BarefootLaw- Uganda

BarefootLaw- Uganda BarefootLaw uses Information-Technology to provide free legal information, guidance and support.
(292)

What do you do when you have a burning legal question that needs an urgent and accurate response? If you do require a legal opinion and/or legal advice on any aspect of Ugandan Law, then welcome to “BarefootLaw”. BarefootLaw is the first online Legal Service Provider in East Africa, and a Community Service Organization, fully registered in Uganda as a company limited by guarantee, managed and run

by Lawyers trained in various aspects of law and dedicated to timely responses to any query you may have. Our mandate is to use available tools of Information Technology to disseminate the law services and education cost effectively. At BarefootLaw, we believe the primary focus of Legal Aid should be to educate citizens about their rights and equip them with Legal knowledge aimed at the prevention of the occurrence of a Legal wrong, as opposed to a reactionary focused legal aid aimed at dispute resolution, after the legal wrong has occurred, as the old adage goes, “prevention is better than cure”. To access our services, simply submit your legal question by posting it on our wall, sending a message through the inbox, or by email to [email protected], sit back and prepare to receive the best, most concise and insightful FREE legal advice in Uganda within 24 hours!! Do not hesitate to contact us with any legal query you may have as this service is 100% FREE! Yes that’s right, it’s free; we are giving you FREE LEGAL ADVICE for all queries. In a world where almost nothing is FREE we are revolutionizing all things law-related! In addition to the free services offered, BarefootLaw has introduced Premium services including Legal Document drafting, due diligence and so much more. If you do have any questions related to BarefootLaw, or our services, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone at +256 392177405, WhatsApp +256 755149984 ; email at [email protected], or send us a private message on Facebook.

CAN A SAVING GROUP KICK YOU OUT AND KEEP YOUR MONEY?Aden has been saving regularly with her community savings group sinc...
22/05/2026

CAN A SAVING GROUP KICK YOU OUT AND KEEP YOUR MONEY?
Aden has been saving regularly with her community savings group since it started. Recently, Aden lost her job and struggled to pay her monthly contributions for the next 3 months. The group warned her and told her to pay, but she failed. It has now been six months since Aden last contributed. The group has grown tired of her excuses and has decided to kick her out, and they are refusing to return the money she had already saved with them. Aden believes she is being robbed by the group and wants her savings because this is an unfair punishment. Can the group keep her savings just because she failed to make her monthly contributions?

WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?
Every savings group has rules that members agree to follow. These groups must operate within the law and in accordance with principles of fairness. When someone joins and invests money, there's an understanding that they'll get it back when needed or when leaving, unless the rules state otherwise. If a member is expelled and denied their savings, it's a breach of trust and of the contract.

The members can sue to recover funds, using the Small Claims Procedure for small amounts. Aden should request the group's rules. If no rule allows forfeiture, she can demand her money back and report any refusal. If needed, she can also go to Small Claims Court or consult a lawyer.

KEY TAKEAWAY
A savings group cannot keep your previous savings simply because you stopped contributing. That is a breach of contract, and you can sue to recover your money.
Have you been kicked out of a savings group and denied your savings? Inbox us for guidance on how to recover your money.

22/05/2026

Information on how to challenge a decision of a clan.

BEFORE YOU SUE YOUR EMPLOYER, TRY THIS FIRSTGrace has been working at a supermarket in Kampala for two years. Last month...
21/05/2026

BEFORE YOU SUE YOUR EMPLOYER, TRY THIS FIRST
Grace has been working at a supermarket in Kampala for two years. Last month, she was suspended without pay after being accused of stealing goods. Grace’s first thought was to rush to court and sue her employer immediately for accusing her of something she could never do. But her friend, who works in HR, advised her to slow down ‘mbu’ there is a process you must follow first," her friend said. "Otherwise, the court may send you back to try mediation before they even hear your case." Grace is confused: why can't she just go straight to court?
WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?
Under Uganda's employment law, when there’s a disagreement between an employee and employer, it’s best to handle it gradually. Instead of rushing straight to court, the law recommends that both sides first try to work things out using the internal dispute resolution methods outlined in the HR Manual. Only if those steps don’t resolve the issue should they consider going to a labour office or court.

This is because, when a working relationship remains, following the process helps both sides continue working harmoniously after resolving any issues. In fact, under the law, many employment matters must be discussed with a labour officer or mediator before they can be brought before the Industrial Court.

So what should Grace do?

She should check her employment contract or HR manual for dispute procedures, then request a fair hearing to present her side. If that fails, she can report to the District Labour Officer for mediation, and if mediation also fails, she can take her case to the Industrial Court.

