The Court of Appeal held a two-day session at Mbarara High Court to hear 32criminal appeals, most of which are Murder convictions. The session was being presided over by the Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Richard Buteera and Justices; Hon. Justice Christopher Gashirabake and Hon. Justice Oscar Kihika.

The cause list, signed by the Court's Deputy Registrar, HW Lillian Bucyana, show that there are 14 Murder, eight Defilement, seven Robbery, two Rape, cases and one Manslaughter appeal that the Justices will handle during the session.

Speaking at the stakeholders meeting, the Deputy Chief Justice pointed out that the session is held to bring justice closer to court users under the Mbarara High Court Circuit. This, he said, reduces the transportation and litigation costs for litigants who have to travel to Kampala to access the Court of Appeal.

Hon. Justice Buteera further stated the Court's commitment to clearing the case backlog in the Judiciary. He added that the session is a clear indicator of the Court's determination to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done.

 

READ MORE

 

Published: 7th September 2023

LUZIRA - The walls of Upper Maximum Prison, Luzira echoed with cheers and applause today. 74 inmates achieved academic excellence as they received Certificates and Diplomas from Makerere University Business School.

The achievement list of the inmates boasts extraordinary distinctions: 44 inmates attained First-Class, 27 secured Second-Class Upper, and 3 earned Second-Class Lower. This achievement proves the dedication, determination and unwavering commitment of inmates to their studies. A commitment to expand tertiary educational services to all Regional Prisons and Women's Prisons was made during the ceremony. This visionary initiative aims to broaden access to education and skill development programs within the Prison system.

Beyond celebrating individual achievements, the event served as an inspiration to others who may be facing challenges outside Prison walls. It highlighted the potential for reform and personal growth, encouraging those who have stumbled to seek redemption and become positive.

Professor Moses Muhwezi, Principal of Makerere University Business School added his voice to the celebration, commending the inmates for their exceptional performance. He noted that they had excelled in their respective intakes, becoming the overall best than other candidates.

Prof. Moses stressed the importance of introducing business courses as part of the rehabilitation and reintegration programs for inmates, given their active involvement in vocational skill development.

The ceremony also recognized the overall best-performing inmate, Waswa Henry Wagala, who achieved an impressive Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.97. Following closely behind him were Bagyenda Brain and Moses Anghorya, who both achieved a remarkable CGPA of 4.95.

 

Source: Uganda Prisons Service | Published: 12th September 2023

President Yoweri Museveni has presided over the pass out of 2,234 prison officers who successfully completed an 18-month training program. The new cohort comprises 200 cadet assistant superintendents, 318 principal officers, and 1,716 recruit wardens.

Their addition brings the total number of prison officers in Uganda to 14,248. The increase in the number of personnel has improved the prison officer-to-inmate ratio, reducing it to one officer for every six inmates, a notable improvement from the previous one-to-eight ratio. The United Nations recommends a ratio of one officer to three inmates.

During the commissioning ceremony over the weekend, President Museveni praised the Uganda Prison Service-UPS for its dedication to maintaining internal peace and security, implementing rehabilitation and skill-building programs, and contributing to poverty alleviation through various agricultural projects.  Notably, nine of the newly commissioned officers hold engineering qualifications. President Museveni encouraged the UPS administration to leverage their skills to construct additional prison facilities, addressing the issue of overcrowding.

Furthermore, President Museveni pledged financial support to strengthen UPS projects in agriculture and manufacturing. He stressed the importance of using locally sourced raw materials and discouraged the importation of fabrics for uniform production. “I don’t care who makes the uniforms or what, but I don’t want you to become tailors importing fabrics from elsewhere and stitching clothes, claiming you are manufacturers. You should source all necessary raw materials locally, except for silk, which we do not yet produce locally,” explained the President.

The President also announced additional security measures during the same event. He ordered the fingerprint marking of all firearms in the country’s armed forces and mandated the installation of digital number plates, citing these measures as crucial for enhancing security and reducing criminal activities.

