The International Association of Women Judges–Uganda Chapter (IAWJ-UC) and Buganda Kingdom have agreed to pursue a formal partnership to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), promote women’s economic empowerment and expand access to justice.
The commitment followed a strategic meeting between the Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, and a delegation comprising IAWJ-UC, FIDA-Uganda and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). The Kingdom’s Attorney General, Owek. Christopher Bwanika, and his legal team were also present.
Led by IAWJ-UC President, Lady Justice Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya, the delegation explored how the Kingdom’s extensive community structures could support legal education, survivor support and the protection of women’s rights.
Justice Kazaarwe emphasised the need to equip women and children with legal knowledge and improve women’s access to economic opportunities and land, noting that economic vulnerability often perpetuates cycles of violence.
She highlighted IAWJ-UC’s campaign, “Reaching 1,000 Families in 1,000 Communities in 1,000 Days,” and proposed a Women’s Masaza Cup that would combine sports with legal aid clinics, health camps and community sensitisation on SGBV.
FIDA-Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Lillian Byarugaba Adriko, stressed the importance of protecting women’s land, property and inheritance rights. She proposed using the Kingdom’s Kisakaate programme and other community platforms to deliver legal education.
KCCA’s Director of Gender, Community Service and Production, Ms. Sheila Birungi Gandi, advocated for community legal aid and information desks, public sensitisation through the Kingdom’s radio and television platforms, and economic empowerment initiatives for vulnerable women and SGBV survivors.
Welcoming the proposed collaboration, the Katikkiro underscored the importance of women’s economic independence, challenging harmful cultural beliefs and involving men in efforts to prevent gender-based violence.
He identified ignorance as a major driver of SGBV and called for sustained public education. He also recognised women’s contributions as mothers and leaders, citing the historical role of the Namasole—the King’s mother—in Buganda’s judicial system, including her authority to overturn the King’s verdict.
To advance the collaboration, Buganda Kingdom invited IAWJ-UC to submit a formal partnership proposal outlining coordinated community outreach, legal awareness and survivor empowerment initiatives.
Posted 6th, November 2026