KEY TAKEAWAY
You cannot usually sue your employer when you are suspended. The law requires you to try mediation or internal processes first, and only if those fail can you go to court.
Are you in an employment dispute and unsure of the right steps to take? Inbox us for guidance on mediation and your legal options.

21/05/2026

Justice for employees.

CAN JOHN SUE HIS SON'S TEACHER FOR REPORTING HIM FOR CHILD NEGLECT?John was recently reported by his son’s teacher, Andr...
20/05/2026

CAN JOHN SUE HIS SON'S TEACHER FOR REPORTING HIM FOR CHILD NEGLECT?
John was recently reported by his son’s teacher, Andrew, to the District Education Officer and the police because John had failed to provide books and pens for his son, and the child had been coming to school without fees, food or even a bath several times. John got angry and attacked the teacher. He claimed that he and the boy’s mother had an agreement under which he would pay the school fees, and she would buy the books and pens. He says the teacher never asked him for his side of the story before reporting him. Now John feels that his reputation as a responsible father has been damaged. He is considering suing Andrew for defamation to recover compensation for the damage to his reputation. But can he?



WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?
According to the law, it is the duty of parents to look after their children and ensure they meet their basic needs. Secondly, Defamation occurs when someone makes or shares a false statement about another person that harms their reputation in the eyes of the fair-minded members of the public. It can be spoken (slander) or written (libel), such as in a newspaper or on social media.

For a statement to be defamatory, three things must usually be shown.
First, the statement must be false. Second, it must have been communicated to someone other than the person being talked about. Third, it must have caused harm to that person’s reputation.
In John’s situation, the teacher, Andrew, reported the matter to the District Education Officer because John’s son repeatedly came to school without books, pens, or school fees. Since John is Andrew’s father and we said that it’s a parent’s duty to look after their child, you can see that the teacher was acting out of concern for the child’s education, not out of a desire to damage John’s name.
Secondly, any arrangement between the parents should have been communicated to the teacher; they did not know about it at the time, so they could only report the parent they knew. The law generally protects people who make reports in good faith, especially when they have a duty to do so. Teachers have a responsibility to ensure that children are not neglected. Reporting a parent to the District Education Officer for failing to provide basic learning materials is not defamation if the report is made honestly and without malice.
So, the teacher did not defame John, because none of what he said was false.

KEY TAKEAWAY
A teacher who reports a parent to the District Education Officer out of genuine concern for a child’s welfare is not guilty of defamation – even if the parent disagrees with the report.

Have you considered reporting a parent because they are mistreating their child? Inbox us for guidance on your legal options.

20/05/2026

Valuation Order.

CAN A TEACHER TESTIFY IN A CHILD MAINTENANCE CASE?Daniella has had a rough childhood. Her parents disagreed on many pare...
20/05/2026

CAN A TEACHER TESTIFY IN A CHILD MAINTENANCE CASE?
Daniella has had a rough childhood. Her parents disagreed on many parenting issues, and their marriage eventually failed. Daniella’s mother, who earns little, has grown tired of her father's refusal to pay school fees, medical expenses, and money for upkeep and food. Daniella’s performance at school has dropped significantly, and her concerned class teacher called the mother to ask what was wrong and if she could help. The mother has been advised to take the matter to court for child maintenance, but she is confused: can the class teacher, who has witnessed Daniella’s struggles firsthand, testify in this case?

WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?
The answer is yes.
A teacher can be a witness in a child maintenance case at the Magistrates Court. Under Ugandan law, anyone may testify in court unless the court determines that the witness does not understand the questions being asked. If a teacher’s testimony carries weight and is in the best interest of the child, that teacher is allowed to testify.

Teachers are usually excellent witnesses in such cases because they have information that can serve as evidence. This includes the child’s academic performance, behaviour, school reports, and letters sent to parents. A teacher can testify about whether the child performs well or poorly and why, whether the child is sent home for non‑payment of school fees, whether the child lacks basic school materials compared to peers, and whether the child’s nutrition and health at school are adequate.

The teacher can attend court to give evidence if requested by the parent who filed for maintenance. Alternatively, the court can summon the teacher to appear if the teacher is unwilling to attend voluntarily. The court always gives priority to the child’s best interests. If the magistrate believes the teacher’s evidence will help the court understand what the child needs to maintain a reasonable standard of living, the court will welcome it.

KEY TAKEAWAY
A teacher can be a witness in a child maintenance case if their testimony helps the court decide what is best for the child.

