“Know Your Laws” Initiative Strengthens Legal Awareness as Uganda’s Civic Space Narrows

Kampala — In the face of mounting restrictions on civic freedoms in Uganda, a new Know Your Laws campaign is helping citizens better understand their legal rights and the real-world effects of controversial legislation, organisers and civil society advocates say.

The initiative was launched against a backdrop of shrinking civic space in the country, where activists, rights defenders and ordinary Ugandans are confronting an increasingly restrictive environment for public expression, association and advocacy. Recent reports and civil society analyses show that civic space in Uganda has progressively narrowed in recent years, with human rights defenders, journalists and activists facing heightened barriers to participation and expression ahead of the 2026 general elections. Monitor

Bringing Legal Issues to the Public
The Know Your Laws campaign aims to bridge gaps in public understanding by breaking down complex and often disputed legislation into digestible, practical information. Campaign organisers argue that many Ugandans only encounter laws when enforcement actions occur — without fully understanding how those laws shape their rights or daily lives. Digital platforms, explainers and social media posts are the campaign’s main tools for reaching diverse audiences, especially those who are frequently excluded from formal legal debates.

Among the contested laws in focus are statutes seen by rights advocates as undermining freedoms of expression, association and digital communication. These laws have been criticised for their wide-ranging language and potential to be used to curb dissent and regulate online speech, contributing to a chilling effect on civic engagement. ICNL

Empowering Discussion and Digital Engagement
By posting legal summaries, visual guides and clear explanations online, organisers hope to demystify laws that are often clouded by legalese. This outreach has facilitated online discussions on constitutional rights, digital freedoms and citizen protections. Audiences engaging with the campaign content have used digital spaces to question the impact of legislation on everyday activities, such as social media use and community organising.

Participants in these discussions have also broadened the conversation to include broader issues of inclusion, safety and accountability within Uganda’s legal framework.

Civil Society’s Role Amid Shrinking Space
The Know Your Laws campaign is backed by a network of civil society organisations striving to sustain public engagement on legal and civic issues. Civil society actors emphasise that legal literacy empowers citizens to participate meaningfully in public life and to hold authorities accountable, particularly in a context where civic freedoms are increasingly constrained. Reports by local organisations warn that enforcement practices and restrictive legal frameworks have tightened control over civic life, making such public education efforts more critical than ever.

Analysts note that when laws are poorly understood, they are more vulnerable to political manipulation or selective enforcement, particularly to the detriment of marginalised groups. Campaign organisers say that Know Your Laws seeks not only to spread awareness but to help Ugandans build confidence in engaging with legal and civic processes.

“As citizens understand how laws affect their daily lives, they are better placed to participate in national debates about justice, democracy and human rights,” organisers said.

Looking Forward
As discussions over Uganda’s legal landscape continue, the campaign underscores a broader push by civil society to make legal knowledge accessible to all — not just to lawyers or policymakers. Through this effort, campaigners hope to strengthen civic awareness and ensure that public discourse around law and governance is informed, inclusive and resilient in the face of shrinking civic space.