Advocacy on Commercial Laws

The Uganda Law Reform Commission embarked on a crucial project between 2005 and 2014 with the objective of reforming selected commercial laws in the country. The laws targeted for reform were the Companies Act (No. 10 of 2012), the Hire Purchase Act (No. 3 of 2009), the Hire Purchase Regulations (No. 6 of 2012), the Chattels Securities Act (No. 7 of 2014), and the Partnership Act (No. 2 of 2010). The primary aims of these reforms were to enhance Uganda's business climate, modernize outdated laws, attract investments, and stimulate economic development.

After the implementation of these laws, the Uganda Law Reform Commission recognized an issue concerning stakeholders' limited access to and understanding of the enacted laws. Consequently, the Commission developed an awareness creation strategy to address this concern. The strategy encompassed the following key objectives:

1. Creating Awareness and Popularizing the Selected Commercial Laws: The Commission sought to raise awareness about the four selected commercial laws among stakeholders to ensure their full implementation and impact on the business environment.
2. Enhancing Access to the Laws: To increase access to the laws, the Commission distributed 2000 copies of each of the selected laws, making them more readily available to stakeholders.
3. Engaging Stakeholders through Community Outreach and Dialogue: The Commission conducted community outreach and dialogue sessions with selected stakeholders in various districts. These interactions aimed to foster a better understanding of the laws' provisions and identify any challenges in their implementation.
4. Stakeholder Training: Recognizing the significance of empowering users and implementers, the Commission conducted training sessions for 280 stakeholders in selected districts. This training familiarized them with the provisions of the laws and their practical application.
5. Public Engagement and Feedback: The Commission engaged the public through interactive radio programs in chosen districts. These programs provided a platform for the public to voice their opinions and offer feedback on the enacted laws.
6. Implementation Audit:The Commission conducted an implementation audit of the four selected laws in specific districts, including Mpigi, Masaka, Mbarara, Bushenyi, Mukono, Kayunga, Jinja, Iganga, Mubende, Mityana, Mbale, Tororo, and Bugiri. The audit identified areas where stakeholders needed further awareness and training for effective implementation.
7. User Guides Preparation: To facilitate improved access and utilization of the laws, the Commission developed user guides for the selected pieces of legislation. These guides served as practical resources to assist the public in understanding and applying the laws.

Overall, this project's successful completion demonstrates the Uganda Law Reform Commission's commitment to advancing the commercial legal framework in Uganda. Through strategic awareness creation and stakeholder engagement, the Commission aimed to optimize the impact of the reformed laws, thereby promoting economic growth, encouraging investment, and ensuring a more conducive business environment in the country.