Participants at the launch of the "Justice for Her" Project in the Nebbi Court Circuit
In an effort to strengthen Uganda's justice system response to gender-based violence (GBV), the Acting Principal Judge, Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga, has officially launched the "Justice for Her" Project at the Nebbi High Court Circuit.
Formally titled the Judiciary Time-Share Fast Track Mechanism for GBV Cases, the project is designed to accelerate the handling of GBV-related matters, enhance victim support, and expand access to justice for women and girls. The initiative is supported by UN Women and the Austrian Development Cooperation, with implementation planned across the High Court circuits of Nebbi, Gulu, and Masaka.
Ahead of the launch, a strategic meeting was held with the Acting Principal Judge to review the project's roadmap. Discussions centered on timelines, resource allocation, monitoring frameworks, and the need for sustained impact tracking. Ms. Adekemi Ndieli, Deputy Country Representative for UN Women, underscored the importance of a robust monitoring and evaluation component to ensure results, recommending the appointment of a dedicated M&E Officer and the digitization of at least two courtrooms to enable virtual GBV hearings.
Lady Justice Kajuga thanked the development partners for their continued support and called for swift implementation. "We must hit the ground running. By July, we expect tangible progress so that proper monitoring and evaluation can begin. This initiative is not just about implementation, it’s about delivering real justiceto those who need it most," she said.
Ms. Ndieli commended the Judiciary’s dedication, particularly the UGX 350 million allocated under the stewardship of the former Principal Judge, which laid the foundation for the current rollout. She also congratulated the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, for his visionary leadership in conceptualizing the time-share mechanism to expedite GBV cases.
Quoting the 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS), Ms. Ndieli painted a stark picture of the GBV crisis: 51% of Ugandan women have experienced physical violence-well above the continental average of 37.7%; 17% of women and 6% of men aged 15-49reported experiencing sexual violence in the previous year; and 11% of women reported sexual violence since the age of 15. She described GBV as a public health emergency and a human rights crisis that demands urgent, sustained action.
HW John Paul Edoku, the Registrar Planning and Development delivered remarks on behalf of the Acting Chief Registrar. The Acting Chief Registrar, HW Pamella Lamunu Ocaya commended the Acting Principal Judge for her passion and leadership in championing the project. He also acknowledged the support of key partners including the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and thanked judicial officers from Nebbi, Arua, Pakwach, Paidha, and Zombo for their dedication.
The Resident Judge of Arua High Court, Lady Justice Harriet Grace Magala, pledged full support of the project and called for the official opening of the Nebbi High Court to improve justice access in the region.
Following the formal proceedings, Lady Justice Kajuga toured the Nebbi Court premises and commended the team for their rapid reorganization of court archives using newly supplied acid-free boxes. "Your efficiency and commitment are commendable," she told the Chief Magistrate, HW Cyrus Ssennoga Mawano, and his staff.
The launch drew participants from across the justice sector, including representatives from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Uganda Police Force, Uganda Law Society, FIDA, religious leaders, and civil society organizations. The day's proceedings were moderated by Mr. Deo Akugizibwe, a Communications at the Judiciary.
Posted 25th, June 2025
