FOREWORD BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE
For 15 years, the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) has spearheaded the promotion of the rule of law and access to justice for all Ugandans. JLOS has become synonymous with cutting-edge reforms and innovations in the justice system, these which can be traced back to the highly acclaimed Chain Linked Initiative first launched in 1999. In doing so, the Sector has driven improvements in infrastructure, human development, and institutional capacity as well as introduced new ways of delivering justice and ensuring law and order
From promoting Community Policing, a joint effort approach that allows the Uganda Police and the communities within which they serve to work together to maintain law and order, to prioritizing children’s cases in courts in an effort for improved juvenile justice, to improving the environment for doing business through commercial justice reforms, the Sector has undoubtedly impacted the lives of many Ugandans. JLOS is committed to concretizing these efforts especially to serve the poorest and most vulnerable among the Ugandan population.
It is my pleasure therefore to introduce this publication that highlights some JLOS innovations and interventions that tell of the Sector’s impact over the years. These stories highlight our demonstrated pledge to ensure justice for all and JLOS’s contribution to building a renewed trust in the institutions mandated with delivering justice in Uganda. Further to that, they provide an insight into the ideal future that we envisage for the Sector and for the Ugandan society as far as justice, law and order are concerned.
While the stories highlighted reflect how far the Sector has come, we are cognizant of the challenge for continuous improvement and accept it with a renewed zeal. JLOS, therefore, remains dedicated to the creation of a society that protects and promotes fundamental rights, one that ensures the respect of law as well as one that works to build the necessary structures to nurture a vibrant and growing economy for Uganda. As we work more closely with our partners in Government, civil society, the international community, and with Ugandans from all walks of life, we look forward to greater achievements in the years to come.
Bart M. Katureebe
Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda
October 10, 2015
Produced by LPLC Consult Uganda, Ltd. for JLOS - the Justice Law and Order Sector in Uganda
Financed by the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) © 2015 - The Justice, Law and Order Sector (Government of the Republic of Uganda). All Rights Reserved.
Lead Writer and Editor:
Annet Mbabazi Ntezi
JLOS Editorial Team:
Rachel Odoi-Musoke
Sam Rogers Wairagala
Edgar Kuhimbisa
Design and Layout:
Gerald Ssali (87 Eight Seven)
CALL FOR PROPOSALS: Enhancing Access to Justice through Innovative Digital Solutions
September 27, 2021ABOUT JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY REFORM (JAR)
In December 2017, the European Union signed an agreement with the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MoFPED) to provide 66 million Euros for three years to strengthen performance and reforms in the Justice Law and Order Sector and Accountability Sector.
The Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) is a sector-wide approach (SWAP) adopted by the Uganda Government since 2000 to bring together institutions with closely linked mandates of administering justice and maintaining law and order and human rights. This was undertaken to develop a common vision, policy framework, unified objectives, and plan over the medium term. JLOS focuses on a holistic approach to improving access to and administration of justice through the SWAP, including planning, budgeting, program implementations, monitoring, and evaluation. JLOS brings increased coordination and cooperation among key institutions involved in the administration of justice. The framework has enhanced coherence in policy discussion and decision-making and resource allocation with the institutions involved.
Conceived as a reform initiative, the sector's mission is to improve the safety of the person, security of property, observance of human rights, and access to justice to promote growth, employment, and prosperity. Currently, the mandates of the JLOS institutions cover justice administration, maintenance of law and order, and access to justice mechanisms. The current fourth JLOS Sector Investment Plan (SDP IV, 2017-2020) is organized around 3 strategic high-level outcomes: (1) Infrastructure and access to JLOS services enhanced, (2) Observance of Human Rights and fight against corruption promoted, and (3) Commercial justice and the environment for competitiveness strengthened.