Do you need a teacher or other witness to support your child maintenance case? Inbox us for guidance on how to proceed.

DOES YOUR CHILD KNOW THEIR RIGHTS? CAN THEY TELL WHEN THEY ARE WRONGED? Nampima’s P.7 teacher gave them a class project ...
19/05/2026

DOES YOUR CHILD KNOW THEIR RIGHTS? CAN THEY TELL WHEN THEY ARE WRONGED?
Nampima’s P.7 teacher gave them a class project about the rights of a child so that they could learn how to protect themselves and report when something went wrong. When Nampima was standing in front of class telling them about what she found, one of the pupils started crying because they had never experienced those rights. She had last seen her father at Christmas, and her mother used to bring many ‘uncles’ at home who used to beat her. Nampiima only knew about the right to eat well that her parents had told her. But what does the law say?

WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?
In Uganda, children have human rights. In fact, the law demands that any policy or decision that has to be made that will affect children must be made after considering their best interests and welfare.

One of the most important rights a child has is the right to basic needs. Every child has the right to access necessities such as food, clean water, and health care because these are very important for growth and development. It is every parent's or guardian's duty in Uganda to provide these basic needs. Without them, a child's life is at risk.

Secondly, every child has the right to education. This means that regardless of their background, gender, social status, or ability, a child must be allowed to go to school. It is the parents' duty to ensure this right is safeguarded because education empowers children and shapes their future. If a parent cannot afford an expensive private school, Universal Primary Education (UPE) helps all children gain access to education in a safe, conducive environment. Additionally, the Persons with Disabilities Act requires schools to provide inclusive education and to make reasonable accommodations, such as ramps and accessible washrooms, for learners with disabilities.

Lastly, children also enjoy the right to be protected from all kinds of harm. This means they must be protected from abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual), neglect, and exploitation. No child should be exposed to things that can scar them emotionally or psychologically. It is the duty of every community, family, and authority to ensure that children are protected from harmful practices like early child marriage, child sacrifice, and child labour.

If any of these rights are violated, a child or their guardian can report the matter to the probation and social welfare officer, the LC, the police or bring it before the court.

KEY TAKEAWAY
Every child in Uganda has the right to basic needs, education, and protection from harm. These rights are protected by the Constitution and the Children Act, and it is the duty of parents and the community to respect them.
Do you know a child whose rights are being violated? Inbox us for guidance on how to report and seek help.

HOW TO CHALLENGE DECISIONS OF THE CLANAguti recently lost her husband, Opio. Before she even finished mourning his death...
18/05/2026

HOW TO CHALLENGE DECISIONS OF THE CLAN
Aguti recently lost her husband, Opio. Before she even finished mourning his death, a family meeting was called where she was reminded that she is only a woman who was brought into the family by her husband who is not here anymore. She was informed that the land she has been utilizing will be taken over by Opio's brother. When she tried to question their decision, the head of the clan said women, especially widows cannot own property in their community as it brings bad luck. Aguti is shocked and confuses by this action and wants to know if she can challenge this decision by the clan.

WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?

Yes, Aguti can challenge this decision by the clan leader.

The laws of Uganda under the Constitution allow any person, whether male or female, to own property, including land. Under customary tenure, the law provides that both women and men have the right to own and use land in accordance with culture, insofar as such cultural practices do not violate the right to property ownership or discriminate based on gender. Therefore, any cultural practices or decisions that prevent a woman from owning land are unconstitutional and cannot be enforced by law.

The law in Uganda is influenced by many factors, including culture and customs. According to the Judicature Act of Uganda, customary law is a recognised source of law, The courts, as well as written laws in Uganda, recognise and, in some cases, apply customary law in the resolution of disputes. However, the application of customary law in Uganda is limited to customs that are consistent with the Constitution and other written laws. This means that if a custom is considered illegal under any Act of Parliament or the Constitution, it cannot be practised or enforced under customary law.

Aguti can report the decision of the clan to deprive her of her right to own property to the local authorities like the LC or to the district land commission, and this decision can be overturned by these authorities.

KEY TAKE AWAY
In Uganda, customary laws relating to land ownership and use are recognised and applied provided they are consistent with the Constitution and other written land laws

15/05/2026

Are you innocent until proven guilty, or guilty until you prove your innocence?
Share what you think in the comments.

Address

Plot 1, Muwafu Road
Kampala

Opening Hours

Monday 08:30 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00
Thursday 08:30 - 16:30
Friday 08:00 - 16:30

Telephone

+256392177405

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when BarefootLaw- Uganda posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category