Kampala, Uganda — The Uganda Law Society (ULS) celebrated a milestone this week, marking 15 years of providing pro bono legal services aimed at increasing access to justice for the underserved. The week-long event, themed "Redefining Criminal Justice," brought together legal professionals, stakeholders, and advocates committed to reforming Uganda’s criminal justice system.

However, amid celebrations, key stakeholders sound an urgent call for reform and increased government funding to bridge the persistent justice gaps affecting the poor and vulnerable populations, especially in rural areas.

Sylvia Namubiru, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Service Providers Network, highlighted alarming statistics showing that less than 20% of rural Ugandans have access to legal services, with many youths unable to afford private legal counsel. She emphasized the need for greater government support to expand legal aid programs into underserved regions.

Ruth Ssekindi, Director of Monitoring & Inspections at the Uganda Human Rights Commission, stressed that tackling issues such as torture and abuse in detention centers requires comprehensive police reform, better training, and law enforcement accountability.

Superintendent Nahyema Victoria of the Uganda Prisons Service shed light on the plight of remand prisoners, many of whom spend more time in custody than their actual sentences, undermining the principles of justice.

High Court Registrar Her Worship Prossy Katushabe reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to advancing criminal justice reforms and called for stronger collaboration between the judiciary, law enforcement, and legal aid providers.

While progress has been made over the past 15 years, much more needs to be done to ensure fair, equitable access to justice for all Ugandans.