The Access to Justice Sub Programme seeks to deepen and broaden access to JLOS services through well targeted interventions aimed at enhancing access to services, mainstreaming human rights and gender equality, fighting corruption, and strengthening competitiveness and commercial justice.

Major priorities include:

• Widening and deepening access to services of JLOS institutions.
• Eliminating case backlog.
• Addressing the wider civil and criminal justice challenges.
• Development and funding of special Programmes to target gender, age, poverty, and other forms of vulnerability.
• Mainstreaming national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Innovations to bridge the gap between formal and informal justice systems, whilst being committed to national and international human rights standards.
• Leverage technology to facilitate data driven decision making to solve justice problems and challenges; empower people to have high quality experiences with the justice system; and create e-justice platforms for information access and break barriers associated with access to justice services.
• Tackling the growing concerns of corruption and human rights observance.
• Proactive engagement and reaching out to actors outside the constitution of the Sector.

Human rights observance is a critical feature of Uganda’s governance and the rule of law as emphasized in the Vision 2040. The Sub-programme is focusing on strengthening JLOS institutions to eliminate human rights violations as well as promoting citizens’ rights and obligations within the framework of the National Action Plan for Human Rights.

 A total of 350 out of the 582 (60%) complaints were reported against JLOS institutional staff. The alleged human rights violations reported against JLOS institutions were against UPF (319), UPS (14) and Local Governments (17). The sub-programme adopted a human rights-based approach. 35. There is a 43.9% reduction in alleged human rights violations by JLOS Institutions compared to the 624 cases reported in FY2016/17.

Compliance with the 48hrs rule is still low, the capacity of JLOS human rights structures at service points is still low. There is delayed approval of the Uganda National Action Plan on Human Rights as well as limited enforcement of existing legal and policy frameworks on human rights. There is limited capacity of staff in human rights-based approach and there exist inefficient and ineffective Human Rights case management systems JLOS institutions. There is therefore need to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of Human Rights promotion institutions, build capacity of duty bearers, strengthen treaty reporting and undertake human rights violation targeting.

Human rights violation and abuses are partly caused by lack of information by the citizens about their rights and where to claim for protection. The Sub-programme has commenced the development of a coherent framework that would streamline and further guide knowledge empowerment of the people of Uganda. Specifically, the UHRC and JSC commenced the development of a civic education strategy that will among others support compliance with legal and human rights, provide for platforms for social accountability, re-enforce participatory governance, and foster constitutionalism and the rule of law. Despite the efforts thus far there is still limited awareness on human rights standards and citizens ‘responsibilities as well as limited dissemination of information on human rights.

Fight against corruption

Uganda’s corruption perception index continued to improve from 0.24 to 0.26 and the clearance rate of corruption cases by the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) increased from 96% in 2016/17 to 97.7% in 2019 while the clearance rate of complaints against lawyers, police and JLOS officers increased from 75% in 2016/17 to 97.7% in 2019.

The implementation of the Sub-programme anti-corruption strategy is largely on track. There is effort to asset recovery by the ODPP for restraining properties of officers implicated in corruption cases. Consequently, 7% of the value of proceeds of crimes was recovered vis-à-vis the set target of 20%. 39. The low performance was due to; on-going valuation process of some properties, high cost of valuation, understaffing in Government Valuation Department. There is however need for a comprehensive asset recovery framework, de-concentration of ACD service to regional level and up-country stations; promote automation; fast track enactment of relevant legislation and strengthen the anti-corruption forum.

The Embassy of Ireland has announced Irish Aid Fellowship Training Program (IFTP) opportunities for 2024/2025. The IFTP funds a number of scholarships for study at master's Level in the Republic of Ireland offered in Irish universities. Justice, Law and Order Sector member institutions are beneficiaries of the IFTP with special consideration given to applicants working in disadvantaged regions. Females are highly encouraged to apply.

The deadline for submission of applications is Sunday, 31st July 2023.

For more information on the 2024/2025 IAFTP (application guidelines, the application form and directory of eligible post graduate programs), visit: https://www.irishaidfellowships.ie/strands/fellowship-training-programme.

^New DOWNLOAD ANNOUNCEMENT

KAMPALA —Uganda has officially joined the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) an Intergovernmental Organization dedicated to the promotion of the rule of law as its 37th Member Party on October 4, 2019.

This was after the Ambassador of Uganda to Italy, H.E. Elizabeth Napeyok deposited the instrument of accession at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Rome.

