Call us: +256-41 230537/8/9

ABOUT US

Ms IRENE LUGAYIZI, Commissioner Legal drafting, – Subsidiary Legislation

The directorate of First Parliamentary Counsel was established as an executive office under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs responsible for drafting all legislation for the government.

The Directorate of First Parliamentary Counsel is charged with the mandate; “to draft all Government legislation; i.e. Bills for debate and passing into legislation by Parliament, Statutory Instruments; including Rules, Regulations and Bye-laws and to advise on the legislative process and other legal issues. The Directorate also verifies Ordinances passed by District Councils and Bye-laws passed by Municipal Councils”.

 

The Directorate of First Parliamentary Counsel is charged with the mandate; “to draft all Government legislation; i.e. Bills for debate and passing into legislation by Parliament, Statutory Instruments; including Rules, Regulations and Bye-laws and to advise on the legislative process and other legal issues. The Directorate also verifies Ordinances passed by District Councils and Bye-laws passed by Municipal Councils”.

  • Draft Bills, in accordance with the principles approved by Cabinet in consultation with the instructing Ministry, Department or Agency (MDA) within 30 days of receipt of the request;
  • Prepare Cabinet Memoranda in respect of Bills of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, within 7 days;
  • Provide technical assistance in the drafting of private member’s Bills, on request, within 30 days;
  • Draft Statutory Instruments, Legal Notices and Parliamentary Resolutions within 14 days of receipt of instructions from MDAs;
  • Vet Ordinances and bye-Laws for districts and municipal councils and re-draft them as necessary within 14 days of receipt of the draft.
  • Authorize publication of Acts of Parliament, Bills, Statutory Instruments and other legislative instruments within 2 days of receipt of approval.
  • Advise on the interpretation of existing and proposed laws within 2 weeks of receipt of the request; and
  • Advise on law reform within 14 days of receipt of the request.

 

PROCEDURE FOR DRAFTING GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION.

Before instructions are given to FPC the instructing Ministry should;

  1. Seek Cabinet approval authorizing drafting of a bill or Statutory Instrument.
  2. For Statutory Instruments that do not require cabinet approval, the MDA requests through its Minister, the authority of the Attorney General or Solicitor General for legislation to be drafted. Such an approval is only given in special circumstances.
  3. After Cabinet approval, send instructions to counsel with copies of the Minister’s Cabinet Memorandum and Cabinet minute to FPC and attach all relevant papers to enable the draftsperson to get clear explanation.

FPC will then allocate the proposed legislation to a person in the department who shall be responsible for the legislation until its enacted.

Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs,

P.O. BOX 7183 KAMPALA

Tel: +256-41 230537/8/9

Fax: +256-41-254829, 230802

E-mail: info@justice.go.ug

Website: www.justice.go.ug

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