Uganda joins International Law Development Organisation

Uganda has joined the International Development Law Organisation (IDLO), a global organisation devoted to the promotion of the rule of law.

Uganda formally joined the Rome, Italy-based organisation on Friday (October 4), becoming its 37th and newest member.

It follows the government's recent endorsement of the country's membership to the international organisation. The Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda recently held a meeting in Kampala with IDLO's Director-General Irene Khan ahead of the accession.

"Uganda has decided to become a member party of IDLO because Uganda shares similar pursuits, objectives and aspirations to promote justice and development," Rugunda stated, according to a statement shared with New Vision.

"We are delighted that Uganda has joined IDLO," said Khan, noting that Uganda's membership was a clear message about its commitment to the rule of law and advancing access to justice.

Uganda is joining the organisation at a time when the latter is gearing up to launch its community justice program in the country.

The five-year programme aims to support the efforts of Uganda's Justice Law and Order Sector and civil society in bringing justice closer to the people.

Under the programme, IDLO will work closely with national, district and community-level justice actors to secure accessible, quality and sustainable justice services for citizens - particularly the most vulnerable and marginalized members of society, officials revealed.

"Uganda's membership to IDLO signals its continuing commitment to SDG 16: to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels," the organisation stated.

The organisation support governments and key actors to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, sustainable development and economic opportunity.

Its programs cover rule of law, right from peace and institution building to social development and economic recovery in countries emerging from conflict and striving towards democracy.

Citing numerous surveys, the organisation notes that Uganda has made significant development progress but hurdles remain in the justice sector.

Some of these include funding and capacity, public perceptions of pervasive corruption, inaccessibility of services for the poor, costliness and slow speeds of dispute resolution.

The challenges have negatively affected citizens' confidence in the formal system, leading people to resort to other means to seek recourse, experts warn.