Kahinda Otafire, the Minister for Internal Affairs, called upon the President to support UPS in acquiring more agricultural machinery to bolster the parish development model and increase cotton production for the revival of the textile industry. He also expressed concern about the growing prisoner population due to accelerated judicial processes and appealed for additional support from UPS and the police to keep pace with the judiciary.

Otafire discussed plans to revise the operational framework for all armed forces, differentiating them from traditional civil servants, and addressing issues of discipline and conduct.   “As teachers hold chalk, doctors hold stereoscopes, police, UPS officers, and the like hold arms. We cannot continue treating them in the same way, these are not traditional civil servants. Now a police officer can go away and you cannot charge him with desertion. How do you deal with commandant control of a person dealing with national security, but guided by traditional civil service? The same will go for immigration officers because this is our first line of defence we are coming up with papers to review these people’s conduct,” Otafire said.

Johnson Byabashaijja, the Commissioner General of Uganda Prison Services-UPS, highlighted the significant milestone of having 14,248 officers in the service, compared to the 9,000 officers it had five years ago. Currently, UPS houses 75,340 inmates, with 52 percent being convicts and 48 percent on remand. Byabashaijja acknowledged improvements in justice delivery and emphasized the need to further reduce the number of remanded inmates. He also mentioned UPS’s engineering team’s efforts to construct new facilities to alleviate prison cell congestion, with a goal of reducing it to 25 percent by the end of the fiscal year.

In line with the national security strategy, Byabashaijja revealed UPS’s acquisition of 35,000 acres of land, with a pending receipt of 15,000 more acres. However, he cited a shortage of machinery as a challenge in implementing agricultural projects effectively.

 

Published: 10th September 2023

 

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo has today launched Decision to Charge Guidelines to guide Prosecutors on their duties in the administration of criminal justice, particularly the exercise of their prosecutorial function.

These Guidelines provide for the charging process including; information and materials required for charging, prosecution advice, full code and threshold tests before charges are preferred, case types that require Prosecution–Guided Investigations, framework for bail, disclosure, post–charge case management, effective management and prosecution of cases in court, progression and review, guidance on the withdraw of cases, out–of–court case disposal, transition from the manual case management system to the new business rules and processes that are required by the digital case file, diversion practice, witness protection and management.

At the launch, the DPP said, “The exercise of the prosecution function makes all Prosecutors gatekeepers to the criminal justice system. In this regard, the decision to charge (and therefore to prosecute) is a serious step that affects suspects, victims, witnesses and the community at large, and so must be undertaken with the utmost care and diligence.”

“The exercise of the prosecution function makes all Prosecutors gatekeepers to the criminal justice system. In this regard, the decision to charge (and therefore to prosecute) is a serious step that affects suspects, victims, witnesses and the community at large, and so must be undertaken with the utmost care and diligence.”

She further said, “It is therefore the duty of a Prosecutor to ensure that the right person is prosecuted for the right offence, properly applying the law, and ensuring that relevant evidence is submitted before the court, and that disclosure obligations are complied with. It is vital that Prosecutors effectively discharge their obligation to conduct an objective and independent analysis of every single file that is presented to them for a decision to charge. Failure to do so carries high costs for society.”

In order to ensure that all Prosecutors exercise their prosecutorial decisions in a standard manner, the ODPP deemed it expedient to put in place guidelines to guide Prosecutors on the standards expected of them, their duties in the administration of justice, and the factors to consider in the exercise of prosecutorial discretion.

The Guidelines on the Decision to Charge are a critical and essential tool that will help the ODPP carry out its mandate under Article 120 of the Constitution to institute criminal proceedings against any person or authority in any court with competent jurisdiction other than a court martial.

 

By Jacqueline Okui | Published: 12th September 2023

Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, the Director of Public Prosecutions, has urged all stakeholders in the Justice Law and Order Sector, as well as the community, to join forces in the fight against human trafficking.