NDP III notes challenges faced by JLOS institutions relating to low levels of service delivery, corruption, limited infrastructure and slow implementation and fulfillment of international and regional human rights commitments. Given the high rates of vulnerability in the country, access to justice for vulnerable groups and poor persons is heavily reliant on legal aid, most of which is provided by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) but on a limited geographical scale and using narrow legal aid models. Weak case management builds up to various constraints across the JLOS institutions. The spill-over effect is felt also in Accountability Sector, which has the mandate to fight corruption through sanctions, investigations, and prosecutions. The current case management systems in frontline JLOS institutions (Police, Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL), Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Judiciary, Prisons) among others are overburdened, slow, and primarily completed manually for the most part. This leads to high lead times, increased cost of access, opportunistic corruption and slow decision making.
The current Technical Assistance is part of the 11th EDF Justice and Accountability Reform (JAR) Sector Reform Performance Contract (SRPC). The overall objective of the SRPC is "to contribute to the sustainable development and inclusive economic growth of Uganda".
This activity is organized under Result 5 of the JAR project, on "Support to case management in JLOS". Result 5 addresses the following:
I. The institutional case management and rules and procedures that delay the disposal of cases have been reviewed.
II. The analysis and re-design of case management business processes have been completed.
III. The proportion of records managed and stored through automated systems has been increased
IV. The design- and development phases of Integrated Information Management Systems have been completed for several JLOS institutions based on an interoperability framework
V. The supervision functions and M&E systems of JLOS institutions have been strengthened.
VI. Innovative actions for the automation of Uganda's case-management system (CMS) have been developed and implemented.
This activity falls under (VI) above.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
The Access to Justice Sub-Programme (formerly referred to as the Justice, Law and Order Sector) was set into motion twenty (20) years ago as an innovative reform program whose goal was to resolve bottlenecks in access to justice in Uganda. To achieve this mandate, JLOS has always championed innovation through its various intervention areas documented in the following Sector development/investment plans (SIPs): SIP 1 ; SIP 2 ; SIP 3 ; and currently via the Access to Justice Sub-programme strategic plan (2020 – 2025).
With the evolving work environment and emerging challenges in the access to justice delivery arena (augmented by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020), JLOS needs to continuously re-invent itself to provide solutions to problems, add value to its member institutions but perhaps most importantly create new realities and experiences for people through digital service delivery models. This specifically calls for the need to mainstream innovation as part of JLOS’ digital transformation agenda described in the e-Justice Strategy (2021- 2026).
The Access to Justice sub-programme seeks innovative digital solutions to address the JLOS' most pressing challenges in access to justice using technology-driven mechanisms, processes, platforms, and applications. These solutions shall not only meet the current (and future) demands and challenges of justice delivery in Uganda but harness opportunities presented by new ideas, sustainable “home-grown” solutions, and emerging technologies.
The successful innovators / vendors shall while working with front-line JLOS institutions such as the Uganda Police, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Courts of Judicature, Uganda Prisons Services, Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC), Judicial Service Commission (JSC);Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC); National identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the Uganda Registration Service Bureau (URSB) design and develop innovative justice products and services around case management in JLOS through cutting-edge technologies using the human-centered design approach that takes into account the unique needs of justice actors and the general public.
This is in line with the overall objective of SDG 16.1 – ensuring equal justice for all – by putting people and their legal needs at the center of justice systems; and JLOS’ theme of “advancing an integrated people-centered access to justice delivery system”.
SOLUTION
The digital innovative solution in access to justice should demonstrate the ability to contribute to any of the following key JLOS focus areas:
● Strengthening access to legal aid services;
● Strengthening measures to effectively and efficiently prevent and respond to crime;
● Stakeholder empowerment and enhanced access to information;
● Promoting gender equality and equitable access to justice;
● Empowering citizens on human rights and obligations;
DELIVERABLES
The expected deliverables from innovators/vendors will include.
● Concept Note, Functional Requirements Specifications and Systems Design Document & financial proposal
● Implemented innovation through a Pilot.
● Innovation completion report, highlighting lessons learned and plan/proposal for a National rollout.
FUNDING
This innovation fund is available to legally registered local entities based in Uganda with proven experience and pedigree working on access to justice interventions and innovative solutions in the digital space.
