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Supreme Court of Uganda

The Supreme Court of Uganda is the highest judicial organ in Uganda. It derives powers from Article 130 of the 1995 constitution. It is primarily an appellate court with original jurisdiction in only one type of case: a presidential election petition.

The Supreme Court is headed by the chief justice nd has ten other justices. The quorum required for a court decision varies depending on the type of case under consideration. When hearing a constitutional appeal, the required quorum is seven justices. In a criminal or a civil appeal, only five justices are required for a quorum.

 

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Plot M105, Kinawataka Road, Mbuya 1, Kampala, Uganda
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http://www.judiciary.go.ug/data/smenu/7/Supreme
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February 2026
Attorney General v Geoffrey Kazinda (Constitutional Appeal No. 5 of 2020; Constitutional Application No. 01 of 2023; Constitutional Application No. 04 of 2024; Constitutional Application No. 08 of 2021) [2026] UGSC 5 (12 February 2026)
A Constitutional Court judgment delivered by fewer than the constitutionally required five judges is a nullity and must be reheard.
Constitutional Court composition — Article 137(2) — coram requirements — validity of collegiate judgments where a panel member fails to sign or deliver an opinion — coram non judice — limits of substantive justice (Article 126(2)(e)) — prospective overruling/annulment inapplicable — remittal for rehearing.
 12 February 2026
Alex Dinasoni alias Chandiru v Uganda (Criminal Appeal No.46 of 2018) [2026] UGSC 4 (10 February 2026)
Whether a new ground alleging irregular plea-taking may be raised on second appeal; court found plea properly taken and dismissed appeal.
Criminal procedure – Plea taking – Requirement that accused be informed in a language he understands (Article 28(3)(b)) – Appellate jurisdiction – New grounds on second appeal and the exceptions for alleged illegality – Supreme Court’s inherent powers to validate filings and rectify trial records.
 10 February 2026
January 2026
Ssemwanje Farouk v Uganda (Criminal Appeal No. 74 of 2021) [2026] UGSC 3 (30 January 2026)
Circumstantial evidence and credible minor witness testimony can sustain a murder conviction under common intention despite absence of a post-mortem report.
Criminal law — Murder — Circumstantial evidence and credibility of minor witness; common intention — Alibi — Requirement to raise and prove an alibi; proof of cause of death — Post-mortem report not always necessary where non-medical evidence supports unlawful death.
 30 January 2026
Mukisa Patrick v Attorney General and Others (Civil Application Nos 23 & 24 of 2025) [2026] UGSC 2 (28 January 2026)
A non-candidate lacks standing; the Supreme Court cannot grant pre-election injunctions and the President enjoys constitutional immunity.
Constitutional law — Presidential election jurisdiction — Article 104 restricts standing to an aggrieved candidate; pre-election disputes lie with the Electoral Commission and High Court — Presidential immunity under Article 98(4) — Separation of powers prevents courts ordering Parliament to legislate or installing interim governments — Amicus and whistleblower status do not cure lack of locus standi.
 28 January 2026
Mukisa Patrick v Attorney General and Others (Civil Application No. 23 & 24 of 2025) [2026] UGSC 1 (12 January 2026)
Applicant lacked standing and the Supreme Court lacked power to enjoin a constitutionally mandated presidential election.
Constitutional law – Article 104 narrow scope for presidential election petitions; Article 132 appellate role of Supreme Court; pre‑election disputes within Electoral Commission competence; appeals from EC to High Court (s.15(2) Electoral Commission Act); courts cannot grant injunctions that would require violation of Article 61(2) timing of elections; presidential immunity prevents suing sitting President.
 12 January 2026