President okays national legal aid scheme

President Museveni with the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, the Principal Judge and other Judges at Munyonyo Resort

The recently concluded Legal Aid Conference has set the stage for free legal services to the poor.  Annually, Legal Aid Service Provider’s Network (LASPNET) with support from the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) and the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS), Justice Centres Uganda and other non-state actors hold a conference to discuss Legal Aid service provision in Uganda and to track its progress.

The third National Legal Aid Conference took place on August 9-10, 2015 at Speke Resort Munyonyo with the theme, “Sustainable Funding and Legal Aid Service Delivery by the State”.

President Museveni was the chief guest. In his speech, the president said the law on legal aid is in the works. He said, “…That is why I committed Government in 2014 to enacting a law on legal aid and I would like to assure Ugandans that in due course a Legal Aid Bill will be introduced in Parliament.”

He commended the Justice Law and Order Sector’s efforts in spearheading efforts to prioritise the ordinary and vulnerable people who go to courts in search of justice.

He said, “The proposal for a National Legal Aid Scheme is very welcome and is part of the NRM Government’s cherished desires to restore the rule of law in Uganda…the scheme will buttress our efforts to promote sustainable development, prosperity and enduring peace.

President Museveni however said, it would be a futile outreach if justice delivery remains slow, urban-based and limited to court rooms.

In his remarks, Hon Justice Bart Katureebe, the chief justice said the theme of the conference was derived as a response to the need to address the need to address delays and injustice in the administration of justice. He said, “on average, cases take too long to resolve, resulting in the administration of justice.”

The chief justice added, “…the common person needs empowerment to benefit from the justice system.

He said the establishment of a holistic legal aid system in Uganda is long overdue and requires support from the government.

The conference according to Hon Mwesigwa Rukutana the Deputy Attorney general and state Minister for Justice and constitutional affairs was to create awareness about the on-going efforts to establish a Policy, Law and National Institution on Legal Aid.

Legal Aid is the provision of free legal services to the poor, vulnerable and marginalized people who cannot afford the services of paid lawyers.

While revealing the essence of the provision of legal aid, Rukutana said, “Article 21 of the Constitutionof the Republic of Uganda provides for Equality before the Law. To ensure equality of all persons before the Law and to enhance access to Justice therefore the provision of Legal Aid is critical.

JLOS with support from the DGF and in consultation with other state and non state actors developed the National Legal Aid Policy which is currently before cabinet for approval.

After approval, the National Legal Aid Bill will be tabled before Parliament and passing of this law will result in the establishment of a National Body with a mandate to provide Legal Aid across all areas of the Law.