Her plea came during the inauguration of the Trafficking in Person Mobile App Platform (TIPMAP), a groundbreaking initiative in Uganda. Launched on July 28th, at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel, TIPMAP stands as the country’s first-ever Live Data Visualization Dashboard for Human Trafficking Cases.

Addressing the attendees, the DPP emphasized the role of the ODPP – TIPMAP website, which is expected to serve as a pivotal information hub for various anti-trafficking entities and the public at large. She prayed that this platform would contribute significantly to the ongoing activities aimed at preventing and safeguarding both Ugandans and non-Ugandans from falling victim to trafficking.

She further reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to combat trafficking crimes by implementing record-keeping mechanisms and fostering information sharing infrastructure. Abodo stressed the importance of enhancing investigative and prosecution techniques to effectively address this pressing issue.

She noted that such measures were essential for the entire criminal justice system to function optimally and collectively work towards eliminating human trafficking in Uganda.

 

READ MORE

  

 

 

DOWNLOAD:

Annual JLOS Performance Report (2015/16)

ANNEXTURE: JLOS Annual Performance Report (2015/16)

 

The Four years of implementation of the Third Strategic Investment Plan (SIP III) have been a concerted and combined effort of Government, JLOS stakeholders and Development Partners that has resulted in increased public trust, increased stakeholder engagement, awareness and higher satisfaction by the people who seek services from JLOS institutions. 

In terms of impact, public confidence in JLOS institutions has increased significantly from the baseline average of 26% in 2012 to 48%, while public knowledge about JLOS services and institutions has increased to over 90% in 2015/16 on the average. 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% to 72%. The index of judicial independence grew by 22% from 2.8 in 2014/15 to 3.41 in 2015/16, implying that judicial processes in Uganda have become more independent. The country’s judicial independence ranking too has improved from position 128 in 2014 to 91 in 2015/16 according the Global Competitiveness Report, 2016. 

According to the World Justice Project Report 2015 Uganda is ranked 68th in the World, 9th Africa and the first in East Africa in accessibility and affordability of civil justice with a score of 0.43 out of 1 this is comparable to USA which has a score of 0.47 out of 1. The country is also ranked in the 1st position in East Africa and 12th in Africa in effectiveness of criminal investigation, adjudication and correctional systems as well as controlling criminal and civil conflict and the fight against violence (order and security) with a score of 0.61 out of 1.

The sector monitored and processed 10 critical bills that impact on JLOS service delivery including the fight against corruption, regulation of CSO’s, elections, functionality of LCCs, and vulnerability among others. Laws were also enacted are that will promote national development objectives and improve the environment for doing business in Uganda. As a result of the interventions in legal reform and other innovations, Uganda moved from position 135 in 2014 to 122 in 2015/16 in the doing business index. While the Global Competitiveness Report 2015/2016 ranks Uganda’s competitiveness at position 115 out of 144 countries in the world. In terms of protection of property rights, Uganda’s ranking improved from position 112 in 2014 to 97 in 2015/16 and its property rights index also increased by 14.4% from 3.4 in 2014 to 3.89 in 2015/16.

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 53% in 2014/15 to 59.8% in 2015/16 following completion of various construction projects in UPF, UPS, Court and DPP.

Following appointment of staff, increased use of initiatives such as plea bargaining, investments in staff training, enhanced coordination and performance management the sector recorded a 20% reduction in pending cases, posting a case clearance rate of 125%. As a result, the average length of stay on remand reduced from 10.5 months to 10.4 months for capital offenders and case backlog reduced from 32% in 2014/15 to 25% in 2015/16. Use of ADR recorded a resounding success with a 55% success rate compared to 26% in 2014/15 arising out of investments in training and advocacy.

The crime rate reduced from 298 per 100,000 in 2014 to 296 per 100,000 in the reporting period despite the election period because of improved crime response and coordination of criminal justice agencies. Also the quality of investigation and prosecution improved as shown in the high conviction rate of 61% over the reporting period. 

The sector continued to invest in correctional services and rehabilitation of offenders which resulted in a reduction in the rate of recidivism from 27% in 2014/15 to 21%. This is one of the lowest recidivism rates in the world.

