Vienna (Austria), 13 May 2024 – The 33rd session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) opened on 13 May 2024, bringing together Member States and other stakeholders to deliberate on various aspects of crime prevention and criminal justice, including along this year’s theme of “Promoting international cooperation and technical assistance to prevent and address organized crime, corruption, terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and other forms of crime, including in the areas of extradition, mutual legal assistance and asset recovery”.

As the main policy making body of the United Nations system in addressing crime prevention and criminal justice issues, the Commission plays a critical role in advancing collective efforts against national and transnational crime, while strengthening fair and effective criminal justice institutions.

Uganda's delegation at the 33rd CCPCJ is led by Justice Richard Buteera, Deputy Chief Justice and Head of the Court of Appeal of Uganda (Courts of Judicature).

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UGANDA'S DELEGATION TO THE 33RD CCPCJ (2024)

1. Hon. Justice Richard Buteera, Deputy Chief Justice and Head of the Court of Appeal of Uganda (Courts of Judicature) – Head of Delegation
2. Hon. Nobert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs
3.  Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)
4.  Amb. Stephen Mubiru, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations Office in Vienna
5.  Mr. Pius Perry Biribonwoha, Deputy Solicitor General, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs
6.  Amb. Eunice Kigenyi, Head of International Legal and Social Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
7.  Amb. Dora Kutesa, Political Affairs Officer, Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations Office in Vienna
8.  Dr. Josephine Ekwang Ali, Commissioner, Inspection and Legal Services, Ministry of Internal Affairs
9.  Mr. James Odumbi Were, Deputy Director of Public Prosecution, Directorate of International Affairs, Office the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)
10.  Mr. John Baptiste Asiimwe, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Office the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)
11.  Mr. David Josip Bisamunyu, Chief State Attorney, Legal Manager to Director of Public Prosecutions
12.  Ms. Judith Asiimwe, Counsellor, International Legal and Social Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
13.  Ms. Allen Uwamariya Bucyana, Assistant Commissioner, Legal Advisory, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs
14.  Ms. Viola Tucungwirwe Mary, Principal Policy Analyst, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
15.  Ms. Adrine Asingwiire, Chief State Attorney, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
16.  Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) James Ocaya, Uganda Police Force
17.  H.W Allan Mpirwe Gakyaro, Chief Magistrate, Judiciary
18.  Mr Hillary Bisanga, Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons, Director of Human Resources
19.  Ms. Rachel Ajwang Odoi-Musoke, Senior Technical Advisor, Justice, Law and Order Sector, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs
20.  Ms Lucy Ladira, Advisor - Criminal Justice, Justice, Law and Order Sector, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs
21.  Mr Edgar Kuhimbisa, Advisor – E-Governance, Justice, Law and Order Sector, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs
22.  Ms Anne Mary Nyakato, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations Office in Vienna
23.  Dr. Sylvia Namubiru Mukasa, Chief Executive Officer, Legal Aid Service Providers Network (LASPNET)
24.  Mr. Sam Rogers Wairagala, Deputy Senior Technical Advisor, Justice, Law and Order Sector, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs

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VIENNA, AUSTRIA – At the 33^rd Session on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) underway at the Vienna International Centre, Uganda held a side event under the theme: Role of the Sector-wide approach in criminal justice reform: The Uganda JLOS Experience. 

The core objective of the side event held today was to showcase the JLOS – chain-linked approach to criminal justice reform in Uganda – leveraging people-centred justice models; multi-stakeholder engagement at local, regional, and national levels; transformative leadership and digital innovation.

The well-attended side event was moderated by Mr. Sam Rogers Wairagala, Deputy Senior Technical Advisor (JLOS Secretariat, Ministry of Justice, and Constitutional Affairs) and featured Hon. Justice Jane Frances Abodo, Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP); Ms Rachel Odoi-Musoke, Senior Technical Advisor (JLOS Secretariat, Ministry of Justice, and Constitutional Affairs); and Ms Sylvia Namubiru Mukasa, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Legal Aid Service Providers Network (LASPNET).

Other notable speakers at the event included H.E Amb. Stephen Mubiru, Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda to Germany (Ministry of Foreign Affairs); H. E Amb. Maurice Makoloo, Permanent Representative of Kenya in Vienna; Ms. Sharon Lesa Nyambe, the UNODC Head of Office in Uganda; and a representative from the Government of Sudan.

The event was organised by the Republic of Uganda with the support of the Republic of Kenya, Republic of Sudan and the UNODC Regional Section for Africa and the Middle East.

