 2000.
h) Wakiso Estates (1955) 5ULR 137.

C. DELEGATED POWERS
- Art 99(4) of the Constitution
- S.1 and 2 of the Transfer of Powers and Duties Act.
- S.32 and 39 of the Local Governments Act.
- Wade 61-67
- Ghai & McAuslan 226-268
- De Smith 263-272

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- JG Christensen et al, Delegation and Specialization in Administrative Regulation; A
Comparative Analysis of Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands,
- T Sargentich, The Delegation Debate and Competing Ideals of the Administrative Process,
The American University Law Review, 1987
a) R vs. Admirally Bound of Defence Council exp. Baire James Coup land
b) Bamard vs. National Dock Labour Board (1953)2 QB 18.
c) Municipal Board of Mombasa vs. Kala (1955)22 E.A.C
d) Winder vs.Cambridgeshire County C. (1978) LCR 549
e) Osman vs. Govt of Malaysia (1973)2 M.L.J 143
f) Howard vs. Bogneman 6 (1973)3 AIIER 641.
g) Allingham vs. Minister of agriculture, and fisheries (1956)3 AIIER 780.
h) Vine vs. National Dock Labour Board (1956)3 AIIER 939.
I) Black pool Corporation vs. Locker (above)
j) Lewis ham B.C vs. Roberts (above)
k) Jackson Stan field vs. Butterworth (above)
l) Carlton a vs. Commissioner of works (1943)2 AIIER 560.
m) R vs. Skinner (1968)3 AIIER 124.
n) Karia vs. Dhanani (1969) EA 392.
o) D’Silva vs. Republic (1968) EA 660
p) Nelmas vs. Roe (1970)1 W.L.R 4.
q) Municipal Board of Mombasa vs. Kala (1955) EACA 319.
r) Jeff’s vs. New Zealand Dairy Board (1966)3 AIIER 863.
s) Ellis vs. Dubouski (1921)3 KE 621
t) Mills vs. L.C.C (1925)1 KB 213
u) Hardware vs. A.G (1972) EA 271.
v) R vs. Minister of the Interior (1972)20 FLR 449
w) Amos Mugisa vs. Uganda (1989) HCB 271.
x) Rwakasisi vs. A.G (1985) HCB 89.
y) Oliso E vs. Ibumpts 2 others (1985) HCB 89.
z) Katabalwa vs. Uganda (1980) HCB
aa) Sayani vs. Nsubuga (1994) 6 KALR 50

4. ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITIES
A. CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

- Wade 51-101
- National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy.
- Constitution Articles 99, 111-114, Chap. 10.
- Public Service Act.
- Ghai & McAuslan, 220 – 221, 227-246, 254-258, 259-266.
- Gertzel – GoldSchmidt & Rothschild – Government & Politics in Kenya, part 5.
- P.P Criag, pg 89-91
- B.L Jones & K. Thompson – Garners Administrative Law, pg. 357
- B. Jones & Thompson – Chapt 17 Contracts over Local Authorities, pg. 529 – 545
Hon. Gerald Kafureka Karuhanga Vs. AG

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 B. THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENT
C. THE JUDICIARY
D. THE CIVIL SERVICE
- Chap 10 of the Constitution
- Public Service Standing Order 2010
- Public Service Act 2008
- Public Service regulations 2009
- Pensions Act
- Wade, 54-77, 298-306
- Kiapi, Civil Service Laws in East Africa
- Oluyede, 35-42
- Campbell, Termination of Appointments of Public Offices
- Max Spry (2001), The Appointment, Removal and Responsibilities of Public Sector
Chief Executives in Australia: Some Developments, Australian Journal of Public
Offices, Federal Law Review 24 (1)
- J. Singh, 2005, Civil Service Reform in India: Promoting Accountability, MBA
Dissertation, University of Birmingham

