Uganda's crackdown on public gatherings ruled unconstitutional

Swipe at lawmakers as judge says only 'undemocratic and authoritarian regimes' seek to ban peaceful protests

Government opponents and human rights activists have welcomed a decision by Uganda's constitutional court to overturn legislation that gave police "supernatural powers" to stop public gatherings and protests.

"It is only in undemocratic and authoritarian regimes that peaceful protests and public gatherings of a political nature are not tolerated," said Justice Cheborion Barishaki in a ruling on Thursday.