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Uganda 33^rd CCPCJ Side Event Information Pack

Uganda 33^rd CCPCJ Side Event Documentary

Facts and Figures: Uganda at the 33^rd CCPCJ

JLOS at Glance (Brochure)

Uganda Side Event Poster

Recording: Uganda 33^rd CCPCJ Side Event (Passcode: w#2VLs0W)

This Strategic Plan for Governance and Security Programme – Access to Justice Sub Programme [Thematic Area] covers the period 2020/2021-2024/2025.

The Governance and Security Programme goal is to improve adherence to the rule of law and capacity to contain prevailing and emerging security threats.

The Programme brings together 29 Government Agencies responsible for upholding the Rule of Law, ensuring Security, maintaining Law and Order, Public Policy Governance, administration of justice, promoting Human Rights, accountability, and transparency.

This Programme contributes to the Third National Development Plan (NDP III) 2020/21-2024/25 objective five of strengthening the role of the State in development. The Access to Justice Sub Programme brings together 17 institutions responsible for administering justice, maintaining law and order, and promoting the observance of human rights. This Sub Programme draws State and Non-State Actors (NSAs) who play complementary roles in planning, budgeting, Programme implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

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President Yoweri Museveni has supported the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), an innovation that the Judiciary wants to roll out to quickly dispose of cases within the community.

Museveni during Thursday’s commissioning of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal buildings at City Square in Kampala, said that the initiative will reduce a lot of anger in the population.

The system involves the use of mediation, arbitration, and negotiations conducted by personalities that all parties respect and trust to solve such disputes.

“I want to thank the Judiciary again for what they have correctly called the original justice system. I am glad that you are providing a window where even murder can be forgiven, instead of pursuing the line of an eye for an eye; I praise you for this effort, once we institutionalise, a lot of anger in the population will be avoided,” Museveni said.

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President. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned two Appellate Court twin buildings to host the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal which have been in rented premises since Independence. The buildings located in the middle of Kampala at Plot 2 were commissioned on Thursday.

President Museveni said he was very happy that the buildings were constructed using the government of Uganda’s money and not a loan from foreign countries. He said this proves what the National Resistance Movement told them from the beginning there is nothing they can’t do when they learn to prioritize and avoid touching so many things.

Museveni appreciated the fact that the Judiciary is a peace maker and when they adjudicate, they bring peace in place and production hence contributing greatly to the economic development.

Museveni promised to invite the Chief Justice for a discussion on their priorities too as the Judiciary and issues of limited budget constraints.

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Uganda Law Society (ULS) president Bernard Oundo has urged the public to embrace free legal services. Oundo says the public, especially the vulnerable groups, should use the available legal aid services at ULS.

According to Oundo, ULS operates a total of 22 legal offices across the country aimed at providing assistance to vulnerable individuals seeking access to justice. He emphasised that the services are most critical for vulnerable people, who often require them the most.

Oundo has also highlighted challenges regarding the timely delivery of justice, the growing case backlogs and widespread corruption that need urgent attention. He has pointed out that only 10% of the population can easily access justice.

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In a meeting with the Law Development Center (LDC) management at the Court of Appeal on Monday February 12, 2024 in Kampala, the Deputy Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Richard Buteera emphasized the need of maintaining high-quality lawyers from LDC to ensure effective justice delivery.

The LDC is the only institution in Uganda that offers the Bar Course leading to the award of the post-graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.

The purpose of the visit was to brief him on the upcoming 51st LDC graduation ceremony scheduled for April 19, 2024.

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 DOWNLOAD 2022/23 ANNUAL JLOS REPORT

