Uganda’s first-ever compendium on landmark public interest litigation cases is set to be launched.
Organised by Fidelis Leadership Institute (FLI), in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS, the compendium will be launched on October ,7 , 2025, as the country marks 30 years of promulgating of the 1995 constitution.
According to the Executive Director of the FLI, Pheona Nabasa Wall, the compendium covers 24 landmark public interest decisions from 1996 to date.
“This is a compendium of the most notable cases that we feel have had serious constitutional implications and a fundamental impact on the constitutional history and development of the Republic of Uganda. This groundbreaking project marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen access to justice, uphold constitutionalism, advance governance and protect human rights in Uganda,” Wall said.
“Public interest litigation has been powerful tool in shaping Uganda's democratic journey since 1996 and these decisions have expanded constitutional freedoms, safeguarded the rights of vulnerable populations, and held public institutions accountable. These cases are not just legal precedents, they are the heartbeat of a society striving for fairness, equity and justice. yet until now, this rich body of jurisprudence has existed in scattered publications and substance.”
She explained that the compendium has been consolidated in a way that makes it accessible to those who need it.
According to Pheona Wall, Uganda’s rich body of jurisprudence has existed but in scattered publications and sources, noting that the compendium make it easy for access.
It has not been consolidated in a way that makes it accessible to those who need it. This is where the compendium of public interest litigation cases comes in. It covers 24 landmark peel decisions and offers summaries, thematic analysis and expert commentaries, making it a vital resource for judges, lawyers, legal scholars, policymakers, civil society. It is designed to be user friendly. Anybody in the general public can use this document.”
The Fidelis Leadership Institute, Executive Director said the compendium is meant to ensure the law is not confined to the courtrooms, but will become a tool for public debate, civic education and reform.
“We want to create a critical mass of ethical leaders, and we believe that knowledge is power. This compendium will be a tool that will equip every citizen with the ability and the tools to think critically, make judgements and even Institute, additional public interest litigation, equip every citizen with the ability and the tools to think critically, make judgments and even Institute additional public interest litigation, but also holding their leaders accountable.”
Anna Reismann, the Country Director for Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Uganda and South Sudan, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to promoting democratic governance and the rule of law.
“Public interest litigation in Uganda is itself a result of the 1995 Constitution that provides that any person or organization may bring an action against the violation of another person's or group's human rights, and that allows any person to petition the Constitutional Court for the interpretation of the constitution and this meant a major paradigm that came with the constitution,” Reismann said.
He said the study of the public interest litigation cases is also a study of the shaping the shaping the country’s jurisprudence.
“The study of the public interest litigation cases is also a study of the shaping of the constitutional practice and reality in the country, as opposed to the constitutional theory or ideas. Public interest litigation is also a deeply democratic instrument as it is meant to serve in the interest of public and in protection of human rights, constitutional freedoms and social justice.”
She said that the compendium is a reflection of how public interest cases have contributed to what Uganda is in legal, political and social terms.
