The Uganda Law Society (ULS) in partnership with Pilgrim Centre for Reconciliation have embarked on plans to popularise human rights, rule of law, justice, peace, and reconciliation education in secondary schools. 

Although the programme had begun over two years ago, it came to halt following the closure of schools, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Upon the resumption of education this year, the two bodies partnered to foster the programme among schools in all regions of the country.

Bob Mayonza, the country director for Pilgrim centre for reconciliation addressing the students of Lowel secondary school about the virtues of human rights, rule of law, justice, peace and reconciliation during a campaign aimed at raising upright citizens of Uganda.

Mary Nalwoga, the chairperson of the health and awareness committee under ULS, said it was part of their objectives to promote and protect the rule of law in Uganda. 

She revealed that the programme has for long been running in several universities, thus a need to bring it down to secondary school learners.

"We have so far seen the formation of over 35 rule of law clubs in secondary schools across the country," she noted.

It is expected that when students are taught the principles and virtues of good leadership and respect for human rights, the country will see fewer cases of corruption, conflicts, and human rights violations soon. 

"We strongly believe that the program will oversee the ascension of good leaders and responsible citizens," she further expressed. 

Whereas all secondary schools are eligible to benefit from the program, only those that have opened doors to ULS and its partners, have so far benefitted.

Bob Mayonza, the country director for Pilgrim Centre for Reconciliation, a non-profit making organisation, underscored a need to find a comprehensive approach to societal problems starting with learners.

"As we sensitise them about the rule of law and human rights, we also found it necessary to embed aspects of justice, peace and reconciliation as strong drivers for solving problems in the country," explained Mayonza.

The programme has so far been rolled out in the central, west, and northern regions of Uganda pending a drive to the east. 

Learners will be assessed through essay-writing competitions, school clubs, discussions, and exchange programs, among others. 

According to Nalwoga, the ULS currently has no specific funds appropriated towards the program. 

"But we are able to work with partners and organisations with similar objectives," she added.

Whereas Mayonza was cagey about the actual funds to be injected in the implementation of the said program, he said, the funding will run for five years, susceptible to renewal upon review. 

This comes at a time when most schools are still struggling with some learners' mischievous behaviour, acquired during the long lockdown, and females who are still nursing the mental trauma resulting from sexual abuse.