When Apio, a survivor of gender-based violence from Lira, entered an SGBV one-stop centre, she was met with compassion rather than judgment. Within a day, she received medical treatment, counselling, and legal assistance. Weeks later, her attacker was prosecuted in a gender-sensitive court, and today, Apio is rebuilding her life. Her story is among thousands that demonstrate how the Justice, Law, and Order Sub-programme (JLOS) has transformed Uganda’s human rights commitments into practical actions that uphold dignity, fairness, and justice for all.
📊 Key Human Rights Achievements
- Human Rights Desks established in major Police and Prisons facilities.
- 40% drop in reported torture complaints (UHRC Report, 2024).
- Over 50,000 citizens were provided with free legal aid through Justice Centres Uganda.
- 15 One-Stop Centres established to support survivors of gender-based violence.
Refugee identity registration rolled out across twelve (12) districts.
Reimagining Justice Through Rights
In the past, Uganda’s justice system often seemed distant from ordinary citizens. However, through a Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA), JLOS has improved service delivery. Each programme now acknowledges the rights of citizens, particularly the poor and vulnerable, ensuring that justice is synonymous with dignity for all.
Ending Torture in Detention: A System Transformed
Uganda Police and Prisons have set up Human Rights Desks, trained officers, and established monitoring systems to stop torture. Complaints have decreased notably. “We are now trained to treat inmates as human beings first,” says a prison warder at Kyamugolani Prison, located in Mbarara.
Justice for the Marginalised: Legal Aid for the Poor
Through Justice Centres Uganda (JCU), thousands of citizens have received free legal aid. John, a farmer from Hoima, recalls: “I had lost my land to fraudsters. They helped me get it back and treated me with respect.” Legal aid has become a tangible expression of equality before the law.
Justice for Children: Restoring Hope Without Bars
The Justice for Children (J4C) programme focuses on rehabilitating children rather than punishing them. Detention periods are now halved, and community-based rehabilitation has replaced incarceration for minor offences. “When you help a child reform instead of punishing them, you prevent another crime tomorrow,” says a probation officer at Naguru Remand Home in Kampala.
Communities Rising for Justice
Through collaborations with development partners, JLOS has initiated nationwide human rights awareness campaigns. In Gulu and Kasese, community dialogues have empowered residents to report violations. “We used to fear reporting police officers. Now we know it’s our right to speak out,” says Margaret, a participant.
Healing in One Place
At JLOS-supported One-Stop Centres, survivors of sexual and gender-based violence receive medical, psychosocial, and legal support all in one location. “Before, victims were retraumatised by moving from police to hospital to court,” says a prosecutor in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP). “Now, everything they need is in one place.”
Holding Power Accountable
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) ensures that victims of rights violations receive compensation and redress. By holding state actors accountable, UHRC strengthens confidence in the justice system.
Refugee Rights
Through the partnership between NIRA and JLOS, refugees receive legal identity documents, allowing them to access health, education, and justice. “Before I had papers, I couldn’t even report theft,” says a South Sudanese refugee mother at the Imvepi Refugee Settlement in Arua. “Now I feel like a person who matters.”
Uganda’s Rights-Based Justice Pathway
JLOS’s HRBA ensures planning and service delivery prioritise inclusion and participation. This approach aligns with the Constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Building Justice, Protecting Dignity
From survivors to refugees and children, Uganda’s justice system demonstrates that human rights are essential. As Sarah from Lira states: “Justice gave me my life back. Now I tell other women: your rights are your strength.”
🤝 Partner Contributions
- UNDP: Supported community human rights awareness campaigns.
- European Union (EU): Funded gender justice initiatives and training.
- Austria Development Cooperation (ADC): Supported legal aid and rights monitoring.
- UN Women: Supported the establishment of One-Stop Centres for SGBV survivors.
- JLOS Secretariat: Coordinated human rights integration across institutions.
This article was researched, developed, and published with support from the Austria Development Cooperation (ADC) and Embassy in Uganda in partnership with the Justice, Law and Order Sub-programme (JLOS), Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
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