For many years, children who came into conflict with the law in Uganda faced a grim future, being held in overcrowded remand homes, with limited access to education, and suffering stigma from their communities. But now, that story is changing. Through the Justice for Children (J4C) Programme, coordinated by the Justice, Law and Order Sub-programme (JLOS) with support from the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Uganda is developing a justice system that protects, rehabilitates, and reintegrates young offenders rather than condemning them to lifelong marginalisation.
📊 Key Achievements
- Over 1,000 children are diverted from detention annually.
- 70% reduction in juvenile reoffending rates through community rehabilitation.
- Child and Family Protection Units in the Uganda Police Force are operational across the country.
- Child-friendly courts and waiting areas established in 15 High Court circuits.
- Hundreds of judicial and probation officers are trained in child-sensitive justice.
From Detention to Diversion
Every year, over 1,000 children enter Uganda’s criminal justice system. A decade ago, most of them ended up in detention centres with adults. However, with the launch of the Justice for Children (J4C) Programme, JLOS institutions now prefer diversion over detention, addressing minor offences through community rehabilitation, counselling, and restitution. An official from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development explains:
“We realised that locking up a child breaks their spirit. Diversion gives them a chance to reform without destroying their future.”
A Second Chance at Life
At the heart of the J4C story are the children. Brian (pseudonym), 17, was arrested at 14 for theft in Masaka. Instead of being charged, he joined a rehabilitation programme supported by UNICEF and JLOS. “I thought my life was over,” he says. “But they helped me go back to school. I want to become a mechanic.” Maria (pseudonym) from Gulu was accused of assault but was diverted through mediation led by her Local Council and Probation Officer. “They treated me like a child who needed help,” she recalls.
Building a Child-Friendly Justice System
The Justice for Children framework unites the Judiciary, Police, DPP, Prisons Service, and Ministry of Gender around a shared goal: child-sensitive justice. Supported by UNICEF, UN Women, and other development partners, JLOS has established Child and Family Protection Units (CFPUs) within the Uganda Police Force and child-friendly courts, which collectively provided officers with training in empathy and confidentiality. Mobile court sessions now serve juveniles in remote areas, ensuring justice for all children.
Community Rehabilitation: Justice That Heals
Diversion programmes have proven to be humane and effective. According to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, over 70% of children diverted from detention do not reoffend. In Lira, the Child Diversion Committee collaborates with schools, churches, and parents to mentor children. In Mbarara, probation officers run peer counselling clubs for reformed juveniles. As one Probation Officer explains:
“When you listen to a child, you realise most offences come from poverty or neglect. When you help them rebuild, you prevent future crime.”
Reintegrating Families and Communities
Reintegration guarantees that children who complete rehabilitation return to supportive families. JLOS works with local councils and NGOs to promote mediation and psychosocial support. Child help desks at police stations and community justice centres, supported by UNICEF, offer counselling and referrals, helping rebuild trust between communities and justice institutions.
Partnerships That Protect the Future
Strong partnerships have contributed to the success of the Justice for Children (J4C) Programme. UNICEF funds diversion and rehabilitation initiatives, UN Women supports gender-responsive training, and JLOS coordinates nationwide implementation. A senior JLOS Secretariat official summarises:
“Our commitment is to ensure that no child’s life is defined by a mistake. Every child deserves a second chance — that is justice.”
A Generation Redeemed
From remand homes to classrooms, Uganda’s J4C Programme is transforming young lives. “I know I did wrong once,” says Brian, “but now I have a dream. I want to fix cars — and fix my life.” Through compassion, partnership, and reform, Uganda demonstrates that justice for children is not just about law. It’s about love, dignity, and second chances.
🤝 Partner Contributions
- UNICEF: Technical and financial support for diversion and rehabilitation programmes
- UN Women: Advocacy and gender-responsive training for justice officials
- European Union: Support for child-friendly infrastructure in courts
- JLOS: Coordination and integration of child justice reforms across institutions
- Civil Society: Community rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and reintegration of juveniles
This article was researched, developed, and published with support from the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and the Embassy in Uganda, in partnership with the Justice, Law and Order Sub-programme (JLOS) of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
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