Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) notes that the Uganda Law Revision (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, 2023, has repealed some of the rogue and vagabond, sedition, and false news offences in its Penal Code. Uganda further repealed the offence of offensive communication in the Computer Misuse Act. SALC welcomes this development as it is an inevitable win for the Global Campaign to Decriminalise Poverty, Status and Activism. Uganda joins Malawi, which repealed its sedition offence in February 2023.

One of the enduring legacies of colonialism is the creation of uniform Penal Codes throughout the African Continent. Whilst some countries have vigorously reformed their criminal laws, others have been unresponsive to removing some archaic offences, especially when these offences protect those in power and further the interests of the elite in society.

Read full article: Uganda repeals Vagrancy, Sedition and False News Offences

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