Uganda 'loosens restrictions' on opposition

Uganda has passed a law which partially lifts long-standing restrictions on opposition parties.

However, 60 members of parliament left the chamber in protest before the vote, saying that the legislation violated the spirit of the Constitution.

Under the new rules, opposition parties will be allowed to hold an annual conference to elect their leaders.

President Yoweri Museveni's National Resistance Movement remains the only party that can put forward candidates for election or hold political rallies.

New parties can be established, but only if they meet strict conditions set by the Ugandan Government.

Opposition parties are still banned from holding office or campaigning outside the capital, Kampala.

Opposition supporters, including the Ugandan People's Congress of Milton Obote, currently stand for election as non-affiliated independent candidates.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service