Speaking on behalf of the government of Uganda, during a meeting with the Director-General ahead of the accession, Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, reiterated that Uganda’s decision to become a Member Party of IDLO is principally based on similar pursuits, objectives and aspirations to promote justice and development.”

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Published: October 7, 2019

The JLOS Secretariat is the axis around which the Access to Justice (A2J) sub-Programme (JLOS) / Governance and Security Programme (GSP) results rotate.  The current A2J/GSP Secretariat is also designated as the Governance and Security Programme Secretariat undertaking coordination of the programme. The secretariat roles include, but not be limited to the following.

• 1. Programme Implementation Action Plan (PIAP) implementation with Programme and institutional targets; and timelines for delivery
  2. Develop for approval of the Programme technical working group an annual Activity Calendar (including a planning and budgeting calendar) 
  3. Coordinate and resource the programme technical working group in the development of performance standards for institutions participating in the Program including planning; implementation; monitoring; reporting; quality assurance and participation in processes.
  4. Support the process of annual target setting; integration of targets into Program -institutional participation MoUs and assure the quality and sufficiency of the targets to attain and progress the programme results.
  5. Support the programme technical working group and advise on relevance, sufficiency and value for money of proposed activities in the annual Program Plans and the ability of cumulative annual work-plans to deliver the PIAP results.
  6. Support, supervise and assure the implementation of annual plans, budgeting and integration of institutional plans into Program plans.
  7. Support the programme technical working group to supervise and monitor the performance of institutions towards set targets.
  8. Link the reform process on the ground (including the foot soldiers and the demand side); and within institutions with the Program leadership structures.
  9. Support the Programme Technical working group to access other Program innovations elsewhere to through research and innovations.
  10. Facilitate communication, coordination and cooperation within Program institutions and between Program institutions and other stakeholders.
  11. Engage in change management advocacy within the Program institutions.
  12. Provide technical buck stopping to institutions as necessary to attain Program results.
  13. Independent verification of institutional performance in compliance with the Program rewards and sanctions mechanisms.

Senior Technical Advisor/Team Leader drives and coordinates the implementation of the Access to Justice Strategic Development Plan (SDP) / Governance and Security PIAP and is also in charge of results quality assurance. He is responsible for the JLOS day to day operations. The STA provides strategic thinking to the Programme; provides technical guidance in policy, long range and medium-term planning to the Programme. The STA resources and facilitates the operations of the Leadership/Steering Committee, drives the integration of the cross-cutting issues of gender, conflict, poverty and environment; profiling for and ensuring effective responses for vulnerable groups. He is supported by technical advisors and administrative staff.

SECRETARIAT STAFF:

Ms. Rachel Odoi-Musoke | View Profile

Senior Technical Advisor

Mr. Sam Wairagala

Deputy Senior Technical Advisor/Advisor, Monitoring and Evaluation

Mr. Musa Modoi

Advisor, Human Rights and Accountability

Ms. Lucy Ladira

Advisor, Access to Justice (Criminal)

Ms. Margaret Ajok

Advisor, Transitional Justice (National)

Mr. Tony Odoch Lagamber

Financial Management Specialist

Mr. Edgar Kuhimbisa

Advisor, E-Governance

Ms. Barbara Kitui

Resource Person (Family Justice)

Ms. Grace Chelimo

Resource Person (Land Justice)

Mr. Francis Luswata

Systems Analyst

Ms. Betty Tukutendereza

Administrator

Ms. Joyce Mukhwana

Administrative Assistant

Rachel Odoi-Musoke is the Senior Technical Advisor to the Governance and Security Programme (formerly Justice Law and Order Sector), where she heads a multi-professional team of advisors working towards improving access to justice and rule of law through institutional development, innovations and reforms.

Ms. Odoi-Musoke is an Advocate of the Courts of Judicature of Uganda of 24 years standing. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from Makerere University, a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre and a Master of Laws from the University of the Witwatersrand and additional qualifications in Programme Management and Strategic Planning.

Ms. Odoi-Musoke has vast experience in human rights and advocacy, legal and policy reforms and justice sector reforms having managed reform programmes and worked in the areas of law reform and human rights protection and enforcement. She began her career in legal aid at the legal aid clinic of the Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA) before moving into private practice and later in the field of environmental law. She also worked in the public sector with the South African Human Rights Commission, Uganda Human Rights Commission and Uganda Law Reform Commission, before joining the secretariat of the Justice Law and Order Sector.

