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FOREWORD BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE

For 15 years, the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) has spearheaded the promotion of the rule of law and access to justice for all Ugandans. JLOS has become synonymous with cutting-edge reforms and innovations in the justice system, these which can be traced back to the highly acclaimed Chain Linked Initiative first launched in 1999. In doing so, the Sector has driven improvements in infrastructure, human development, and institutional capacity as well as introduced new ways of delivering justice and ensuring law and order

From promoting Community Policing, a joint effort approach that allows the Uganda Police and the communities within which they serve to work together to maintain law and order, to prioritizing children’s cases in courts in an effort for improved juvenile justice, to improving the environment for doing business through commercial justice reforms, the Sector has undoubtedly impacted the lives of many Ugandans. JLOS is committed to concretizing these efforts especially to serve the poorest and most vulnerable among the Ugandan population.

It is my pleasure therefore to introduce this publication that highlights some JLOS innovations and interventions that tell of the Sector’s impact over the years. These stories highlight our demonstrated pledge to ensure justice for all and JLOS’s contribution to building a renewed trust in the institutions mandated with delivering justice in Uganda. Further to that, they provide an insight into the ideal future that we envisage for the Sector and for the Ugandan society as far as justice, law and order are concerned.

While the stories highlighted reflect how far the Sector has come, we are cognizant of the challenge for continuous improvement and accept it with a renewed zeal. JLOS, therefore, remains dedicated to the creation of a society that protects and promotes fundamental rights, one that ensures the respect of law as well as one that works to build the necessary structures to nurture a vibrant and growing economy for Uganda. As we work more closely with our partners in Government, civil society, the international community, and with Ugandans from all walks of life, we look forward to greater achievements in the years to come.

Bart M. Katureebe

Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda

October 10, 2015 

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Produced by LPLC Consult Uganda, Ltd. for JLOS - the Justice Law and Order Sector in Uganda 

Financed by the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) © 2015 - The Justice, Law and Order Sector (Government of the Republic of Uganda). All Rights Reserved.

Lead Writer and Editor:

 Annet Mbabazi Ntezi

JLOS Editorial Team:

Rachel Odoi-Musoke

Sam Rogers Wairagala

Edgar Kuhimbisa

Design and Layout:

Gerald Ssali (87 Eight Seven)

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KAMPALA -- The Hon. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu held a meeting with H.E Dr. Karin Boven, Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda on the 16^th of March 2021, who called on him at the Ministry’s Headquarters on Parliament Avenue. The meeting that was also attended by Mr. Francis Atoke, the Solicitor General and officials from the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) Secretariat, was a courtesy call by the ambassador as she starts her tenure as chairperson of the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) Development Partners Group (DPG).  

Prof. Kamuntu and H.E Dr. Boven, discussed matters of great importance to the nation, and to JLOS in particular. The issues discussed ranged from upholding the rule of law, respect for human rights, as well as strengthening of the commercial, transitional and criminal justice delivery mechanisms, notably the need to tackle the case backlog challenge in the courts of law, emphasising the fact that justice delayed is justice denied.

H.E Dr. Boven applauded the Sector for taking the lead in developing game-changing innovations in access to justice but also shared her concerns relating to the image of the Sector in the wake of pre-election violence that was witnessed in November 2020. She further expressed concerns on the delay by the Government to release the report on the investigations into the alleged human rights violations that were committed during that period. 

The Hon. Minister assured Dr. Boven of the Government's commitment to publish the report as soon as investigations are complete and that those culpable in human rights abuses would be dealt with under the law. He emphasised Government's commitment to ensuring peace, security and stability and pointed out the history of the NRM government is rooted in adhering to the rule of law and respect for human rights.

Mr. Francis Atoke, the Solicitor General on his part thanked the Royal Kingdom of Netherlands for the consistent support to the Justice, Law and Order Sector since its inception in 1999. He said that this support has been instrumental in enhancing access to justice for all Ugandans and has contributed to the significant improvement in commercial justice and ease of doing business in the country.

Ms. Rachel Odoi-Musoke, the JLOS Senior Technical Advisor thanked the Dutch Embassy in Kampala for taking a lead in addressing access to justice needs and challenges of refugees and their host communities in Uganda. This specific focus on the unique justice needs of refugees has made registration, identification and documentation easy and also improved relationships with host communities. 

H.E Dr. Karin Boven takes over the Chair of the JLOS Development Partners Group following its recent handover by Dr. Roswitha Kremser, Head of the Austrian Delegation to Uganda.

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Published: 16th March 2021

KAMPALA - The Hon. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu has met with the Austrian Head of Delegation to Uganda, Dr. Roswitha Kremser who called upon him at the Ministry’s offices on Parliament Avenue.  The meeting was a courtesy call by the Head of Delegation as she winds up her tenure as chairperson of the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) -Development Partners Group (DPG). She was accompanied by Dr. Katja Kershbaumer, the Governance Advisor at the Austria Development Cooperation. 