The number of children arrested per 100,000 child population reduced to 8.4 compared to 9.4 for every 100,000 child population in 2014/15 and 84.1% diversion rate of juveniles from formal judicial proceedings was registered. The challenge however is the higher than targeted number of children on remand per 100,000 standing at 2.07 for every 100,000 child population compared to the targeted 01 child per 100,000 child population. 

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.

Improvements were recorded in UPS with 90% of the prison units eliminating the Bucket system and there are on-going efforts to provide decent water-borne sanitation facilities in all prisons by the end of 2017. However, the welfare of prison warders and lower police cadres remains largely unaddressed, especially with respect to housing and living conditions. In addition, the congestion in prisons remains high with the existing holding capacity exceeded by up to two times. 

The fight against corruption is on course with 12% increased case disposal and improved internal disciplinary mechanisms that were implemented. The Chief Justice strengthened the inspectorate function in Judiciary, by appointing a Justice of the Supreme Court as Chief Inspector of Courts.

The performance would have been much higher; however, the sector faces various challenges that must be addressed to enhance or even maintain the current levels of performance. One of the challenges is the slow, expensive and complex business processes that are largely manual. These among others have led to prevalence of high lead times, increased cost of access, opportunistic corruption and slow decision making. It is therefore important to re-engineer and automate most of the business processes. 

Challenges also still remain with case disposal in some areas such as the Human Rights Commission and Judicial Service Commission that were affected by the expiry of the terms of service of their Commissioners. These institutions need to be supported to clear their backlog.

The sector institutions remain largely urban based and unavailable in 18% of the districts while many operate from premises not fit for the purpose. This is compounded by the high cost of rent which has eroded funds required for critical operations. There is therefore need to fast track the construction of the JLOS house project and justice centres country wide. Efforts should also be put at opening new service points and deconcentrating service delivery. The concept of a one stop centre should also be strengthened.

The other challenge is the changing crime trends and proliferation of new crimes such as cybercrime, trafficking in persons, terrorism, white collar crime and other violent crime including sex and gender based violence which tests the preparedness of most crime fighting agencies. This is made worse by the fact that the more sophisticated crimes that are cross border crimes in nature are on the rise. There is need to enhance crime response and invest in strategies to prevent the occurrence of such crimes. 

Justice delivery is a function of numbers. The sector requires the right number of staff both in quantity and quality to deliver effective and expeditious services. This is not possible with the current judge to population ratio of 1: 720,000, a police to population ratio of 1:764, and warder to prisoner ratio of 1:7.

One of the factors that continue to dampen public confidence in the justice system is corruption both real and perceived. It is therefore necessary that the sector efforts to fully implement its anti-corruption strategy are supported. Initiatives to deal with public complaints should be strengthened and supported while internal disciplinary processes should be respected. 

 

By and large, given the performance of the sector over the SIPIII period and during the reporting period, there is a strong belief that enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery enhances public satisfaction and grows public trust. It is therefore important that efforts which promote greater public satisfaction with JLOS services should be harnessed and strengthened under the proposed new strategic planning framework. In addition, the 3cs (communication, coordination and cooperation) which is the foundation upon which the sector is built should be demystified among all sector stakeholders for the sector remain valid, vocal and visible.

 

[Adopted from the 2015/16 JLOS Annual Performance Report]

 

 

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

The Ministry is responsible for upholding the rule of law, driving forward the legal and justice system, and reforming and safeguarding the Constitution so that it serves the public effectively.

It facilitates effective and efficient machinery capable of providing a legal framework for good governance and delivering legal advice and services to Government, its allied institutions and the public specifically through: Instituting or defending civil suits; Legal protection through the registration of Companies, Business enterprises, documents, intellectual property rights, births, deaths, adoptions, marriages and liquidation of business enterprises; Proper administration and management of estates in accordance with the Laws governing succession matters.; General supervision and control over legal practice and professional legal education and legal aid provision in the country.

