Chapter Four Uganda was formed in 2013 drawing inspiration from the works of other civil liberties organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union. It seeks to become a vocal and principled defender of constitutionally-guaranteed rights across a spectrum of issues without limitation based on ethnic, religious, or other group identity, political affiliation or sexual orientation.
In 2012, a feasibility study conducted by eminent lawyers and civil society experts, Ms. Ashanut Okille, Dr. Kabumba Busingye, and Mr. Dan Ngabirano, concluded that although several initiatives have been undertaken to promote human rights in Uganda;
“None of the organizations that are using a legal response had a specific remit on civic space rights, and yet political developments in the country seem to indicate that there is likely to be an increase in the use of legislation to regulate civic space rights for CSOs and individuals who hold views that are critical of Government positions and are not in [the] ‘public interest.’”
The study concluded that the creation of a coordinated and robust legal response mechanism would be important to ensure efficient and effective use of resources and capacities in the defense of civil liberties and civic space.
Chapter Four Uganda was thus formed to support human rights and pro-democracy activists in their efforts to promote open government, defend human rights, strengthen civil society, and facilitate the free flow of information and ideas.
It is not intended to replace or compete with existing human rights protection initiatives, but to host a robust and coordinated process of defending civil liberties
To encourage many lawyers to take up public interest litigation and the defense of civil liberties, Chapter Four aims to make the practice of defending civil liberties prestigious by offering skills training, facilitating exchange opportunities, and providing a platform for civil liberties and public interest lawyers to congregate.
The idea of Chapter Four Uganda is born – drawing inspiration from the works of other civil liberties organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). A team of eminent experts, including Ms. Ashanut Okille and Dr. Kabumba Busingye, led the feasibility study.
Chapter Four works on the frontlines, providing first-line legal response for hundreds of civil society leaders who were arbitrarily arrested for participating in the Black Monday Movement, a local social movement against theft of public funds by public officials.
On April 30, 2013, Chapter Four Uganda was incorporated as a non-profit company (limited by guarantee) at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB). Counsel Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi provided legal support during the incorporation process.
First landmark victory in court. Uganda’s Constitutional Court agreed with the submissions of Chapter Four’s Nicholas Opiyo on the issue of quorum to strike down the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2014, a law that mandated severe sentences for homosexual behavior.
Chapter Four registered with the NGO Bureau as an indigenous NGO following the enactment of the Non-Governmental Organisations Act, 2016, which required all organisations doing engaged in some of the activities of the organisation to register under the law.
High Court in Kampala rules in favor of Chapter Four Uganda, finding that the NGO Bureau had acted unlawfully in indefinitely suspending the organization on August 18, 2021. Ruling provided an important precedent, declaring indefinite suspensions as irrational and unlawful.
