Acting Principal Judge launches project to enhance justice access for women

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In an effort to strengthen Uganda’s justice system response to gender-based violence (GBV), Acting Principal Judge (PJ) Jane Okuo 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 United Nations Women and the Austrian Development Co-operation, with implementation planned across the High Court circuits of Nebbi, Gulu and Masaka.

Prior to the launch, a strategic meeting was held with Kajuga, reviewing the project’s roadmap. The discussions centred on timelines, resource allocation, monitoring frameworks, and the need for sustained impact tracking.

Kajuga thanked the development partners for their continued support and called for swift implementation.

“By July, we expect tangible progress so that proper monitoring and evaluation can begin. This initiative is not just about implementation, it is about delivering real justice to those who need it most,” she said.

UN Women deputy Country Representative Adekemi Ndieli underscored the importance of a robust monitoring and evaluation component to ensure results, recommending the appointment of a dedicated monitoring and evaluation officer and the digitisation of at least two courtrooms to enable virtual GBV hearings.

Ndieli commended the Judiciary’s dedication, particularly the shillings 350 million allocated under the stewardship of former Principal Judge Flavian Zieja (now Deputy Chief Justice), which laid the foundation for the current rollout.

She also congratulated Zeija for his visionary leadership in conceptualising the time-share mechanism to expedite GBV cases.

Quoting the 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS), Ndieli said 51% of Ugandan women have experienced physical violence—well above the continental average of 37.7%; 17% of women and 6% of men aged 15–49 reported 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.

Acting Chief Registrar Pamella Lamunu Ocaya commended the Acting Principal Judge for her passion and leadership in championing the project.

She 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.

Arua High Court resident judge 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, Kajuga toured the Nebbi Court premises and commended the team for their rapid reorganisation of court archives using newly supplied acid-free boxes.

“Your efficiency and commitment are commendable,” she told Chief Magistrate Cyrus Ssennoga Mawano and his staff.

The launch drew participants from across the justice sector, including representatives from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Law Society, FIDA, religious leaders, and civil society organisations.

The day’s proceedings were moderated by Deo Akugizibwe, a Communications at the Judiciary.