The Legal Status of Evidence obtained through Human Rights Violations in Uganda

Authors

  • Robert D Nanima UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2016/v19i0a727

Keywords:

Admissibility, Evidence, Human rights violations, Uganda

Abstract

The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995 (Constitution of 1995) is silent on the issue of dealing with evidence obtained through human rights violations. This silence dates to the Constitutions 1962, 1966 and 1967.  It is only the Prohibition and Prevention of Torture Act of 2012 that renders evidence obtained through torture inadmissible.  This means that evidence obtained through human rights violations, other than torture is not covered by any other legislation in Uganda. The position is different in other common law jurisdictions such as South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe, which have constitutional provisions on how to deal with evidence obtained through human rights violations. Decisions handed down by the Courts are inconsistent in dealing with this kind of evidence. This comparative study coupled with Uganda’s international human rights obligations delves into this lacuna in the law and gives proposals for reform.

 

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Author Biography

Robert D Nanima, UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE

STUDENT

FACULTY OF LAW

References

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Anti-Corruption Act 6 of 2009

Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, 1982

Constitution of the Republic of Kenya, 2010

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Criminal Procedure Act 55 of 1977 (South Africa)

Criminal Procedure Code Act, Cap 116 (Laws of Uganda)

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Evidence (Amendment) Decree, No. 25 of 1971

Magistrates Courts Act, Cap 16 (Laws of Uganda)

Penal Code Act, Cap 120 (Laws of Uganda)

Prohibition and Prevention of Torture Act 3 of 2012

Regulation of Interceptions of Communications Act 18 of 2010

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African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (1981)

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Internet sources

JLOS 2016 http://jlos.go.ug/

Justice, Law and Order Sector 2016 Home Page http://jlos.go.ug/ accessed 8 August 2016

Additional Files

Published

17-05-2017

How to Cite

Nanima, R. D. (2017). The Legal Status of Evidence obtained through Human Rights Violations in Uganda. Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal, 19, 1–34. https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2016/v19i0a727

Issue

Section

Articles