SECTOR 1 The Constitution reflects many of these international principles, but there are certain pieces of legislation that are not in conformity with these instruments “so there are some contradictions.” “Uganda does well on signing and ratifying. The question is more on implementation.” “On the regional and international platform, the government is playing its role and signing, but in practice, these provisions are not being rolled out.” Uganda has a dualistic system, so when government signs a regional/international instrument, it does not immediately become part of the law; it needs to be domesticated first. “So in terms of signing, we do well, but these laws are not domesticated and implemented.” In the court of law “some judges are more liberal and will make mention of international laws. For example, Article 21 is quite narrow, so when lawyers argue on this basis, they will cite the Ugandan law, but might support this with international laws to which we are signatory; and there are judges who may listen to this.” Another issue is that the public is often unaware of the instruments that the government has signed. “Government sign and ratifies, but to what extent do people really know about the rights extended to them through these instruments? There is no civic education policy.” “The roll-out on the ground is missing.” “Government should be intentional in its efforts and measures, and in this respect, I do not agree that it makes every effort to honour these instruments.” “If it is just signing and ratifying, Uganda does this very fast. But honouring is an issue.” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER UGANDA 2016 19