Hon. Prof. Kamuntu and Dr. Kremser discussed matters of great importance to the nation and to the JLOS Sector in particular, which ranged from upholding the rule of law, eliminating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), upholding Human Rights and promoting Justice delivery mechanisms in Uganda, notably the need to regularise criminal sessions in the judiciary and the issue of pre-trial detentions by the Uganda Police. 

Her Excellency laid out some of the achievements registered during her leadership which include the increase in the use of technology in the delivery of Justice(E-Justice), reduction in case backlog and improved handling of juvenile offenders.  She lauded the Sector’s efforts in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based violence.  Dr. Kremser also raised the issue of the urgent need to appoint a substantive Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission. She noted that lack of a substantive chairperson has weaken the functioning of the Commission.  

On his part, the Minister congratulated Dr. Kremser on a very successful tenure as Chairperson of the JLOS-Development Partners Group. He applauded the support given by the ADC and other Sector Development Partners towards the administration of Justice and rule of law in the country.  

Hon. Prof Kamuntu noted the concerns raised in regard to the delay in the appointment of a substantive chairperson of the Human Rights Commission. He pledged to expeditiously handle this matter with all the relevant stakeholders and the appointing authority. 

The Minister further assured her that she has a firm partner, in Government, in the fight against Gender Based Violence. He promised his full support on that front.  The Hon minister also called upon Dr. Kremser to continue supporting the Sector, noting that institutions like the Office of the Director Public Prosecutions (ODPP) need urgent assistance in retooling, especially State Prosecutors based in upcountry locations. He averred that he is handling the issue of their renumeration enhancements with H.E the President and other relevant authorities in government.   

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Published: 24 February 2021

The Embassy of Ireland, on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ireland, funds a number of scholarships for study at Masters level in Ireland.

The focus of the scholarship is to attract dynamic candidates who have leadership potential and are able to drive change in their countries.  

The Fellowship targets early career to mid-career professionals for courses that are relevant to the work of the Embassy and to the development goals of the government of Uganda.

The application process consists of three stages i.e. Stage 1- Preliminary Application, Stage 2-Detailed Application and Stage 3-Interviews.

Applicants should go to the Irish Aid Fellowship website at www.irishaidfellowships.ie where they will find the stage 1 application form.

The closing date for receipt of Stage 1 applications and accompanying documents is 13^th September 2020. 

Careful attention should be given to the eligibility criteria set out in the guidelines available on https://www.irishaidfellowships.ie/strands/ireland-africa-fellows-programme. The 2021 Directory with eligible Postgraduate Programmes is also available on the Irish Aid Fellowships website at https://www.irishaidfellowships.ie/strands/fellowship-training-programme.

Applicants can choose from ALL COURSES in the Directory.  Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted to apply to the second stage of the process.

Applications must be typed and be submitted by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

In memory of Irish priest Fr Declan O’Toole, who died in Karamoja in 2002, the Embassy is offering an additional two scholarships to candidates from Karamoja ONLY for study at Masters Level in Uganda. 

Details on the Fr. Declan O’Toole Fellowship are on the Embassy of Ireland website https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/uganda/our-services/opportunities-to-study/ 

Published: September 3, 2020

 #Press Release

The European Union and its Member States are working to contain the spread of the coronavirus both in Europe and beyond. Our joint priority is to save lives, heal the sick, protect the vulnerable, and strengthen research, support health systems and economies. To help Uganda address both the health emergency caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and its longer-term socio-economic impacts, the European Union (EU) Delegation to Uganda is re-focussing its existing cooperation and mobilizing additional funding.

The EU will disburse a total grant amount of EUR 30 million (around UGX 120 billion) to Uganda’s National Treasury. This sum will be made available by urgently speeding up budget support disbursements due later this year. Part of this amount will be directed to support the short-term response of the Ministry of Health to the pandemic.

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 Editor's note: The European Union is a member of the JLOS Development Partners Group.

Published: April 15, 2020

The Swedish government has pledged to build the capacity of female Police officers to effectively respond to sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) cases in Uganda. The Swedish envoy to Uganda, Per Lindgarde, revealed that his government would train local security forces on how to address and investigate GBV cases and retool the forensic department of Police to ably handle the cases.“We need to provide the officers with the tools and skills to conduct the necessary interviews in order to investigate GBV-related crimes. A good investigation must be rapid, orderly, critical, comprehensive and objective,’ Lindgarde said.

