The Justice, Law and Order Sector on October 27 2016 held the 2016 edition of the JLOS Recognition Awards during the 21st Annual JLOS Review conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo. The Chief Justice presided over the ceremony.

Below is a list of recipients for the 2016 JLOS Recognition Awards.

THE JLOS EXCELLENCE AND QUALITY AWARD 

Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB)

URSB has excelled in streamlining business registration processes through an on-line business name application solution installed to facilitate online name search and business name reservations.  Services such as name search, reservations and assessment of fees payable can now be processed in one day – an unprecedented achievement in Uganda. URSB’s excellence in service delivery is pivotal to Uganda’s improving ratings in global competitiveness and has significantly contributed to the doing business environment and improved the country’s prospects as a viable investment destination. 

THE JLOS INNOVATION AWARD 

Judiciary 

The Judiciary has been at the forefront of justice innovations over the years. The Judiciary recently launched the Audio-Visual Link project that makes it possible for courts to receive evidence by audio video link from witnesses who cannot appear in court due to infancy, old age, distance and costs. This technology innovation is an effective and cost effective enabler of access to justice for the vulnerable – a signature outcome of the JLOS Third Strategic Investment Plan.

THE JLOS CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD 

Uganda Registration Service Bureau (URSB) 

URSB’s accomplishments in the area of customer service excellence exemplified by the recent establishment of a fully functioning call center and vibrant social media platforms, distinguish URSB's commitment to excellent customer service pivotal to Access to Justice. URSB continues to creatively engage with its clientele through people-oriented services that have transformed the Bureau into a key player and benchmark in efficient and effective service delivery.

Uganda Prisons Service

Uganda Prisons’ customer care approach evident in prison facilities across the country has positively changed the image of the Prisons service. 

THE JLOS HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER AWARD 

MR. Anatoli Muleterwa 

Mr. Anatoli Muletwerwa is champion of human rights awareness in the Uganda Police through sensitization of the public using various media platforms. His pro-people approach has earned him the nickname “omulwani w’dembe ryabantu (high rights defender)” from a popular radio talkshow “Police nomuntu wabuligyo”

ASP Muleterwa is a member of the Paralegal Services and head of community policing, Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP).

THE JLOS MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA)

For the unprecedented and successful implementation of the National Identification Project.

THE JLOS PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND MEDIA RELATIONS AWARD 

Judiciary

The Judiciary has over the last financial year carried out extensive public sensitization campaigns across the country through barazas, radio talkshows and open days on issues of plea-bargaining, Small claims procedures and other access to Justice issues. The Judiciary has during these sensitization campaigns partnered with other JLOS institutions as a demonstration of the sector-wide approach to access to justice.   Efforts of the Judiciary to reach out to the public are yielding fruits in positively changing negative perceptions about the Judiciary in the public domain.

THE JLOS MEDIA REPORTING AWARD 

MR. Anthony Wesaka  

Anthony Wesaka is a journalist with the Daily Monitor who specializes in reporting on justice, law and order issues. Mr. Wesaka has for the last eight years consistently and objectively covered groundbreaking news and feature stories in many JLOS institutions.

THE JLOS PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION AWARD 

Legal Aid Service Provider’s Network (LASPNET)

LASPNET has constructively and consistently engaged with the Sector on issues of access to justice especially regarding advocacy on the Legal Aid Policy.  

THE JLOS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Lady Justice Leticia Kikonyogo

As a former Deputy Chief Justice Justice and Head of the Court of Appeal, Lady Justice Leticia Kikonyogo served the country and the Judiciary diligently in a glittering career spanning decades. 

Dr. S.P Kagoda 

Having diligently and faithfully served in as permanent secretary in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Dr. S.P Kagoda has tremendously contributed to growth of the Justice, Law and Order Sector for more than a decade as a member of the JLOS Steering Committee. He has also been part of the peace process for Northern Uganda and as permanent secretary he led the multi-sectoral team to successfully implement the National ID project – a an unprecedented groundbreaking achievement for Uganda.

