Uganda court scraps controversial sedition law after saying it limits free speech
By APWednesday, August 25, 2010
Uganda court scraps controversial sedition law
KAMPALA, Uganda — A Ugandan court has scrapped sedition legislation used to prosecute over a dozen journalists and politicians.
A panel of five judges unanimously ruled Wednesday that the law restricted the freedom of speech guaranteed by the East African nation’s constitution. The law defined sedition as anything spoken or written that incited hatred against the president, government or judiciary of Uganda.
The case was begun after East African Media Institute started a petition four years ago. Ten journalists and five politicians have pending cases under the law.
Uganda is ruled by military strongman Yoweri Museveni, who won a third term as president after he changed constitutional term limits.
