The Hoima Post – Trustable News 24 -7
Kampala — A civic education initiative known as Know Your Laws is transforming public conversation around some of Uganda’s most controversial legislation by translating complex legal texts into clear, accessible information for ordinary citizens, campaign organisers say.
The campaign was launched at a time of increasing restrictions on civic space, following the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act and the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act. Activists behind the initiative argue that many Ugandans only encounter laws when they are enforced, often without a clear understanding of their rights, responsibilities or possible consequences.
Led by a coalition of nine civil society organisations from Uganda and Kenya, the campaign primarily uses digital platforms to reach wide and often marginalised audiences. Organisers say the online approach allows them to bypass traditional barriers and bring legal discussions directly to communities that are frequently excluded from formal policy debates.
Making the Law Understandable
Through simplified explainers, visual storytelling and coordinated weekly social media posts, the campaign unpacks how the two laws affect freedoms of expression, association and personal security.
The Anti-Homosexuality Act has drawn significant local and international criticism for criminalising consensual same-sex relationships and penalising what it terms the “promotion” of homosexuality. Human rights groups warn that the law has deepened stigma, limited access to essential services and increased fear among sexual minorities.
Meanwhile, the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act has alarmed journalists, artists and activists, who argue that its vague and expansive language grants authorities excessive power to monitor and restrict online speech.
Campaign organisers say these implications are not widely understood.
“Many people know a law exists, but they don’t always understand how it can affect what they post online, who they associate with, or how they access services,” one organiser explained.
Digital Reach and Public Engagement
Campaign data shows that 155 social media posts were published during the campaign period, with partner organisations sharing content weekly across their platforms. The hashtags #KnowYourLawsUg and #RepealAntiHomosexualityLawUg were consistently used to strengthen visibility and encourage discussion.
Online engagement has been notable, with users openly debating constitutional issues, expressing solidarity with LGBTIQ communities and calling for legal reform. Discussions have also broadened to include themes of inclusion, safety and constitutional rights.
Beyond social media, campaign resources are now being used by universities, community-based organisations and activists as tools for training, dialogue and civic education.
Civil Society at the Centre
Among the organisations backing the initiative is East African Visual Artists (EAVA), a Kampala-based collective that uses art and storytelling to address social justice issues. EAVA and its partners stress that public legal education is critical at a time when fear, misinformation and restrictive laws threaten civic participation.
Analysts note that when laws are poorly understood, they are more vulnerable to politicisation and selective enforcement, often to the detriment of marginalised groups. Civic education, they argue, empowers citizens to engage with the law as rights holders rather than passive subjects.
Looking Ahead
Organisers say the Know Your Laws campaign is not only about raising awareness, but also about encouraging informed public participation and accountability.
“When people understand how laws shape their daily lives, they are better equipped to engage meaningfully in conversations about justice, democracy and human rights,” the organisers said.
As debate over Uganda’s contested legislation continues, the campaign underscores a growing effort by civil society to ensure that the law is accessible to the public it governs — not just to lawyers and politicians.
