Course
Description:
The study of constitutional law attempts
to give some idea of the fundamental and essential nature of the law that is
basic to virtually all countries in the world.
In this respect, it is concerned with both the substantive content as
well as with basic aspects of law to its subsidiary elements, namely,
legislation. It is also concerned with
the link between basic law and the people at large (the question of human
freedoms and individual rights). The
main issues examined in the course are the instruments of state governance/arms
of government (the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary), the divisions between
them, and their relationship to the ordinary citizens in the country. Students are thus urged to keep abreast with
recent and past developments in the arena of statehood and political life in
Uganda, the sister East African countries of Kenya, Tanzania, (as well as
Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan), and the world at large. There is no set text for this course;
however, it employs a multiplicity of sources.
Every student MUST have a
copy of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda as amended.
Justification:
The successful completion of this course
is a partial fulfillment of your bachelor of law degree. The course will offer skills, knowledge, and expertise to handle pertinent constitutional
questions as a practicing or advocacy lawyer in the field. Furthermore since
all laws are derived from the constitution, the skills and knowledge gained in
this course will not only help you understand other vital legislation but also
assist you to interpret the law more broadly.
Course
Aim:
To help you appreciate issues of
constitutionalism and good governance that forms the foundation of any
successful society.
Course
Objectives:
Through interactive lectures, group
discussions, presentations, role-play, and research, you should be able to:
1.
Develop
an understanding of the fundamental constitutional issues of the day.
2.
Analyze
and distinguish various constitutions and determine their suitability for each
given society.
3.
Recognize
a constitutional problem and suggest a relevant solution.
4.
Develop
an appreciation of how the law is formulated.
Analyze the 1995 Constitution and its amendments
in line with fundamental principles.
