Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, the Principal Judge of Uganda, is currently on a monitoring visit to Sembabule Chief Magistrate’s Court to assess the progress of the Judiciary Time-Share Fast Track Mechanism for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases. This initiative is part of the UN Women Justice for Her Project, which aims to ensure faster, more efficient, and survivor-focused handling of GBV cases across the country.
Upon arrival, Lady Justice Abodo was warmly received by judicial officers, including Lady Justice Katamba Victoria Nakintu Nkwanga, Head of the Masaka High Court Circuit; Lady Justice Fatuma Nanziri Bwanika, Resident Judge of Masaka; and HW Ninsiima Marion, Chief Magistrate of Sembabule, among others. Key stakeholders from partner institutions, such as UN Women, the Australian Development Cooperation, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), were also present. Notable attendees included Ms. Beate Farukoye, Deputy Head of the Australian Development Cooperation, and Ms. Beatrice Mulindwa, Project Manager for the Justice for Her initiative at UN Women.
The visit began with Lady Justice Abodo inspecting a Guard of Honour mounted by the Uganda Police Force, followed by a guided tour of the court premises. She praised the court for its well-organised archives, highlighting that orderly records are essential for the planned transition to digital case management systems. However, she noted challenges, particularly the limited number of State Attorneys serving the court.
During her engagement, the Principal Judge will review selected GBV cases and meet members of the District Chain-Linked Committee (DCC). The Chief Magistrate of Sembabule will provide updates on activities under the Justice for Her Project, including training court clerks on GBV matters and insights from the GBV case census, particularly on data integrity and usage.
Later in the day, Lady Justice Abodo will visit Masaka High Court and Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court, where she will participate in a community baraza to discuss access to legal aid services and listen to the concerns of community members regarding access to justice. The Head of the Masaka High Court Circuit will present an overview of project activities, focusing on the training of court clerks and findings from the GBV case census.
The Justice for Her Project, implemented in partnership with UN Women, aims to improve access to quality justice services for women and girls who experience violence. By addressing structural and cultural barriers, enhancing case disposal, strengthening pre-trial preparation, using technology effectively during trials, building the capacity of justice actors, and promoting staff wellbeing, the project seeks to create a faster, more survivor-centered judicial system.
According to HW John Paul Edoku, preliminary training activities have been completed, and the GBV case census has just been finalised in Masaka High Court, Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court, and Kalangala Chief Magistrate’s Court. The next step will involve joint cause listing in all participating courts to ensure timely handling of GBV cases.
Through these efforts, Uganda’s judiciary, with the support of its partners, is making significant strides toward a justice system that is more responsive, efficient, and accessible for survivors of gender-based violence.
