The lawyers filed the case against , the Attorney General of Uganda.
According to court documents, the government ordered a number of non-governmental organisations to halt operations through a letter dated January 9, citing intelligence reports that linked civil societied to activities considered prejudicial to the country’s security and laws.
Among the affected organisations are Chapter Four Uganda, African Centre for Media Excellence, National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Uganda and the Uganda National NGO Forum.
ULS argues that the suspension was irrational, procedurally improper and implemented without granting the organisations a fair hearing.
The lawyers’ body says the decision contravenes Articles 6(d) and 7(2) of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, which obliges partner states to uphold democracy, good governance and respect for human rights.
In the suit, ULS wants the regional court to declare the directive unlawful, lift the suspension and compel the government to respect regional commitments on freedom of association.
The government has been given 45 days to file its defence before the case is scheduled for hearing.
Report by: Betty Zziwa