She is passionate about the promotion of human rights with particular focus on women, children and the environment. She is also passionate about the arts and sports and continues to serve on various different committees to promote sports and environmental protection in Uganda.

Today, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) hosted a high-level meeting on rights-based approach to end HIV, AIDS, TB, and Malaria within the Criminal Justice System at Hotel Africana. The meeting brought together participants from the Judiciary, Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Police Force, Governance and Security Programme (Access to Justice Sub-programme), Uganda Aids Commission, UNAIDS, Uganda Human Rights Commission, Uganda Law Reform Commission and Civil Society Organizations.

In her remarks, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Justice Jane Frances ABODO noted that, “Since the Global Fund Project on ending HIV, AIDS, TB, and Malaria within the Criminal Justice System commenced in 2021, we have sensitized a total of 360 officers from different branches of the Criminal Justice System, including Judicial Officers, Prosecutors, Police Officers, Prisons Officers, as well as Local Council 1 Members and Probation Officers. This sensitization aimed to remove barriers to accessing services related to HIV, AIDS, TB, and Malaria within our Criminal Justice System.’ She further noted that the ODPP in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force, Judiciary and Uganda Prisons Service has formulated user policies to enhance the management of HIV, AIDS, TB, and Malaria and to provide clear guidelines and procedures for addressing health-related issues within the Criminal Justice institutions.

She underscored that there are currently 16 pioneer consent-screening stations for health services within the Kampala Metropolitan area. She emphasized that, “By implementing this screening process, we ensure that individuals within these stations receive vital health screenings, enabling early detection and timely treatment of diseases, thus protecting all in the Criminal Justice System from the entry point – Uganda Police Force.”

On the other hand, Ms. Ayebare Proscovia, the Project Coordinator stated that there is a dire need to continue protecting and promoting rights and health of suspects and victims within the Criminal Justice System.

The panelists were Hon. Justice Mutonyi Margaret – Judge of the High Court, Mr. Elem Ogwal Charles – Former Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions and Mr. Mukiibi Paul – Head, Department of Law Reporting, Research and Law Reform at the Law Development Centre. They stressed the need to undertake screening of suspects right at police stations and in prisons. For cases of aggravated defilement, it was noted that it is critical to ascertain if the suspects were aware that they were HIV+ at the time of commission of the crime. They also emphasized the need for disclosure of the medical status of the accused persons as a means to mitigate the spread of the diseases.

The meeting was closed by Justice Vincent Wagona – Judge of the High Court who stated that, “The DPP prosecutes cases in public interest and in the interest of the administration of criminal justice, and this includes the interests of accused persons and victims to ensure that HIV, AIDS, TB and Malaria are addressed.” He further stated that all the other stakeholders in the criminal justice system are critical in achieving this end.

The meeting was held under the auspices of the Global Fund.

Jacquelyn Okui

Public Relations Officer

For any inquiries, please contact: Tel: +256 786927311

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Tel: +256701085346

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#PRESS RELEASE

Today, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Justice Jane Frances Abodo has been presented the ABETO Africa Peace Award. This was in recognition of her remarkable achievements as DPP in the three years that she has been at the helm of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

In his remarks, Mr. Musana Moses, the Chairperson of ABETO (Always Be Tolerant Organization); an organization whose aim is to inculcate the values of peaceful co-existence, resolution of conflict through peaceful means and get the people of Uganda, Africa and the world to embrace a culture of peace, democracy and good governance, stated that through the DPP’s good leadership, the ODPP has done so much amidst so many security challenges.

The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi; the Chief Guest at the occasion, revealed that the awardees of the ABETO Africa Peace Award had been meticulously assessed and their work ascertained to be fair, consistent and to have greatly contributed to the co-existence of all persons in the country.

In her remarks, the DPP expressed her gratitude to ABETO for presenting the award to her and reckoned that it shows that the work of the ODPP is being recognized and appreciated by its esteemed stakeholders. She stated that upon her assumption to office as DPP, she focused on a number of critical areas including High Level Crime, Reducing Case Backlog, Improving Staffing and Staff Welfare, Development of Guidelines for the Prosecutors, and Establishing a Prosecutors Academy. The DPP then highlighted that the conviction rate of the ODPP had risen to over 71% in the past three years. She noted that the ODPP has promoted expeditious handling of cases through the plea bargain initiative leading to remarkable reduction in case backlog thus contributing greatly to the high conviction rate.