CLICK HERE to request the MOJCA for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.justice.go.ug

 

 

JUDICIARY

The Courts of Judicature is comprised of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, and Subordinate courts including Qadhis courts. They administer justice by resolving disputes between individuals, and between the sate and individuals while also interpreting the Constitution and the Laws of Uganda. Through this, the Judiciary is able to promote the rule of law, contribute to the maintenance of order in society, safeguard the Constitution, uphold democratic principles and to protect human rights of individuals and groups.

CLICK HERE to request the Judiciary for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.judiciary.go.ug

 

MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has multiple roles to play that include;

Regulation and facilitation of exit and entry of all nationals, provision of efficient and effective system for processing and management of immigration documents and issuance of work permits to relevant immigrants. It is therefore charged with registering, and controlling and regulating movements of Ugandans and foreign nationals who enter, stay in or leave Uganda.

Through peace building initiatives, the Ministry also grants amnesty, resettles and reintegrates reporters in their communities.

The Uganda National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NFP), a unit within the Ministry is responsible for coordinating all activities geared towards controlling proliferation of SALW within the country and at regional levels.

The Government Analytical Laboratory’s provides specialized analytical and advisory services to government departments responsible for administration of Justice, Statutory Bodies, and researchers and Private Sector

Oversee the introduction of community service as an alternative sentence under the criminal justice system and spearhead its awareness among the general public.

CLICK HERE to request the MIA for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.mia.go.ug

 

UGANDA POLICE FORCE

The Police services aims to secure life and property in partnership with public in a committed and professional manner in order to promote development. This is achieved by protecting life, property and other rights of the individual and maintaining security, public safety and order, as well as in prevention and detection of crime.

CLICK HERE to request the Police for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

GIS Map Locations | Website: www.upf.go.ug

 

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) provides legal advice relating to the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases. It therefore coordinates and manages prosecution of criminal cases by examining criminal cases before they are registered in court and during prosecutions in court.

CLICK HERE to request the ODPP for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.dpp.go.ug

 

UGANDA PRISONS SERVICE

Ensuring a safe secure and humane custody and effective rehabilitation of offenders is the core objective of the Uganda Prisons Services. It requires the Prisons Service to rehabilitate and re-integrate offenders; administer court imposed sentences; ensure security of offenders. While in custody, the Uganda Prisons Service also protects and respects the other rights of offenders and ensuring that they attend trial and that they are adequately taken care of.

CLICK HERE to request the Uganda Prisons for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.prisons.go.ug

 

UGANDA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) was established under the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. The decision to establish a permanent body to monitor the human rights situation in the country was in recognition of Uganda’s violent and turbulent history that had been characterized by arbitrary arrests, detention without trial, torture and brutal repression with impunity on the part of security organs during the pre and post independence era.

Article 52 (1) of the Uganda Constitution lays down the following functions of the Commission:

• To investigate, at its own initiative or on a complaint made by any person or group of persons against the violation of any human right;
• To visit jails, prisons, and places of detention or related facilities with a view of assessing and inspecting conditions of the inmates and make recommendations;
• To establish a continuing programme of research, education and information to enhance respect of human rights;
• To recommend to Parliament effective measures to promote human rights including provision of compensation to victims of violations of human rights, or their families;
• To create and sustain within society the awareness of the provisions of the Constitution as the fundamental law of the people of Uganda;
• To educate and encourage the public to defend this Constitution at all times against all forms of abuse and violation;
• To formulate, implement, and oversee programmes intended to inculcate in the citizens of Uganda awareness of their civic responsibilities and an appreciation of their rights and obligations as free people;
• To monitor the Government’s compliance with international treaty and convention obligations on human rights; and
• To perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Article 52 (2) also requires the Commission to publish periodic reports and submit annual reports to Parliament on the state of human rights and freedoms in the country.

Articles 52(3) and 48(1) also provide for other functions, powers and guidelines of the Commission.

