Denmark Supports Access to Justice in Uganda.
Denmark has played a pivotal role in\r\nempowering Uganda's Judiciary by providing technical expertise facilitated by\r\nthe international development arm of Denmark, the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). The\r\nongoing partnership between the Government and Denmark in the field of judicial\r\nreform started decades ago in 1989. The current focus of the Danish support is\r\non ensuring speedy access to justice for the citizens of Uganda.
\r\n\r\n
The Judiciary spokesperson and Registrar\r\nfor Planning and Development, His Worship Elias Kisawuzi said the assistance of\r\nDANIDA towards the Ugandan Judiciary has been invaluable.
\r\n\r\n
Having' constructed most of the Ugandan\r\ncourts, Denmark is now increasingly focusing on reforms to strengthen the\r\nefficiency of the Judiciary. As part of these efforts, more than 200 Judicial\r\nofficers, including Hon. Judges, have received training in Denmark. These\r\nofficers have studied human rights, commercial transaction, management of\r\ncourts, commercial law, European law and administration of Justice in Nordic countries,\r\nwith a view of comparing and replicating it in Uganda.
\r\n\r\n
The training also incorporates basic\r\nregistry procedure, cash flow management, records management, and training\r\nneeds assessment, and case backlog management, and induction courses for new Judicial\r\nofficers.
\r\n\r\n
DANIDA has supported the establishment\r\nand implementation of the Inspectorate of the Judiciary. The Inspectorate has\r\nbeen supported with vehicles, anti-corruption posters, court user guides and legal\r\nreference materials that have been procured for the court system.
\r\n\r\n
Denmark's facilitation of Uganda's Judiciary\r\nactivities has promoted the development of peer groups and committees that have\r\nimparted respect and discipline in Judicial officers. This has endorsed the integrity\r\nand independence of the Judiciary.
The planning process in the Judiciary has\r\nalso been enhanced, with the provision of equipment such as computers and\r\nstationery for improved collection, processing and management of data.
\r\n\r\n
The Chief Registrar of the Courts of Judicature,\r\nHis Worship Paul Gadenya, acknowledges Denmark's support over the years for\r\nbuilding local capacity and being responsive to local needs.
\r\n\r\n
Posted 28th, May 2014