The ABETO Africa Peace Award is given in recognition of Heads of State and government dignitaries who have championed the cause of transforming the state and quality of living in their countries.

Further, she noted that the office successfully pursued salary enhancement for the Prosecutors in the year 2022 and a tax waiver which commences this financial year. In addition, she stated that, “Early this year, the ODPP Virtual Academy; an online platform for delivering training and legal resources to Prosecutors remotely, the first of the kind in East Africa, was birthed.”

She categorically expressed her appreciation to H.E the President of the Republic of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the government, development partners and other stakeholders for supporting the ODPP in realizing its mandate. By extension, she also applauded the ODPP Top Management and staff for their tireless efforts in realizing the institution’s vision of a crime free society.

The Keynote Speaker, Dr. Livingstone Ssewanyana, UN Independent Expert underscored that the award was geared towards recognizing the roles of the awardees and identifying the people who make a difference in other people’s lives. He acknowledged the DPP’s efforts in reducing criminal case backlog. Within the region, ABETO Peace Awards have been graciously received by H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (Uganda), President Nelson Mandela (Former President of South Africa), President Salva Kiir (South Sudan), Amb. Ramtane Lamamra (African Union Peace and Security Commissioner), Eng. Mahboub M. Maalim (Executive Secretary of IGAD), as well as a number of other dignitaries.

Jacquelyn Okui

Public Relations Officer

For any inquiries, please contact: Tel: +256 786927311

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Tel: +256701085346

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Governance and Security Programme contributes to the NDPIII objective five which is; to strengthen the role of state in Development. The programme goal is to improve adherence to the rule of law and capacity to contain prevailing and emerging security threats.

Programme Administrative Coordinator: Office of the Prime Minister 

Program Technical Coordinator/Manager: Office of the President (OP)

Lead Implementing Partners:

1. Justice Law and Order Sector (Access to Justice Sub-Programme)
2. Security Sector
3. Legislature Sector
4. Accountability sector

The key results to be achieved over the next five years are:

• Improve on the Corruption Perception Index from 26 percent to 35 percent.
• Increase the Democratic Index from 6.5 percent to 8.6 percent.
• Increase the expenditure on R&D by Security Sector from UGX 7 billion to 10 billion.
• Increase percentage expenditure on R&D from 0.01 to 0.1.
• Increase the percentage of citizens’ participation in electoral processes from 80 percent to 90 percent.
• Increase the rate of case disposal from 60 percent to 75 percent.
• Attain a 25 percent enrolment in the National service by 2025.
• Decrease the percentage of backlog cases in the system from 18 percent to 10 percent; and
• Increase the percentage of districts with one stop frontline JLOS service points from 67.5 percent to 90 percent.

 The objectives of the programme are to:

• Strengthen the capacity of security agencies to address emerging security threats.
• Strengthen policy, legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks for effective governance and security.
• Strengthen people centred security, legislation, justice, law, and order service delivery system.
• Reform and strengthen JLOS business processes to facilitate private sector development.
• Strengthen transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption systems.
• Strengthen citizen participation in democratic processes.
• Strengthen compliance and implementation of the Uganda Bill of Rights; and
• Enhance Refugee protection and Migration Management.

DOWNLOAD:

Governance and Security Programme Annual Report (FY 2021/22)

Background

JLOS was launched in 1999 initially with 10 (ten) public institutions focused on improving access to justice for all persons. This was done through coordinated and evidence based sector wide formulation, planning and resource application.  In its implementation, JLOS started off with a Strategic Investment Plan (SIP FY 2001/02 – 2005/6). This was followed by the Second Strategic Investment Plan (SIP II FY 2006/07 –2011/12) and the third Strategic Investment Plan (SIP III FY 2012/13 –2016/17). SIP III was largely focused on promotion of the rule of law by increasing public confidence and trust in the justice system as well as user satisfaction with the services offered by the Sector.

Sector mandate and composition 

The Justice Law and Order Sector is a sector wide approach adopted by Government of Uganda bringing together 18 institutions with closely linked mandates of administering justice and maintaining law and order as well as the promotion and protection of human rights. The Sector focuses on a holistic approach to improving access to and administration of justice through a sector wide approach to planning, budgeting, programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation. 