 

CLICK HERE to request the UHRC for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.uhrc.ug

 

JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION

The Commission recruits competent Judicial Officers and also carries out civic education targeting the entire public. In addition it researches into the justice system as well as supervises monitors and inspects justice dispensation in Uganda.

CLICK HERE to request the JSC for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.jsc.go.ug

 

UGANDA REGISTRATION SERVICES BUREAU

The Uganda Registration Services Bureau is an autonomous statutory body established by Chapter 210 Laws of Uganda in 1998. The Bureau was created to take over the functions of the Registrar General’s Office under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The Act came into force on the 16th of August, 2004 and the self-accounting status was granted in July, 2010. The bureau is governed by the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer is the Registrar General.

Section 4(2) of URSB Act stipulates that the Bureau shall, for the purpose of achieving its objectives, have the following functions:-

Carry out all registrations required under the relevant laws;

Maintain registers, data and records on registrations affected by the bureau and to act as a clearing house for information and data   on those registrations;

Evaluate from time to time the practicability and efficacy of the relevant laws and advise the Government accordingly;

Carry on research and also disseminate research findings in the fields covered by the relevant laws through seminars, workshops, publications or other means and to recommend to the Government any improvements in the relevant laws appearing to the Bureau to be required as a result;

Charge fees for any services performed by the Bureau;

Perform any other function or to carry out such other activity as may be conducive or incidental to the efficient discharge of its objects or as the Minister may, by statutory instrument, direct;

Act as the agent of the Uganda Revenue Authority in the collection of stamp duty under the Stamps Act in respect of any documents or other matter on or in respect of which stamp duty is required to be paid and connected with the functions of the bureau under this Act;

CLICK HERE to request URSB for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.ursb.go.ug

 

UGANDA LAW REFORM COMMISSION

The Commission constantly studies and reviews the Acts and other laws of Uganda with a view to making recommendations for their systematic improvement, development, modernization through reform and revision. This aims to establish an up to date and adequate legislative environment..

 CLICK HERE to request the ULRC for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

Website: www.ulrc.go.ug

 

NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION AUTHORITY

The National Identification and Registration Authority is mandated by the Registration of Persons Act 2015 to carry out different functions.  On the other hand, Vision 2040 reiterates Uganda’s desire to have world-class infrastructure and services, and modern technology to improve productivity and production. Against this background, the core services of the National Identification and Registration Authority are:

a) National Identification

b) Alien Identification and registration services (This is yet to commence)

c) Birth Registration

d) Death Registration

e) Adoption Orders registration and certification

f) Replacement of Lost Card, damaged and defaced IDs

g) Change of particulars on NIDs

h) Confirmation of information in the register

i) Access and use of information in the register

 

WEBSITE: www.nira.go.ug

 

DIRECTORATE OF CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION CONTROL

The services offered by the Directorate of citizenship and Immigration department can be summarized as issuance of the following;

• Ugandan Passports 
• Special Passes 
• Entry Permits (Work Permits) 
• Dependents Passes 
• Pupils Passes 
• Certificates of Residence 
• Granting of Citizenship 
• Visas

 

CLICK HERE to request the DCIC for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.immigration.go.ug

 

MINISTRY OF GENDER, LABOUR AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT (JUVENILE JUSTICE)

The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in collaboration with other stakeholders, is the leading and coordinating agency for Community empowerment, protection and promotion of the rights and obligations of the specified vulnerable groups for social protection and gender responsive development.

The Ministry is under the political leadership of the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, and four State Ministers for Gender and Culture; Elderly and Disability Affairs, Youth and Children's Affairs, and Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations

CLICK HERE to request the MoGLSD for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.moglsd.go.ug

 

MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LOCAL COUNCIL COURTS)

The mandate of the Ministry is to guide, harmonize, mentor and advocate for all local governments in support of the overall vision of Government to bring about socio-economic transformation of the country. The objective of the department of the Local Council Development (LCD) is to provide necessary support to Local Councils for efficient and effective local governance.

