“JUSTICE FOR HER” PROJECT LAUNCHED IN NEBBI

A photo montage from the event on June 27, 2025.

By Mike Rwothomio

Zombo

In a pivotal advancement to strengthen the judicial response to gender-based violence (GBV), the Acting Principal Judge, Hon. Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga, officially inaugurated the Justice for Her Project at the Nebbi High Court Circuit on June 27, 2025.

This initiative, formally designated as the Judiciary Time-Share Fast-Track Mechanism for GBV Cases, is designed to expedite the adjudication of GBV-related cases, enhance victim support, and broaden access to justice for women and girls affected by violence across Uganda.

The “Justice for Her” Project, supported by UN Women and the Austrian Development Cooperation, will be implemented in the High Court circuits of Nebbi, Gulu, and Masaka.

This collaborative effort aims to address the systemic delays in GBV case resolution, promote victim-centered and gender-sensitive approaches, and ensure equitable access to justice.

Project Framework and Implementation

According to a statement released by SP Collins Asea, the police spokesperson for North and West Nile region, a high-level strategic meeting preceded the launch, where stakeholders reviewed the project’s roadmap, focusing on timelines, resource allocation, and the establishment of robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks.

Ms. Adekemi Ndieli, Deputy Country Representative for UN Women, underscored the necessity of a dedicated M&E officer and proposed the digitization of at least two courtrooms to enable virtual hearings, thereby enhancing efficiency and accessibility for GBV cases.

Hon. Lady Justice Kajuga emphasized the urgency of implementation, stating, “We must act with diligence. By July, we expect measurable progress to enable effective monitoring and evaluation. This initiative is not merely procedural; it is a commitment to delivering justice to those most in need.”

She expressed gratitude to UN Women, the Austrian Development Cooperation, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands for their support, noting the allocation of UGX 350 million to the project.

Dangers of Gender-Based Violence in Uganda

Gender-based violence, as defined by the 1993 UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, encompasses any act causing physical, sexual, or psychological harm, including threats, coercion, or deprivation of liberty, whether in public or private spheres.

In Uganda, GBV represents a grave violation of human rights and a significant public health crisis, disproportionately affecting women and girls.

The consequences of GBV are profound, leading to Physical and Psychological Harm, Socioeconomic Impacts, Intergenerational Effects amongst others.

Recent Statistics 

According to the 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS), 51% of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence, compared to a continental average of 37.7%, and 17% reported sexual violence in the past year.

The 2020 National Survey on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) reported that 95% of Ugandan women and girls have experienced physical or sexual violence since age 15, with 86% facing workplace violence in the preceding 12 months.

A 2023 Police Crime Report recorded 15,184 domestic violence cases, with 10,792 female adult victims and 644 juvenile female victims, highlighting the disproportionate burden on women and girls.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated GBV, with a 25% increase in teenage pregnancies, school dropouts, and early marriages reported in rural areas.

According to stakeholders, these statistics highlight the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address GBV as a systemic issue rooted in gender inequality, patriarchal norms, and socioeconomic disparities.

Engagement in initiatives like the “Justice for Her” Project yields significant benefits, including, Enhanced Access to Justice, Fast-tracking GBV cases reduces judicial backlog, ensuring timely resolution and accountability.

Special GBV court sessions, as implemented in Nebbi, Gulu, and Masaka, according to stakeholders will improve conviction rates and victim experiences.

Judicial Commitment 

Hon. Lady Justice Harriet Grace Magala, Resident Judge of Arua High Court, pledged full support and advocated for the formal establishment of the Nebbi High Court to further enhance judicial access in the region.

Mr. John Paul Edoku, representing the National Registrar, commended the dedication of judicial officers in Nebbi and surrounding districts and expressed gratitude to international partners for their support.

The launch event was attended by representatives from justice sector institutions, the Uganda Police Force, human rights organizations, religious leaders, and community members.

Proceedings were presided over by Mr. Deo Akugizibwe of the Judiciary. Chief Magistrate Cyrus Ssennoga Mawano was recognized for reorganizing court archives using acid-free storage boxes, improving case management efficiency.

The Justice for Her Project represents a landmark effort to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in Uganda. By leveraging judicial reforms, stakeholder collaboration, and international support, the initiative seeks to deliver timely justice, empower survivors, and foster systemic change to combat GBV, aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan III goal to reduce GBV prevalence by 30% by 2025.