Euro €80,000 is available from the Justice and Accountability Reform (JAR) project to support digital innovative solution(s) that shall be selected for piloting in the JLOS (access to justice) operational environment between August 2020 and May 2022.
The project shall support two innovations. Each project will have a maximum budget of Euros € 40,000.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The Successful innovation(s) will be selected based on (but not limited to) the following parameters:
a) Impact: The ability of the innovation to address key JLOS focus/problem areas described in Section 1.0 (the ability of the solution in improving access to justice, especially for the ordinary citizens in the public domain)
b) Technical ability: Ability of the applicant(s) to demonstrate technical skill, knowledge and capability to implement the proposed solution(s) - preferably via a functional prototype
c) Scalability: the ability to scale up, evolve, and grow the innovative solution in other JLOS institutions beyond a pilot rollout
d) Cross-cutting nature of the innovation: Ability of the digital innovative solution to add value to multiple JLOS institutions and associated entities
e) Ownership: Willingness of the entity to transfer ownership of the proposed solution to the access to justice sub-program (JLOS) for further growth (upgrade), implementation, and operationalization.
f) Proven experience and pedigree working on access to justice interventions and innovative solutions in the digital space
APPLICATION & EVALUATION
Proposals for innovation shall be submitted in PDF format to Chiara Minelli via email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) with a copy to Johnson Mwebaze (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) by October 15th, 2021 – 4:00 PM (EAT).
The duration of this activity shall be Five (5) months from the date of the award. Successful innovators shall be notified within two (02)weeks after the submission closing date.
Published: 27th September 2021
The Hague Institute for the Innovation of Law (HiiL) in collaboration with JLOS used an innovative methodology to study the justice needs of the people in Uganda during the Covid-19 Pandemic. An online survey questionnaire was distributed twice: in April-June 2021 and October-December 2021. Confirming the results of previous research, the studies found that almost every respondent had to deal with a legal problem in the previous year.
The sample is non-representative but provides interesting and actionable insights into the demand for justice in Uganda during the pandemic. Younger, better educated, urban residents face mostly debt issues, employment problems, family problems, and disagreements with neighbours. Older, less educated, rural residents face most often land problems, domestic violence, and crimes.
The relationship between COVID-19 and the need for justice is stronger among the younger sample. The study also shows that many justice problems that were not resolved in the first wave were resolved in the second. However, it is concerning that about 30% of the issues which were ongoing in the first wave are still in a process of resolution.
Check out for more results in the first and the second eJNS report.
READ MORE:
Justice Needs and Satisfaction in Uganda (August 2021)
Justice Needs and Satisfaction in Uganda (March 2022)
Source: HiiL
Human Rights and Accountability Working Group
March 05, 2017Introduction
The Human Rights and Accountability Working Group is a thematic sub-structure of the JLOS Technical Committee that is responsible for the development and oversight of sector interventions to strengthen and promote human rights and accountability programs, processes and structures.
The Working Group enables deeper consideration of human rights issues within the broad spectrum of enhancing access to justice for all, specially the vulnerable persons. This is a response to the need for more effective and better institutionalized linkages that was identified in the JLOS Mid Term Review as affecting the level of impact and implementation of JLOS programs. Therefore, the Group is a key driver in improving the promotion, protection and respect of human rights within JLOS institutions and also ensuring accountability in service delivery.
Establishment
The Working Group is an extension of the JLOS Technical Committee and offers in-depth consideration of JLOS interventions that is otherwise not be possible in the Technical Committee. The Working Group reports to the Technical Committee for decisions related to resource allocation and management. It is resourced by the JLOS Advisor for Human Rights and Accountability, whose mandate includes providing technical advisory support, coordinating the Group’s activities and acts as the link to the JLOS secretariat.
Mandate and Functions
The mandate of the Group is to support the Technical Committee in the implementation of the JLOS SDP and in monitoring and evaluation of JLOS interventions.