The envoy also pledged continued support to the justice sector in terms of capacity building.‘This will focus on the entire justice chain in terms of investigation, prosecuting and adjusting GBV cases in a gender responsive, victim-centered and trauma-informed manner,’ he noted. Lindgarde said this would not only enable survivors access justice but also end impunity.

The envoy made the remarks during the launch of the Uganda Police Force caravan to end violence against men, women and girls at Railway Grounds in Kampala yesterday.

The two-week gender-based caravan across the country is part of the 16 days of activism against GBV. During the campaign, data will also be collected on how best t handle these cases.

The first caravan will move through Kampala, Mubende, Hoima, Masindi and Gulu districts. The second will cover areas of Kampala, Mukono, Jinja, Iganga, Tororo and Kamuli.

Clad in white and khaki uniforms, Police officers led by female officers, marched through Kampala city center raising awareness and advocating the end of GBV against women, girls and men.

Lindgarde said human rights and access to justice for women and girls is at the core of Sweden’s investment in Uganda.

He said Sweden recognizes the gains the Police have made in strengthening its gender responsiveness. These, he said include developing the gender policy, strategy and training female officers to better positions.

“We call upon the Police to use the standard operating procedures for management of GBV and cases of violence against children to enhance accountability of officers once they are implemented,” Lindgarde explained.

He said the caravan and border awareness creation on GBV is critical in ensuring that dialogue is held with communities with the aim of genuine engagement and accountability.

‘This activity plays a complementary role to civil society organizations, who are providing women with information on their rights and how to strengthen the linkages for integrated GBV strategies,’ Lindgarde said.

UN Women country representative Maxime Houinato pledged continued support to the Police through capacity building of investigation officers handling GBV-related offences.

“We acknowledge the commendable work of the force in investigation cases despite teu challenges of inadequate resources, both human and financial,” he said.

The Police crime report of 2018 revealed that 17,521 sex-related crimes were registered, out of which 6,454 cases were taken to court. Of these, 920 cases secured convictions, 50 cases were acquitted, 473 cases were dismissed, while 5,011 cases were still pending in court.

The report also showed that 17,682 persons were victims of sex related crimes, out of whom 15,469 were female juveniles, 277 male juveniles, 1,849 female adults and 87 male audits.

Police commitment

The Police director of research, planning and development, Edward Ochom, said the Force is committed to co-operating with civilian agencies protecting life and property, detecting and preventing crime.

“The Police will continue to intensify their efforts in the fight against GBV and violence against women and girls,” Ochom said.

Article by Andrew Ssenyonga / published in the New Vision, November 27 2019 

KAMPALA - Amb. Atilio Pacifici  - Head of delegation of the European Union to Uganda and Chairperson of the JLOS Development Partners Group delivered remarks to participants at the 24th Annual JLOS Review on 12th November 2019. 

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Published: November 12, 2019

KAMPALA —Uganda has officially joined the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) an Intergovernmental Organization dedicated to the promotion of the rule of law as its 37th Member Party on October 4, 2019.

This was after the Ambassador of Uganda to Italy, H.E. Elizabeth Napeyok deposited the instrument of accession at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Rome.

Speaking on behalf of the government of Uganda, during a meeting with the Director-General ahead of the accession, Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, reiterated that Uganda’s decision to become a Member Party of IDLO is principally based on similar pursuits, objectives and aspirations to promote justice and development.”

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Published: October 7, 2019

KAMPALA - Development partners and the top leadership of the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) in Uganda have held a high-level policy dialogue to discuss the developments and challenges in delivering justice and rule of law in the country.

The head of the European Union (EU) delegation to Uganda, Ambassador Attilio Pacifici, chair of the Development Partners Group (DPG) of JLOS hosted the policy dialogue at his residence in Kololo under the auspices of the JLOS Leadership Dinner.

JLOS top leadership present included Chief Justice Bart Katureebe, Justice Minister Maj. Gen (rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, Attorney General William Byaruhanga and previous DPG chair Netherlands Ambassador to Uganda, Henk Jan Bakker.

Although it was a closed-door meeting, New Vision has learnt that the JLOS development partners and top leadership exchanged views on topical issues on the rule of law and delivery of justice in Uganda.

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Published: August 3, 2019

The Embassy of Ireland has announced Irish Aid Fellowship Training Program (IAFTP) opportunities for 2019/2020. The IFTP funds a number of scholarships for study at Masters Level in the Republic of Ireland offered in Irish universities. Justice, Law and Order Sector member institutions are beneficiaries of the IFTP with special consideration given to applicants working in disadvantaged regions. Females are highly encouraged to apply.

The deadline for submission of applications is Friday, 30th November 2018 at 17.00.

For more information on the 2019/2020 IAFTP (application guidelines, the application form and directory of eligible post graduate programs), visit: https://www.irishaidfellowships.ie/strands/fellowship-training-programme.

Published: 8th November 2018