The Uganda Law Reform Commission embarked on a comprehensive study to review the Explosives Act, Cap. 298, enacted in 1936, with the aim of updating the existing legislation to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the regulation of explosives in Uganda. The Act currently governs the manufacture, storage, sale, transportation, importation, exportation, and use of explosives in the country, excluding explosives used by the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) or the Uganda Police Force (UPF), other ammunitions regulated by different laws, explosives used in mines, and fireworks as prescribed in Rules.
The study revealed that explosives are extensively utilized in the commercial sector, particularly in mining activities, quarrying, road construction, demolition works, rock breaking, and entertainment events featuring fireworks. However, the Explosives Act, Cap. 298 was found to have inadequate controls, potentially allowing unauthorized access to explosives, which could lead to severe dangers, injuries, and property damage, disrupting daily life.
Based on its findings, the Commission recommended the repeal and replacement of the Explosives Act, Cap. 298 with a new and updated law that better reflects the current circumstances. The proposed legislation seeks to achieve the following key objectives:
In line with the recommendations, the Commission prepared a draft Bill to repeal and replace the Explosives Act, Cap. 298, which has been submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for review. Principles for the proposed new law have also been presented to the Cabinet for consideration. This completed legal project represents a significant step towards enhancing safety, security, and regulatory control in the handling of explosives in Uganda, supporting sustainable development in various industries while mitigating potential risks associated with their use.
Category:
Completed Projects