The Justice for Children (J4C) Programme, is a system-strengthening initiative, spearheaded by the Justice, Law and Order Sub-program under the Governance and Security (JLOS) Programme and supported by UNICEF. It represents a shift from focusing solely on juvenile justice to a broader mandate that includes justice for all children. The program's primary aim is to strengthen the justice sector's capacity to address the needs of children in contact with the law, ensuring their dignified treatment and upholding their rights as stipulated in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and other relevant international juvenile justice standards.

Central to the J4C program is monitoring and evaluating the application of child-friendly practices to better serve and safeguard children's rights to privacy, participation in legal proceedings, and access to legal assistance. The programme leverages on existing criminal justice coordination frameworks, such as Regional Chain-linked Committees (RCCs) and District Chain-linked Committees (DCCs) in enhancing the competence of system actors to implement child-friendly procedures and practices.

The program now seeks to recruit a Regional Coordinator to offer oversight roles at the regional level in a selected region. This is to request applicants with the following qualifications: 

• Bachelors of Laws.
• Bachelors in humanities such as; Social Work and Social administration, Social Sciences. Development Studies.
• Three (03) years of experience working in child protection programmes
• A master’s degree or any other additional qualification in the related field is an added advantage.

Skills needed:

• Fluent in English, both spoken and written
• Good inter-communication skills
• Report writing
• Inter-agency coordination skills

Please submit your CV and cover letter to: GSP Secretariat, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MOJCA), Bauman House, Level 3—Parliamentary Avenue or to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. cc This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Deadline: 30th August 2024.

This policy brief results from an eight-year partnership between The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) and the Access to Justice (JLOS) Sub-programme, aimed at driving people-centred justice in Uganda through data and innovation. It aims to inform justice leaders, development partners, legal aid providers, justice innovators, and civil society organisations about the justice needs of Ugandans.

Based on the 2023 Justice Needs and Satisfaction (JNS) survey, which gathered insights from 6,300 randomly selected Ugandans, this brief highlights prevalent legal issues among Ugandans, the impact those problems have in people’s daily lives, and the resolution strategies that people apply to their problems. The JNS survey follows the OECD's legal needs survey guidelines, emphasising people-centred justice — a methodology HiiL has implemented in 19 countries.

The findings were released in March 2024 at the data report launch event and a 'Justice Leaders’ Forum,' facilitating discussions among justice leaders and providers. This survey builds on previous studies conducted between 2016 and 2020, which influenced sectoral changes in Uganda's justice policies, including the Judiciary’s Alternative Justice System (AJS) strategy, the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) policy, and the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF).

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KAMPALA - The Court of Appeal Justices Hellen Obura, Muzamiru M. Kibeedi, and Moses K. Kazibwe have concluded the hearing and disposal of criminal appeals at Masaka High Court. The Honourable Deputy Chief Justice, Richard Buteera, flagged off the session at an opening ceremony on 15th July 2024 with a clarion call to the actors involved in the criminal session, emphasizing the crucial role of recent precedents from the court in avoiding unnecessary delays in matters with settled jurisprudence.  Twenty-eight (28) Appeals were listed for hearing.

The Appeal Justices demonstrated their commitment to swift justice by delivering instant judgments in 24 of the 28 appeals listed, allowing all parties to leave the court with their signed judgments. This, along with the dismissal of four other appeals, resulted in a 100% case disposal in the session.

Two of the dismissed appeals involved cases in which the Appellant's prayer to set aside life sentences imposed by the High Court for murder and aggravated robbery was not granted. The appeals allowed mainly dealt with non-compliance with the constitutional requirement to deduct the pre-trial remand period.  The Honorable Justices exercised their powers under section 11 of the Judicature Act to re-sentence the appellants.

In a post-session meeting with stakeholders, the head of the panel, Honorable Lady Justice Hellen Obura, thanked the stakeholders for heeding the Chief Justice’s call and advice, which she stated had led to the results achieved. She also thanked the Senior Resident Judge of Masaka, Honorable Lady Justice Katamba Victoria Nakintu, and Deputy Registrar High Court Masaka, Her Worship Loe Karungi, for the support rendered. She further thanked the Magistrates, Research for extra hours writing legal briefs. The support staff were equally thanked for their role in facilitating the smooth flow of the session.

Justice Kazibwe thanked the lawyers for the quality submissions and said they reflected time and effort. Justice Kibeedi thanked the ODPP team for being “on top of their game” and called on the lawyers to invest in themselves, noting that there was always room to perform at their best.

Every year, the Embassy of Ireland, through the Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa, funds a number of scholarships for study at master’s level in Ireland. The focus of the scholarship is to attract dynamic, early to mid-career professionals with leadership potential, to benefit from a prestigious, world-class, quality education contributing to capacity building and expertise.   The aims of the Programme are to nurture future leaders, to develop in-country capacity to achieve national SDG goals and to build positive relationships with Ireland. 

This year, the Embassy would like to invite suitably qualified and experienced candidates who wish to apply to commence study in the academic year 2025/2026 in Ireland.  In order to qualify, candidates should have been awarded an undergraduate degree in 2013 or later (i.e. within the last 12 years). Where applicable, special consideration will be given to applicants working in disadvantaged regions, including Karamoja.

The application process consists of three stages.   Applicants should go to the Irish Aid Fellowship website at www.irishaidfellowships.ie where they will find the Stage 1 - preliminary application form and the 2025 - 26 Directory with eligible Postgraduate Programmes.  Stage 1 opens 1^st July 2024 and closes on 28^th July 2024.  Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted to apply to the second stage of the process.

Careful attention should be given to the eligibility criteria set out in the guidelines available on https://www.irishaidfellowships.ie/strands/ireland-africa-fellows-programme.

In addition to the above and in memory of Irish priest Fr Declan O’Toole, who died in Karamoja in 2002, the Embassy of Ireland is also offering two additional scholarships to candidates from Karamoja for study at Masters Level in Uganda.  Details on the Fr. Declan O’Toole Fellowship are on the Embassy of Ireland website https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/uganda/our-services/opportunities-to-study/ .

The Fellowship Administrator can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to answer any questions you may have though we request that you first consult the website, where all relevant information is provided.

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

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

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

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

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

#CCPCJ33

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

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

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

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

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

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Uganda 33^rd CCPCJ Side Event Information Pack

Uganda 33^rd CCPCJ Side Event Documentary

Facts and Figures: Uganda at the 33^rd CCPCJ

JLOS at Glance (Brochure)

Uganda Side Event Poster

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

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

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

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

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

DOWNLOAD THE A2J STRATEGIC PLAN (2020 - 2025)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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