Mr. Tommy Ochen (RIP)

As a former Director of Correctional Services, Uganda Prisons who was instrumental in the award winning Prisons Rehabilitation Programme that continues to transform the lives of many prisoners across the country. Mr. Ochen’s selfless and dedicated service as a member of the JLOS Technical Committee was instrumental in shaping the policy and strategy of the Sector.

Though he is departed and no longer with us, the Justice, Law and Order celebrates his contribution and is proud to honor his honorable legacy.

Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi 

Having served in the Sector in various capacities – State Attorney (1981-1992); Deputy Attorney General and Minister of State for Justice and Constitutional Affairs (2006-2015) and Attorney General (2015 – 2016), Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi was instrumental in shaping Uganda’s justice, law and order landscape both from a technical, professional and political perspective. For his contribution, leadership and inspiration during the formative early years of the Sector, Hon. Ruhindi’s legacy lives on – through the big strides made by the Country and the Sector in the rule of law and administration of justice during his 35 years of diligent, people oriented and dedicated service.

For more information and inquiries on the JLOS Recognition Awards, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi yesterday handed over the office of the Attorney General to Hon. William Byaruhanga following the latter's appointment by his H.E the President in a new cabinet announced on June 6 2016. Hon. Ruhindi was appointed as attorney General last year in a cabinet reshuffle replacing Hon. Peter Nyombi.

During the handover ceremony held at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs boardroom, the Ag. Solicitor General Ms Harriet Lwabi paid glowing tribute to Hon. Ruhindi who first joined the Ministry of Justice in the early 1980s as a young State Attorney . She described him as a people oriented person, an excellent team player and hard working legal professional. Ms Lwabi said that the Ministry of Justice was privileged to have had an excellent working relationship with the outgoing AG who has served in the ministry for a record 20 years in various capacities.

The Deputy Attorney General and Minister of State for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Mwesigwa Rukutana thanked Hon. Ruhindi for a well job done during his tenure. Hon. Rukutana described Hon. Ruhindi as not just a boss and but a colleague and applauded him for a stellar legacy of dedicated service in the Ministry of Justice that accomplished alot for the country.

Hon. Ruhindi in his remarks said he was privileged and honored to have served in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional with "the best team in the world" - in reference to staff at the Attorney General's chambers. He welcomed Hon. William Byaruhanga who he referred to as a "good friend and a "respectable colleague in the legal fraternity". He said he had no doubt  Hon. Byaruhanga was up to the task of serving as Attorney General given his reputation as an astute lawyer and manager in private legal practice.

Hon. William Byaruhanga who described his appointment as a "surprise" said he viewed his new position as an opportunity to make his contribution to the country as the principal legal adviser to Government. He thanked Hon. Ruhindi for the smooth transition and said he would always call on his proven expertise, wisdom and institutional memory. Hon. Byaruhanga promised to start from where Hon. Ruhindi stopped in the quest for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in the AG's chambers and close partnership with institutions in the Justice, Law and Order Sector. 

RUHINDI: CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

1981-1992: State Attorney

1992 - 1999: Corporation Secretary, Uganda Investment Authority

2001: Elected to Parliament representing Nakawa Division, Kampla District

2006-2015: Deputy Attorney General and Minister of State for Justice and Constitutional Affairs

2015 - 2016: Attorney General

By This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Published: June 23, 2016

KAMPALA -- In a cabinet reshuffle announced by President Yoweri Museveni this afternoon, Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi has been appointed the Attorney General replacing Hon. Peter Nyombi. Hon. Ruhindi previously served as the Deputy Attorney General and State Minister for Justice and Constitutional affairs. Hon. Mwesigwa Rukutana (formerly the Minister of State for Labor) replaces Hon. Ruhindi as the Deputy Attorney General. Hon. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire retained the position of Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

In other developments, Hon. Aronda Nyakairima was retained as the Minister of Internal Affairs while Hon. Evelyn Anite was appointed the State minister for Youth and Children Affairs replacing Hon. Ronald Kibuule who is now the Minister of State for Water. Hon. Mary Busingye Karooro Okurut was named the new Minister of Security. Hon. Karooro prior to the cabinet reshuffle was the Minister of Gender, Labor and Social Affairs. Hon. She has now been replaced by Hon. Muruli Mukasa.