Functions of the LCD include;

Designing and developing training and sensitization programmes for Local Councils; Ensuring that vacant posts in the hierarchy of Local Councils are filled, in liaison with the Electoral Commission; To process and advise local governments on ordinances and bye-laws, in liaison with the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs; Assessing and monitoring the relationship between elected and appointed officials in Local Governments; To carry out technical studies on alteration of boundaries of Local Government units as they arise.

CLICK HERE to request the MoLG for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.molg.go.ug

 

 UGANDA LAW SOCIETY

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) is an association of lawyers charged with ensuring high levels of professionalism among lawyers in Uganda. The Uganda Law Society was formed by an act of 1956. The ULS is governed by an executive council with representatives from each of the four regions of Uganda.

The mission of ULS is to improve the professional standards of members of the Legal Profession, and to promote Human Rights, and the Rule of Law in Uganda by assisting the Government and the Judiciary in the Administration and practice of Law for the benefit of the people of Uganda.

 

WEBSITE: www.uls.or.org

 

 TAX APPEALS TRIBUNAL

The Tribunal was set up by an Act of Parliament as a specialized court to provide the taxpayer with easily accessible, efficient and independent arbitration in tax disputes with URA. 

This is part of Government efforts to provide a conducive environment to doing business in Uganda so that investors can develop confidence n the economy. TAT therefore enhances taxpayer compliance and smoothen revenue collection in the long run.

CLICK HERE to request the TAT for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.tat.go.ug

 

LAW DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

The Law Development Center (LDC) was established in 1970 by the Law Development Centre Act, as a government-owned institution of higher learning responsible for "research, law reform, publications, law reporting and community legal services". LDC is managed by the Management Committee which is responsible for policy formulation. The policies formulated by the Management Committee are implemented by the Director through various institutional departments.

CLICK HERE to request the LDC for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.ldc.ac.ug

 

CENTRE FOR ARBITRATION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Check out decisions of the Centre of Arbitration and Dispute Resolution HERE. CLICK HERE to request CADER for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

  

 

Last updated: April 19, 2020 

The JLOS Development Partners Group (JLOS DPG) comprises agencies that support JLOS through various mechanisms including sector budget support and project support, partly through the SWAP fund. The group has a membership of the European Union, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, UNDP, OHCHR, UNICEF, ICRC, UNWOMEN, UNFPA, and USAID. Every two years the DPG chair rotates. To foster coordination among themselves and to keep pace with JLOS developments, the group meets once every month.

The JLOS DPG frequently meets with the JLOS Secretariat and with individual institutions and together they conduct joint reviews and joint M&E visits. The DPG has linkages to the broader Development Partner community through the Local Development Partner Group.

The relationship between the JLOS DPG and the Access to Justice Sub-programme is based on the general GoU-Donor Partnership Principles of 2003. On the basis of the partnership principles, JLOS and the DPG have developed collaboration and co-ordination mechanisms to ensure effective contribution of the latter to the reform process.

 

Editor's Note

Shinning the spotlight on the fight against SGBV

There is no doubt Sexual Gender-based Violence (SGBV) is a global public health and social-economic emergency with victims being predominantly women and girls. The numbers do not lie. The global economic cost of SGBV has been quantified by the UN Women - estimated at an astounding $1.5T (pre COVID numbers). Uganda spends approximately UGX 50.5B annually on dealing with the effects of gender-based violence (per research by CEDOVIP – a local CSO).

As a result, SGBV has emerged as a critical focus area for the Access to Justice Sub-programme (JLOS) with multiple interventions designed to bring justice to victims and offenders through the JLOS chain-linked model.

This edition of the JLOS Bulletin takes a deep dive into the game changing SGBV special sessions funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) since 2018 and implemented in 25 High Courts and 18 Chief Magistrates Courts throughout the country. These special sessions are responsible for the significant case backlog reduction and turn-around in the finalization of SGBV cases driven by improved investigation, prosecution, and adjudication.

The case for digital transformation of crime management business processes is therefore formidable and needs to be embraced across the entire chain of justice.