The Group has to ensure that issues concerning the Human Rights and Accountability component influence the agenda of the Technical Committee and Steering Committee, and bring to the fore emerging issues of national importance.
The Working Group handles matters relating to;
1. Promotion and protection of human rights at individual and institutional levels;
2. Promotion of internal and external JLOS accountability;
3. Adoption and implementation of the Anti-corruption measures in JLOS;
4. Promotion of accountability in Transitional Justice, and
5. Handling emerging broader human rights and accountability thematic issues.
The Human Rights and Accountability Working Group has various functions that include;
a. Promote observance of human rights and accountability within JLOS MDAs;
b. Identify constraints to the achievement of the Human Rights and Accountability programs to the sector structures for redress;
c. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Human Rights and Accountability Reform Programs;
d. Prepare analysed and comprehensive progress reports on Human Rights and Accountability programs within the overall program for the Technical Committee;
e. Recommend relevant changes to JLOS SIP III implementation activities as necessary;
f. Respond to issues raised by the Technical Committee, Steering Committee and Leadership Committee;
g. Benchmark the JLOS Human Rights and Accountability interventions against other successful sectors/models;
h. Support sector publicity;
i. Support the sector in lobbying for funds;
j. Develop action plans and budgets for the Human Rights and Accountability component;
k. Perform any other tasks that may be assigned by the Technical Committee.
When implementing its functions, the Group is obliged to continually mainstream cross-cutting issues (such as poverty, gender, conflict, HIV-AIDS , and environment) in all activities and also focus on pro-poor programming, low cost but efficient initiatives, vulnerable groups, and bear sensitivity to conflict/post conflict affected areas.
The Working Group is required to provide a work plan supported with a procurement plan to the JLOS secretariat at the end of each financial year.
Membership
In line with SDP:
1. To the extent possible, each JLOS institution is required to nominate at least two (2) suitable representatives to the Working Group. One is be a senior technical person knowledgeable in the thematic area, and an alternate.
2. Civil Society Organizations and private sector bodies are expected to express interest in participating in the Working Group. Once deemed relevant and admitted to the Group, a CSO is required to nominate one suitable representative to the Working Group.
The selected representatives/members are expected to:
1. Attend meetings regularly and participate in the activities of the Working Group;
2. Provide feedback and report on implementation of programs;
3. Provide their respective institutions with reports and updates on the work of the Working Group.
Membership of the Working Group shall be drawn from the 17 JLOS institutions and non-State actors. The Working Group may also co-opt persons from other institutions if the matter under discussion so requires. The current membership of the working group is as follows;
JLOS Institutions
1. Uganda Law Society (ULS)
2. Judiciary
3. National Community Service Program (NCSP)
4. Non-Government Organisations’ Board (NGO Board)
5. Amnesty Commission (MIA-AC)
6. Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP)
7. Uganda Prisons Service (UPS)
8. Judicial Service Commission (JSC)
9. Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MoGLSD)
10. Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC)
11. Law Development Centre (LDC)
12. Ministry of Justice & Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA)
13. Uganda Law Reform Commission (ULRC)
14. Uganda Police Force (UPF)
15. Department of Citizenry and Immigration Control (DCIC)
16. Uganda Law Council (ULC)
17. Centre for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (CADER)
18. Tax Appeals Tribunal (TAT)
19. Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB)
20. Ministry of Local Government (Local Council Courts)
Non-State Institutions
1. Independent Development Fund (IDF)
2. National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU)
3. JLOS Development Partners Group Focal persons (JLOS DPG)
4. Human Rights Network (HURINET)
5. Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI)
6. Anti-Corruption Coalition of Uganda (ACCU)
Leadership
The leadership of the Working Group is determined by both the Technical Committee and Group membership.
Chairperson
The Chairperson of the Human Rights and Accountability Working Group is selected by the Technical Committee from its membership, while the Alternate Chairperson of the Working Group is determined annually by members from among the membership of the Working Group.