Below is how the cabinet reshuffle announced today shapes up ministerial positions in the Justice, Law and Order Sector and the JLOS Leadership Committee:

Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs

Hon. Kahinda Otafiire – Minister

Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi – Attorney General

Hon. Mwesigwa Rukutana – Deputy Attorney General

Ministry of Internal Affairs

Hon. Gen. Aronda Nyakairima – Minister

Hon. James Baba – State Minister

Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development

Hon. Isanga Lukia Nakadama – Minister of State (Gender and Culture)

Hon. Evelyn Anite – Minister of State (Youth and Children Affairs)

Hon. Kamanda Bataringaya    – Minister of State (Employment and Industrial Relations)

Hon. Sulaiman Madada – Minister of State (Eldery and Disability)

Ministry of Local Government

Hon. Adolph Mwesige - Minister

Hon. Alex Aadroa Onzima  - State Minister 

SEE FULL CABINET LIST

By Edgar Kuhimbisa | Published: March 1 2015

KAMPALA - The International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Mrs Fatou Bensouda on February 27 2015 met the Deputy Attorney General and State for  Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hon Fredrick Ruhindi. Hon. Ruhindi who represented the Attorney General who is out of the country on official duties was accompanied by a team comprising the Director of Public Prosecutions, Hon. Justice Mike Chibita, the Minster in Charge of Northern Uganda, Ms.  Amuge Rebecca Otengo,  the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amb. James Mugume, Commissioners and Directors and heads of departments at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Mrs Fatou Bensouda is in Uganda on 5-day working visit to provide updates on the activities of her office, in particular in relation to the case of Mr Dominic Ongwen, and discuss issues of mutual interests.

The Deputy Attorney General in his opening remarks thanked the ICC  Prosecutor for paying a visit to the Attorney General and noted that Uganda was committed to fighting impunity and ensuring accountability for international crimes - a gesture which was well stated with handover former LRA Commander Maj. Gen. Dominic Ongwen to the ICC.

He clarified misinformation by the press that stated that the Attorney General would offer legal representation to Dominic Ongwen at the ICC. Hon. Ruhindi emphasised that the state would not offer legal representation to Mr. Ongwen, a duty specifically mandated to the ICC.He also noted that the Amnesty Law is a major challenge in prosecuting international crimes nationally.  However, he informed the Prosecutor that Government was committed to addressing the issue through the Transitional Justice Policy framework, wherein conditional amnesties will be provided.

Hon. Ruhindi further noted the need for victim participation and reparations, which would all be addressed with the transitional justice legal framework. Clarity was also made on Uganda’s relations with the ICC and in this regard he noted that complementarity can be undertaken at national level and hence there is need to consider reforms at international level. He also noted that need to promote universal acceptance to the Rome Statue.

On her part, Ms Fatou Bensouda in her remarks thanked the Attorney General for convening the meeting and expressed sincere gratitude to the Government of Uganda for the cooperation it has shown from the time of referral of the case of Joseph Kony in 2005, to the time of surrender of Dominic Ongwen todate.

She admitted that she at first "worried about the transfer of Ongwen to the Hague, but was convinced about Uganda’s stance on accountability". Mrs Bensouda informed the meeting that the purpose of her visit was to highlight the importance of the trial phase, the need to gather more information on the case of Ongwen considering that the case had not been active since the warrants were issued in 2005 a the ICC’s responsibility, to make sure prosecutions are effective.

She informed the Attorney General on the next steps towwards Ongwen's trial which include;

1. Consideration of possibilities of investigating other crimes committed by Ongwen and hence prefer additional charges against him;
2. An Application to the pre - trial chamber to have the case of Ongwen heard in January 2016;
3. Visiting of the affected communities in the Northern Uganda;
4. Deployment of an ICC investigative team in Uganda that will need assistance for the Ugandan counterparts.
5. Making a specific request to share information with Uganda

In her concluding remarks, the ICC  Prosecutor noted that there is need for the Government of Uganda to assist in witness protection. She also highlighted that cooperation will be important for the successful prosecution by the ICC.