1. At the impact level, public trust in the justice system remains high compared to the SDPIV end-term evaluation and efforts to maintain it at higher levels are under implementation including addressing lead times for delivery of services, opening more service points, ensuring certainty in service delivery, and making use of online services.
2. The sub-programme invested in the construction of justice centers increasing the number of districts with one-stop frontline JLOS points from 90 to 92 out of the targeted 117 districts.
3. The Construction of the JLOS house phase one launched on 10^th June 2022 is now over 60% and is expected to be completed in 2024.
4. The sub-programme registered an increased disposal of cases from 52% in 2020 to 63% resulting in a 10% reduction in the proportion of backlog. Also, a 72% conviction rate was registered due to improved investigations and strong coordination. While the proportion of pretrial detained reduced to 48%
5. The continued use of correctional approaches in the rehabilitation of inmates led to a 20% reduction in the rate of re-offending to 13.9% compared to the baseline of 17.2% in FY 2017/18.
6. Public trust in the justice system is 69% according to data collected from the SEMA pilot program located at 50 frontline JLOS service points. Average satisfaction levels as measured by the SEMA applications at selected JLOS service points stand at 70%.
7. During the reporting period, Pre-trial detainees reduced from 50.8% at the beginning of the financial year, to 48.5%. This is attributed to increased disposal of cases by the Judiciary, from 55% in FY 2021/22 to 63% in FY 2022/23. In addition, increased use of non-custodial punishment such as community service has reduced the inflow of convicted persons into prisons. For instance, the MIA was able to supervise a total number of 14,595 Community Service Orders (13,505 male, 1090 female) against an annual target of 14,000 orders representing 104.25%. Convicts sentenced to community service increased from 67.8% to 70% in the reporting period. However, the crime rate increased from 457.94 in FY 2021/22 to 524 in FY 2022/23 per 100,000 population.
8. The CCTV surveillance project has revolutionized crime response and prevention with the system being operational (Phase II) in 71 districts, 10 cities, 20 municipalities, 35 towns, 06 border points and all major highways. The use of the Automated fingerprint Information system (AFIS) also helped to identify 3266 repeat offenders, while 219 people with criminal records seeking certificates of good conduct were identified.
9. The plea bargain approach enabled the ODPP to deal with case backlog by fast-tracking cases, resulting in reduced case disposal time. It also improved the conviction rates since it offers 100% conviction rates.
10. A total of 41 legal aid clinics run by JCU, ULS and LDC are fully operational and supported by JLOS. Those reached out to 141,347 vulnerable individuals and communities.
11. Automation of Case management systems is ongoing in many institutions including the Judiciary, Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Directorate for Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC), National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and Judiciary. Other key areas of focus are streamlining processes, strengthening records management and reforming civil and business registries.
12. The ODPP rolled out the Prosecution Case Management Information System (PROCAMIS) although it was slower than planned. The system has coverage of 42 (30%) out of 136 offices. The scope of automation covers headquarters, regional offices, and field stations.
13. With regards to national identification and registration, which is a key driver for the improvement of service delivery in the country, cumulatively, a total of 16,749,675 cards have been issued to eligible citizens out of 19,761,668 cards printed.
14. With regards to immigration, 12,354 work permits, 6,888 dependent passes, and 12,786 foreign students were facilitated. In addition, 7,030 people were granted special passes, 238,986 entry visas were issued, and 8,154 sought visitor pass extensions.
15. During the reporting period, Anti-Corruption Agencies registered major progress in strengthening transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption systems. Conviction rates of corruption cases increased from 74% in 2017/18 to 82% in the reporting period due to the use of prosecution let investigation while the clearance rate of cases increased from 98% to 110% in the review period. This was because of the use of the interagency forum and stronger coordination and collaboration of the agencies involved in the fifth against crime.
16. UHRC carried out inspections in 163 detention facilities including 86 Police stations, 31 Prisons, 41 Police posts, 3 remand homes and 2 military detention facilities. There were noticed improvements in living conditions, however, congestion remains an eye soar. To address this challenge, UPS constructed four (4) wards that increased the holding/ sleeping capacity from 19,986 prisoners (71,949.6M²) to 20,321 prisoners (73,155.6M²).
17. The National Action Plan for Business and Human Rights is being implemented to mainstream human rights norms in the private sector. In addition, MoJCA mainstreamed the accepted recommendations from the third Universal Periodic Review into the National Action Plan for Human Rights (NAP). The NAP articulates human rights priority actions and interventions for implementation by both State and non-state actors.
18. The program enhanced compliance with the bill of Rights, with the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) continuing to maintain an international ‘A’ status. UHRC conducted Tribunals across the nine (9) Regional offices. As a result, a total number of 143 matters were handled by the tribunal and complaints 93 (32 Male, 61 female) were resolved through mediation.

 Challenges in the reporting period:

19. The low staff numbers across the sub-programme institutions. Failure to address staffing has far-reaching implications and may reverse the gains made so far. This is made worse by the disproportionate recruitment in the judiciary as compared to other JLOS institutions.
20. Increased prisoner population and Congestion in Prisons that exceeds carrying capacity by more than double. This may be addressed partly through expanding carrying capacity and crime prevention measures, in addition to focusing on alternative modes of punishment away from traditional incarceration. The increasing prison population puts pressure on housing, sanitation, medicare, feeding, uniforms, staff numbers and delivery of prisoners to courts.
21. Inadequate facilitation of Attorneys and witnesses, affects the ability of the Government to be effectively represented in the courts of law for local and international cases.

DOWNLOAD 2019/2020 ANNUAL JLOS REPORT