New Documentary on Refugee Bail
His Worship, Isah Serunkuma speaking at the launch of the new documentary on the refugee bill
Kampala. The Refugee Law Project on Monday June 19, 2017 launched a documentary showing the challenges refugees face trying to access bail in Uganda. Speaking at the event at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, RLP Director,Mr. Chris Donal, said courts are usually faced with the dilemma of refugees running away and never returning after releasing them on bail.
"Refugees need to be sensitized about our laws," said Donal, adding that Uganda hosts over 1.3 million refugees making it the 2nd largest refugee holding country in the world.
His Worship Isah Serunkuma, Deputy Registrar Special Projects, who gave remarks on behalf of the Chief Registrar said, Uganda's justice system is too expensive for refugees who find it difficult to dialogue with our legal system due to language and the cultural barriers.
He added that the judiciary is taking further measures to bring services nearer to the people. "In terms of access for vulnerable people such as refugees, we are supporting magistrates by holding special sessions for their cases." The Refugee Law Project (RLP) an outreach of the school of law Makerere University was established in 1999 with the core goal of providing free legal assistance to refugees and asylum seekers.
According to Charity Ahumuza, the Programme Manager Access to Justice,Uganda hosts over 1.3 million refugees, making Uganda the second largest refugee populated county in the world after Turkey.
Posted 20th, June 2017
