Know Your Laws Campaign Boosts Legal Awareness Amid Shrinking Civic Space in Uganda

At a time when civic space in Uganda is under increasing pressure, a public legal education initiative known as the Know Your Laws campaign is helping citizens better understand the implications of controversial legislation that directly affects their daily lives.

Implemented by a coalition of civil society organisations from Uganda and Kenya, the campaign focuses on unpacking the Anti-Homosexuality Act and the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act. Organisers say the initiative was born out of concern that many Ugandans encounter these laws primarily through fear, enforcement and public intimidation, rather than through clear, accessible legal information.

Operating largely in digital spaces, the campaign uses simplified legal explainers, visual storytelling and coordinated social media engagement to clarify how the laws impact freedom of expression, association and personal safety. By translating complex legal language into understandable content, the initiative aims to empower citizens to engage more confidently with the law.

Reaching Communities Beyond Legal Circles

Through the publication of 155 social media posts, shared weekly by nine participating organisations, the campaign has steadily reached diverse audiences across Uganda and the region. Two hashtags — #KnowYourLawsUg and #RepealAntiHomosexualityLawUg — have been central to sparking discussion, mobilising engagement and amplifying public dialogue.

Organisers report active participation from online audiences, with many users openly expressing support for LGBTIQ human rights and questioning laws they believe undermine constitutional freedoms. Beyond social media, campaign materials have been adopted by universities, community-based organisations and activists as tools for training, dialogue and awareness-raising.

Civil Society and the Role of Public Education

One of the campaign partners, East African Visual Artists (EAVA), emphasises that legal literacy is essential in preventing the misuse of laws against marginalised communities. Advocates argue that when legislation is poorly understood, it becomes more vulnerable to politicisation, selective enforcement and abuse.

The campaign has also contributed to broader conversations around inclusion, protection and democratic participation, particularly in digital spaces where expression and dissent are increasingly regulated. By encouraging informed debate, organisers believe the initiative strengthens citizens’ ability to defend their rights peacefully and lawfully.

Acknowledging International Support

Campaign organisers have acknowledged the financial support of the Auschwitz Pledge Foundation, whose contribution helped make the initiative possible. The foundation supports projects worldwide that promote human rights, inclusion and resistance to discrimination.

According to campaign leaders, this support enabled sustained coordination among partners, the development of accessible educational materials and outreach to communities that would otherwise have limited access to legal information.

Looking Ahead

As public debate continues around Uganda’s contested laws, the Know Your Laws campaign underscores the growing importance of civic education in strengthening democratic participation.

“An informed public is better equipped to engage with the law, question injustice and participate meaningfully in national conversations,” organisers noted.

For many observers, the campaign demonstrates how collaboration between local civil society organisations and international allies can foster informed, peaceful engagement at a moment when understanding the law has never been more critical.