Investments in forensic science in the Uganda Police Force have infused technology in management of SGBV cases through improved data analysis to inform SGBV response and prevention efforts, as well as streamlined case management and collaboration between all players. The case for digital transformation of crime management business processes is therefore formidable and needs to be embraced across the entire chain of justice.

In this SGBV special edition, we speak with Justice Susan Okalany who takes us on a remarkable 20-year journey of being at the frontlines of the fight against SGBV: first as a prosecutor and now a judge of the High Court of Uganda. Justice Okalany’s direct, insightful, and unique take on this sensitive subject is both rich and refreshing.

SGBV has many cross-cutting elements and dependencies. This edition explores all the dynamics involved: prosecution of SGBV crimes; human trafficking aspects; the probation mandate and child protection; alternative models (socio-legal approaches) for reducing and preventing SGBV; the nexus between land rights, conflicts and SGBV; and the role played by the media in ending SGBV. And so much more!

We hope you enjoy reading. Send us feedback and let us know what you think. 

 

^New DOWNLOAD 

 

EDITORS:

Rachel Odoi-Musoke

Lucy Ladira

Barbara Kitui

Edgar Kuhimbisa

 

CONTRIBUTORS

Justice Susan Okalany

Lucy Ladira

Andrew K. Mubiru

Jacqueline Okui

John V. Sserwaniko

Barbara Kitui

Grace Chelimo

Brenda Kyomugisha

Rose Aaca

Sarah Kekimuri

Moses Sserwanga

Monica Kyamazima

Edgar Kuhimbisa

 

 PUBLISHED BY:

Governance and Security Programme Secretariat

Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs

Baumann House, Parliament Avenue

P.O BOX 7183, Kampala

Phone: 0414253207

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

Website: www.jlos.go.ug

 

The Sub-programme continues to facilitate an enabling environment for productivity, investment, and competitiveness through enhancing efficiency in settling of commercial disputes by supporting an efficient legal framework and thereby reducing the ease of doing business. In the recently released Doing Business Report 2020, Uganda registered an improvement in the ease of doing business index to 60 from 56.94. The country’s index is still higher than the Sub-Saharan African region average which is at 51.61. The index of the efficiency of the legal framework remained at 3.8 and is expected to improve as levels of automation increase in the Case Management System. Uganda’s index ranks highest in the EAC region.

 

Access to commercial laws

The rule of law regulates economic activity, defines, and affirms rights and obligations, therefore clarifying to investors the laws and institutional environment for doing business. An efficient and effective justice delivery system is fundamental for poverty reduction and inclusive growth. Critical legislation have been identified for immediate review and reform in line with commercial justice needs for example Land Valuation Law, and the UNRA Act. There are efforts to address the inaccessibility of commercial laws, complicated rules and procedures in commercial justice, non-enforcement of Commercial laws as well as the need to review of legislation and promote business education.

 

Business Registries

Strategies were implemented to enhance the efficiency of all the business registries, including measures to support integration for better communication between the various registries. The average time taken to register a business improved to 3 hours as well as the level of automation of business registries at 45%. The proportion of Ugandans with National ID increased significantly from 45.2% to 64.3%. The Electronic Chattels Registry (Secured Moveable Properties Registry) was established and is fully operational. However there remains the challenge of ill-equipped Registries, manual work processes in Business registries, limited Staff capacity in e-registry, limited Stakeholder awareness on registration process. The sub-programme must therefore strengthen commercial and civil registries; promote automation and integration of electronic registries to facilitate quick information sharing and collaboration.

 

Commercial and land dispute resolution processes and institutions

Interventions to revive the Commercial Court as a Centre for Excellence in dispute resolution and strengthen the capacity and operations of the other commercial justice institutions to provide fast and effective dispute resolution in all specialized areas and in ADR must be undertaken. There remains limited roll out of Mediation, small claims procedure and other new initiatives. The sub-programme too must continue to review rules and procedures that delay case and enhance efficacy of Case management.