Residents of Misonzi Island in Bufumira Sub-county, Kalangala, gathered at Misonzi Pentecostal Church on Wednesday for a Community Baraza aimed at strengthening access to justice and addressing barriers to the effective handling of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and other cases.
The dialogue, led by Chief Magistrate Glory Alleluya in partnership with Heroes for Gender Transformative Action and the Uganda Police Force, brought together judicial officers, police representatives, local government officials, and community members to promote awareness of court procedures and enhance collaboration across the justice chain.
Alleluya outlined the courts’ mandate in handling SGBV, criminal, and civil matters, emphasizing the shared responsibility of complainants, investigators, prosecutors, and community leaders in ensuring justice.
She stressed that access to justice extends beyond the courtroom and requires timely reporting, thorough investigations, and community cooperation.
“Access to justice does not begin and end in the courtroom. It requires timely reporting, thorough investigations, and the active cooperation of the community to ensure that survivors of SGBV and other complainants receive the protection and remedies they deserve,” she said.
The Chief Magistrate also highlighted Judiciary interventions to improve efficiency and reduce case backlogs, including plea bargaining, mediation, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms.
She encouraged residents to embrace these initiatives, noting that they facilitate timely dispute resolution while preserving social harmony.
The meeting included the District Criminal Investigations Officer, a representative of the District Police Commander, the Community Development Officer, the Probation Officer, and other local leaders, emphasizing a multi-sectoral approach to justice, particularly in hard-to-reach island communities.
Community members welcomed the initiative, describing it as a crucial step in demystifying court processes and empowering residents with knowledge of their rights and available legal remedies.
The outreach forms part of ongoing efforts by justice sector actors to decentralize services and bring them closer to the people.