Objective:
“To advocate for best practices in the administration of justice in Uganda.”
The judiciary comprised of magistrates, judges and prosecutors is a critical actor in the enforcement of human rights. Judicial officers as interpreters and adjudicators of disputes play a central role in upholding the rule of law and respect for fundamental human rights.
Effective administration of justice is key to improving access to justice. The judiciary is therefore central to the attainment of the above. The judiciary in Uganda lacks the capacity to resolve disputes, grant remedies and ensure quick disposal of cases in a timely manner. Delay in trial proceedings continues to occur resulting in overstay in prison for inmates for periods between three to five years. In the absence of a National Legal Aid scheme effective legal representation for the majority poor, access to justice remains elusive.
Against this background, FHRI has worked closely with the judiciary from 1998 in facilitating annual conferences for its members, which have yielded significant results. The conferences have sometimes been preceded by a study on the state of justice in the country whose research findings formed the basis of discussions. At the end of the conferences, the studies, recommendations and policy discussions are used to positively influence the administration of justice. Out of the constant constructive dialogue between FHRI and the judiciary, there is a remarkable improvement in dispensing justice with courage, openness and independence. The fora have provided a mechanism for reflection to judicial officers on their professional skill to deliver strong, liberal and clear decisions that have enhanced legal excellence, justice and equality.
Although Uganda’s judiciary has exhibited a strong preponderance towards independence, impartiality and integrity, judicial independence is still under threat.
In partnership with the Judicial Studies Institute judicial, FHRI’s judiciary capacity building program has created a forum for annual examination of judicial practices and constraints to effective justice delivery. Topical issues have been examined such as: land rights, judicial independence, application of international human rights standards in adjudication of disputes, expedite trials to reduce case back log, reform of archaic legislation, increased attention to economic, social and cultural rights corruption within the judiciary among others.
Building on this experience, research findings around three themes of police accountability, juvenile justice and rights of disabled persons in Uganda will form the back rock for the judicial roundtable in the 2009-2011 programme.
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