In a world increasingly driven by technology, access to legal information should be no exception. The Uganda Law Reform Commission (ULRC) has taken a commendable step in this direction with the launch of its mobile and web applications, designed to provide the public with seamless access to Ugandan laws. Whether you are a legal practitioner, student, government official, or an ordinary citizen looking to stay informed about your rights and obligations, these digital platforms offer a streamlined solution.
User Experience & Interface
Mobile App
Available on Android (with an iOS version expected soon), the ULRC mobile app boasts a clean, user-friendly interface.
Upon launching the app, users are greeted with a simple dashboard featuring clearly labeled sections such as the Constitution, Statutes, Bills, and Law Reform Reports. The search functionality is intuitive and fast, making it easy to find specific laws or topics. The app also supports offline access—a major plus in areas with unstable internet connectivity.
Download the ULRC Mobile App
Web App
The web version is just as accessible via https://publications.ulrc.go.ug/, with a responsive design that works well on both desktops and tablets. Navigation is smooth, and the layout mimics that of the mobile version, ensuring consistency across platforms. Hyperlinked indexes and categorization by legal themes (e.g., Family Law, Land Law, Commercial Law) enhance usability.
Content & Features
The apps provide access to:
- The Constitution of Uganda
- Principal and Subsidiary Legislation
- Law Reform Reports and Policy Papers
- Draft Bills and Legislative Proposals
- Updates on ongoing legal reviews and amendments
One standout feature is the “Laws by Theme” categorization, which makes it easier for non-lawyers to understand the broader context of legal topics. The “Recent Amendments” section also ensures users are kept up to date with the latest legal changes—an invaluable resource for anyone in the legal profession.
Another noteworthy addition is the feedback feature, allowing users to suggest changes or highlight inconsistencies in the law—reflecting the Commission’s commitment to participatory law reform.
Performance & Reliability
Both platforms are lightweight and load quickly, even on slower connections. The offline functionality in the mobile app ensures that users can refer to legal texts anytime, anywhere. However, the app could benefit from push notifications for real-time updates on legal changes or newly added content.
Areas for Improvement
While the ULRC apps are undoubtedly a step in the right direction, a few enhancements could elevate the user experience:
- Search Optimization: The current search system is useful, but it could be more refined with filters (e.g., by year, type of law, or subject).
- Interactive Features: Including explanatory notes or simplified summaries could make the content more accessible to non-legal users.
- Multilingual Support: Offering content in local Ugandan languages would be a major step toward inclusivity and civic engagement.
The ULRC mobile and web apps mark a significant milestone in democratizing access to legal information in Uganda. By placing the law in the palms of citizens, these platforms contribute to transparency, legal literacy, and good governance. With continued updates and user-centered improvements, the ULRC is well-positioned to become a leading example of how technology can support legal reform and civic education in Africa.