How A Bill Becomes A Law In Uganda

Part 1: Introduction of the Bill (First Reading)

A Minister introduces the Bill to Parliament, either as a Government Bill or a Private Member’s Bill.

• The Bill is accompanied by a Certificate of Financial Implication, which outlines:
  • Costs involved and the impact on the budget.
  • Financing methods and feasibility.
  • The Bill is published in the Uganda Gazette, the official government publication.
  • The Speaker of Parliament refers the Bill to the relevant Parliamentary Committee for review.

Part 2: Committee Stage (Scrutinising the Bill)

The Parliamentary Committee thoroughly examines the Bill.

Stakeholders (civil society, government officials) are invited for public hearings to discuss the Bill.

• The Committee reviews relevant laws and documents.
  • The Committee prepares a report with proposed amendments.
  • The Bill is then presented to the Committee of the Whole House (all MPs present in the Chamber) for discussion.
  • The Committee of the Whole House scrutinizes the Bill in detail, going through its clauses one by one.

Part 3: Second Reading (Debating the Principles)

• The Minister or MP in charge of the Bill moves a motion for the Second Reading.
  • MPs debate the principles of the Bill.
  • The Committee Chairperson presents the Committee’s report.
  • MPs vote on the principles of the Bill.

Part 4: Committee of the Whole House (Detailed Examination)

• The Bill is referred back to the Committee of the Whole House for a detailed, clause-by-clause examination.
  • All MPs are involved in this stage, and the Speaker chairs the session.
  • MPs vote on each clause and schedule of the Bill.
  • The Speaker leads the debate and the MPs approve each part of the Bill.

Part 5: Third Reading (Final Approval)

• The Bill is presented in the Plenary (full Parliamentary session) for the Third Reading.
  • MPs debate the final version of the Bill.
  • MPs vote to approve the Bill in its entirety.

Part 6: Presidential Approval

• The Bill is sent to the President for assent.
• The President has 30 days to either:
• Give assent (approve the Bill).
• Return the Bill to Parliament for reconsideration if the President rejects it.
• If the President rejects the Bill, it can still become law if Parliament passes it again with two-thirds majority.
• Once the President assents, the Bill becomes an Act of Parliament.

Part 7: Publication & Implementation

• The new Act of Parliament is published in the Uganda Gazette.
  • The law comes into effect on the commencement date, as defined in the Act.