Fatou Bensouda Fact File

Mrs. Fatou Bensouda of The Gambia was elected by consensus Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court by the Assembly of States Parties. Mrs. Bensouda was sworn in on 15 June 2012. Mrs. Bensouda had previously held the position of ICC Deputy Prosecutor (Prosecutions), having been elected with an overwhelming majority by the Assembly of States Parties on 8 August 2004 and serving as such until May 2012. Prior to her work at the International Criminal Court, Mrs. Bensouda worked as Legal Adviser and Trial Attorney at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in Arusha, Tanzania, rising to the position of Senior Legal Advisor and Head of The Legal Advisory Unit.

 By This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | February 27, 2015

MUKONO - The Uganda Law Reform Commission on December 13 2013 held its end of year retreat where the best performing staff of 2013 were recognized and awarded at a colorful event presided over by the Deputy Attorney General and Minister of State for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi. Ms. Frances Katooko was recognized as the Best Overall Employee of the year (2013). Mr. Ronald Lutunda and Ms. Margaret Namuddu took home accolades for Best Legal Employee and Best Non-Legal Employee of the Year respectively. Hon. Ruhindi while handing out the awards urged ULRC staff to maintain high levels of integrity counseling that it (integrity) is the only thing the departed who have led an exemplary life leave behind as a lasting legacy.

Uganda, Law Reform Commission is one of the 17 member institutions that make up the Justice, Law and Order Sector. The commission constantly studies and reviews Acts and other laws of Uganda with a view of making recommendations for their systematic improvement, development, modernization through reform and revision. This aims to establish an up to date and adequate legislative environment - one of the Key Result Areas in the Justice, Law and Order Third Strategic Investment Plan (SIP III).

NEW YORK - The Honorable Minister of State and Deputy Attorney General - Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi on October 12-13, 2011 participated in an international meeting organized in New York by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) .

The conference was entitled “UNDP Policy Dialogue on ‘Complementarity’ and Transitional Justice”. The Honorable Minister made a presentation on the Role of Specialized Courts in Prosecuting International Crimes and Transitional Justice in Uganda.

The presentation highlighted Uganda’s numerous efforts made towards achieving complementarity in the area of criminal justice, and in line with its international obligations under the Rome Statute of the ICC. This was discussed within the context of the ongoing transitional justice process underway in the country.

By Nicole Ismene Zarifis

On Friday, November 11, 2011, Hon. F. Ruhindi, Minister of State for Justice and Constitutional Affairs and Deputy Attorney General delivered the keynote address at a conference held to discuss the role of amnesties on achieving justice and accountability for serious human rights violations. Hon. Ruhindi’s remarks highlighted the country’s dual goal of achieving peace and justice after the war in Northern Uganda. The Hon. Minister referred to Uganda’s national and international obligations to pursue justice and accountability for war related crimes within Uganda’s transitional justice process, suggesting a review of the current mechanisms would be relevant, and expressed support for the dialogue.

The conference focused on the Amnesty Act, adopted in 2000, by providing a history and background to the adoption of the Act; overview of the Amnesty Act and discussion of key provisions; the impact of the Amnesty Act on peace and justice after the war; the effect of the Amnesty Act on gender based crimes committed during the conflict; and international perspectives on amnesties and international law principles and standards. The conference concluded with a discussion on the future of the Amnesty Act; specifically, the participants were asked to express views on whether the instrument required amendments, repeal or should be preserved as is.

The ‘way forward’ discussion led to a number of proposals for amendment to the Act to allow for greater accountability of individuals responsible for atrocities. Generally, participants agreed that the Amnesty Act was insufficient to achieve sustainable peace and meaningful justice for victims after the war. There was overwhelming support for the adoption of additional mechanisms alongside the Amnesty Act, such as a national truth commission and delivery of reparations for victims, in the form of social services and infrastructure.

To close the conference, Ms. Josephine Onya of the Ministry of Internal Affairs represented the Hon. Minister H.Onek, indicating that a revision of the Act would be timely in light of the current context in the region and the country’s move towards justice and accountability for war related crimes.

The conference was organized by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Uganda (OHCHR), UN Women, and the Refugee Law Project. In attendance were members of the Government of Ugannda, the Justice, Law and Order Sector, international community, academics, civil society organizations and members of war-affected communities, including victims of the conflict in Northern Uganda.

By Edgar Kuhimbisa | Published: November 21, 2011