The Chairperson has the following functions:
a) Chairs Working Group meetings;
b) Communicate key issues and suggestions made by the Working Group to stakeholders;
c) Manages timely progress of meetings and tasks assigned to members;
d) Provides strategic direction for the Working Group;
e) Presents reports to the Technical Committee on behalf of the Working Group.
Secretary
The Advisor- Human Rights and Accountability is the Secretary to the Working Group. The Secretary is responsible for timely documentation of the submissions, minutes and any documentation for the Working Group and the contact person for the same.
Meetings of the Working Group
The Group endeavors to meet on a monthly basis. The Chairperson determines the date and venue for the meetings of the Working Group. The Secretary is responsible for invitations to the meetings of the Working Group. Unless otherwise agreed, notice of each meeting informing members of the venue, time, date and agenda is sent to the members of the Working Group a week in advance.
Quorum
A quorum is dully constituted by a simple representative majority. A duly convened meeting of the Working Group, at which quorum is attained, is competent to exercise all or any of the powers and authority vested in or exercised by the Working Group.
The Human Rights and Accountability Group is one of the five Working Groups that the Technical Committee operates through, with a focus of deepening JLOS interventions especially regarding promoting the observance of human rights and accountability within the Sector. The concerted efforts of the JLOS Working Groups should substantially contribute towards the promotion of the rule of law in Uganda.
Justice Centres Uganda: Bringing Justice Home
March 05, 2017While Promoting the rights of vulnerable communities through provision of quality human rights based legal aid, legal rights awareness, community outreach, empowerment and advocacy.
Justice Centres are a one-stop-shop legal aid service delivery model that seeks to bridge the gap between the supply and demand sides of justice by providing legal aid services across civil and criminal areas of justice to indigent, marginalized and vulnerable persons, while at the same time empowering individuals and communities to claim their rights and demand for policy and social change.
Justice Centres represent the beginning of fundamental efforts to restructure the provision of legal aid in Uganda and the singular objective of making legal aid easily available and accessible at the right time to the most deserving population and at the right place.
Vision: Vulnerable societies accessing quality legal services and realizing their rights.
Mission: To promote the rights of vulnerable communities through provision of quality human rights based legal aid, legal and rights awareness, community outreach, empowerment and advocacy.
Core Values:
• Professional excellence
• Ethics and Integrity
• Accountability
• Non Discrimination
Core Principles:
(a) Utilize existing resources and avoid duplication of processes.
(b) Link to government structures.
(c) Community participation.
(d) Deliver cost effective and quality services.
(e) Cooperation and linkages with other stakeholders including Civil Society Organizations and private advocates for pro bono services.
Objectives of Justice Centres Uganda
• To enhance awareness of human rights and empower communities to claim their rights.
• To enable vulnerable individuals and communities to effectively resolve disputes using both litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
• To undertake human rights centred and evidence based advocacy for reform of laws, Policies and Practices.
• To pilot Justice Centres as a model for delivery of legal aid services in Uganda.
Services Offered: Legal Advice, Legal representation, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Counseling, Legal Awareness, Referrals and a Toll free phone line
Who Qualifies For Services?
For you to qualify for Justice Centres services, you must be one of the most indigent persons in Uganda.
Districts Served by Justice Centres:Lira : Amolatar, Pader, Apac, Kitgum, Oyam, Dokolo, Kaberamaido, and Kotido districts. Tororo: Bukwa, Bududa, Manafwa, Busia, Pallisa, Butaleja, Namutamba, Bugiri, and Iganga districts.
Contact
Justice Centres Uganda.
National Coordination office.
Chambers F6 and F8 High Court Building, Kampala.
P. O. Box 26365 Kampala
Tel: Office: 256 759500440/1
Toll free line 080 010 0210
Email: info[at]justicecentres.go.ug
Website: www.justicecentres.go.ug
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Justice Centres Tororo
Tororo Chief Magistrate’s Court
Uhuru Road, Tororo
Tel: 0759 500443
Toll free line 080 010 0211
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Justice Centres Lira
Lira Chief Magistrates Court
Toll Free line : 080 010 0212
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