(a) Opolot vs AG. 1969 E.A. 631

(b) Howard vs Bogneman 6, 1973 3 All E.R. 641
(c) Allingham vs Minister of Agriculture (1948) 1 All E.R. 780.
(d) Vine vs National Dock Labour Board (1956) 3 All E.R. 939.
(e) Blackpool Corporation vs Locker (above)
(f) Lewsisham B.C. vs Roberts (1949) 2 KB 608
(g) Carltona vs Commissioner of Works (1943)2 All E.R. 560
(h) R vs Skinner 1968 3 All E.R. 124.
(i) Federal Law Review Vol. 24, No. 1, 1996.
(j) Karia vs Dhanani 91969) E.A 392
(k) D’Silva vs Republic (1968) E.A. 660
(l) Nelms Vs Republic (1968) E.A. 660
(m)Municipal Board of Mombasa vs Kala (1955) E.A. C.A. 319
(n) Jeffs vs New Zealand Dairy Board (1966)3 All E.R. 863.
(o) Ellis vs Dubbouski (1921)3 KB 621
(p) Mills vs L.C.C (1925) 1 kb 213
(q) Hardware vs A.G (1972) E.A 271
(r) Tinyefunza vs A.G.C.C No 1 of 1997
(s) Wycliff Kiggundu vs. the Attorney General (1992) 1 KALR 125
(t) Nuwemugizi V. National Water and Sewerage Corporation (1994) 6 KALR 1948
(u) Bireije v. Attorney General SCCSA No. 44 of 2005
(v) Barishaki v. the Attoney General HC Misc. Appl. 851 of 2004
(w) De Freitay vs P.S. Ministry of Agriculre, Fisheries, Privy Council Appeal P.S.C & the
A.G. No. 42 of 1997.

The Advocate Act (Disciplinary Committee of the Law Council)

The Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Act (Uganda Medical Council)

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 a) Equator Inn Ltd vs. Tomasyan (1971)EA 405
b) Pritam vs Tatthal and Anor (1972)EA 560
c) Desai and Anor vs. Shah and others (1974)EA 197
d) Choitram and others vs. Mystery Model Hair Saloon (1972)EA 252
e) R vs. Deputy Industrial Injuries Commissioners, exp. Jones (1962)2 QB 677.
f) R vs. Deputy Industrial Injuries Commissioners Mooro (1965)1 QB 456 AT 486
g) A.G vs. British Broadcasting Corporation (1981)AC 303
h) R vs. Lands Tribunal Exp. City of London Corpn (1982)1 AIIER 592.
i) A.G vs. Mulholland & Foster (1963)2 QB. 477/(1978)QB 287.
j) Stefan vs. General Medical Council Privacy Council Appeal No. 16 of 1998 (1999)
UKPC.10.
k) R vs. Fulham etc Rent Tribunal exp. Zerek (1951)2 KB 1
l) R vs. National Insurance exp. Hudson (1972)AC 944.
m) R vs. Deputy Industrial Injuries Commissioner exp. Jones (1962)2 QB 677.
n) R vs. Race Relations Board exp. Selvenayan (1975)1 WLR 86.
o) Hanson vs. Church Commissioners (1978)QB 823.
p) A.G vs. B.B.C (1981) AC 303.
q) Munira vs. National Council Insurance Corporation (1985) HCB 110.

F. THE POLICE
- Wade 147 – 149
- The Construction of Uganda 1995, 211-214
- The Police Act Cap 303, Laws of Uganda.
. Nature of the police force- is it independent? – Police Act, sections 5(2) and 6
. Functions of police – Police Act, section 4
. Powers and duties of police officers – Police Act, sections 21 and 22
- The Role of Police in the Criminal Process
. Police Act, sections 23, 24, 25, 26
- Discipline and complaints against police officers
. Police Act, sections 25(4), 44, 45, 49, 58, 70
- Use of firearms Act Cap 299, section 1; Police Act, section 28
- Powers to regulate assemblies and processions.
. Police Act, sections 32, 33, 34, 35, 36
. Statutory instrument 53 of 2007
- R vs. Metropolitian Police Commissioner exp. Blackburn (1968)2 QB 118
- Lewis vs. Cox (1988) QB 77
- Harris vs. Sheffield Football (1988) QB 77
- Muwanga Kivumbi vs. Attorney General Constitutional Petitions No. 9/2005

G. OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICES:

- Attorney General
- Director of Public Prosecutions
- Auditor General
- Inspectorate of Government

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- Judicial Service Commission
- Public Service Commission
- Education Service Commission
- Electoral Commission
- Human Rights Commission

H. STATUTORY AUTHORITIES
- Uganda Revenue Authority
- National Security Fund
- Kampala City Council Authority
- Others

I. ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS
J. LOCAL GOVERNMENT

- Background of decentralisation and devolution of power in Uganda.

- Definition and Legal framework.
- Justification of Decentralisation.
- Roles and powers of the different offices such as the Chief Administrative Officer, The
District Executive Council, the District Chairperson, the Resident District Commissioner,
the District Service Commission, among others.
- Powers of Local Governments (Executive, legislative, planning, administrative).
- The legislative process of ordinances and bye-laws.
- Control of the various powers at the Local Government level.

5. PROCESSES OF GOVERNMENT
(Consultation, Public Inquiries, Registration, Inspection & Enforcement of Standards,
Licensing)
- Halbury’s Law 1(1), pg. 108
- Foulkes 8th edition
- Richard B. Stewart, Regulation, Innovation, and Administrative Law: A Conceptual
Framework, California Law Review, 1981 Vol. 69 (5)
- S. 45, Interpretation Act.
- National Bureau of Standards Act, Cap 347 laws of Uganda
- Commissions of Inquiry Act, Cap 166, Laws of Uganda
- Trade Licensing Act (1969) cap 101, Laws of Uganda
- The Uganda Electricity Regulatory Authority Act
- The Uganda Communications Act
- The National Environmental Act
- The Forests Act
a) Re An Application by Summaria Bus Service (1959) EA 227
b) Dent vs. Kiambu Liquor Licensing Court (1968) EA 80

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 c) Fernandes vs. Kericho Liquor Licensing Court (1968) EA 640
d) Ahmed vs. Republic (1973) EA 237
e) Shah vs. Derishi & Co. Ltd vs. The Transport Licensing Board (1970) EA 631.
f) Karia & Co. Ltd vs. Dhanani (1969) EA 392.
g) Muhuri vs. Iron Mongery Ltd vs. A.G (1972) EA 271
h) Mahon vs. AIV New Zealand Ltd (1984) AC 808.
i) R vs. Huntingdon District Council Explowna (1984)1 AIIER 58/(1984)1 WLR 501.
j) R vs. Bristol City Council, exp. Pearce (1985)83 LGR 711.
k) Public Disclosure Commission vs. Isaac’s (1989)1 AIIER137.
l) Center for Public Interest Law v Ag. Misc Cause No.91 of 2020
m) Uganda Diary Traders Association v The Diary Development Authority & Ag Misc
Cause No.113 of 2015
n) Bhatt Murphy and Others v The Secretary of State for Health ex parte United States
Tobacco Inc (1992) 2 QB
o) ULS v KCC and Another Misc Cause 243/2017

6. THE CONTROL OF PUBLIC FINANCE

- The Constitution of 1995 (152-160)
- Public Finance and Management Act, 2015
- National Audit Act
- The Budget Act, 2001
-The Tax Procedure Code Act, 2014, as amended
- The Anti Money Laundering Act, 2013
- Inspectorate of Government Act, 2002
- Leadership Code Act, 2002
- The UN Convention against Corruption
- The Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Act 2003
- Procurement and Disposal of Asset Regulations 2003
Uganda Law Society v Ag Constitutional Petition No 52 of 2017

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