SIP I – Rebuilding and re-tooling the Sector Institutions

The first Strategic Plan (SIP I) focused on two areas – criminal justice, building on the Chain-linked Initiative and commercial justice under the Commercial Justice Reform Programme (CJRP). The CJRP sought to reform the laws, institutional and human resource capacities and to strengthen the environment for doing business. SIP I, as the initial Sector plan was strongly premised on the need to rebuild and retool institution and build the capacity of staff. It was geared at reviving the justice sector that had been run down following the instability leading up to 1986.

SIP II – Stabilisation Phase

SIP II that ran from 2006/07 to 2011/12 was geared at stabilising institutional growth and consolidating the gains made under the first planning framework and enhancing impact. It bore a heightened focus on poor and marginalised groups and was anchored in the Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP), which was the overarching framework for Uganda’s growth and development and the Medium-Term Competitiveness Strategy (MTCS). The Sector, at this point, recognised the need to address those challenges that impacted on the cost of doing business and concerns of the poor and marginalised. These challenges include corruption, delay in disposal of land and family cases, and addressing cross-cutting challenges such as protecting the environment, promoting gender equity and supporting efforts to tackle HIV/AIDS. SIPII therefore built on the lessons of SIP I and prioritised the promotion of rule of law and due process, fostering of a culture of human rights, enhancing access to justice, especially for the poor and marginalised, reducing crime and improving safety and security and contributing to economic development.

The expanded focus on criminal, commercial, land and family justice, built on the SIP I but went on to incorporate the findings of the Integrated Study on Land and Family Justice. It further increased the number of JLOS institutions to 11 with the addition of the Uganda Human Rights Commission and four (4) institutions were added as allied institutions.

a) The key gains under the first two strategic plans laid the foundation for the next planning framework. These included:

b) Reduction in length of stay on remand from an average of 24 months to 15 months for serious offences;

c) Increased efficiency in the Commercial Court as evidenced in case throughput and application of ADR;

d) Establishment of CADER and the Tax Appeals Tribunal;

e) Reform of 40 commercial laws and integration of regulatory best practices in policy formulation and practice;

f) Enhanced capacity of the legal profession in commercial disputes, including establishment of a functional legal resource centre at the Uganda Law Society.

SIP III – Consolidating the gains

The SIP III moved the Sector from brick and mortar investments to deepen and broaden access to JLOS services through targeted interventions. The overall focus of the Sector was expanded to include the following: Land justice; Family justice; Transitional justice;Prevention of age and gender based violence; Worker’s rights.

In addition, the growing concerns of accountability and human rights observance were given special attention.

Under SIP III, the Sector membership also expanded to 17 institutions, with the inclusion of Law Development Centre, Uganda Law Society, Tax Appeals Tribunal and CADER as full Sector members and the addition of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau as a newly created institution.

(DOWNLOAD SIP III MAGAZINE)

 Under SIPIII public confidence in JLOS institutions increased significantly from the baseline average of 26% in 2012 to 48% in 2016. Public engagement with JLOS institutions and use of JLOS services grew three fold on the average compared to the baselines. 

For those persons that have accessed JLOS services the level of satisfaction has increased from the average baseline position of 59%  in 2012 to 72% in 2016. The index of judicial independence grew by 22% from 2.8 in 2014/15 to 3.41 in 2016, implying that judicial processes in Uganda have become more independent. The country’s judicial independence ranking too has improved from position 128 in 2012 to 91 in 2016 according the Global Competitiveness Report, 2016.

As a result of the interventions in legal reform and other innovations, Uganda moved from position 139 in 2012 to 122 in 2015/16 in the doing business index. 

The Sector is now functionally present in 82% of the districts compared to 75% functional presence in 2014/15. Also the number of districts with a complete chain of infrastructure for frontline JLOS services increased from 35% in 2012 to 59.8% in 2015/16. 

The average length of stay on remand reduced from 23 months in 2012 to 10.4 months for capital offenders and case backlog reduced from 39% in 2012 to 25% in 2016.  Use of ADR recorded a resounding success with a 55% success rate compared to 22% in 2012 arising out of investments in training and advocacy. 

The crime rate reduced from 314 per 100,000 in 2012 to 296 per 100,000 in 2016. 

In terms of human rights observance, the number of reported human rights violations by JLOS agencies reduced by 41% during the reporting period. This is partly due to the adoption of a human rights culture and accountability and sensitisation of police and prisons that have always featured high in terms of human rights violations.

SDP IV

JLOS is currently implementing the 5^th Strategic Development Plan (2017 - 2020). DOWNLOAD SDP IV