In a major step toward delivering faster and fairer justice for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), the Judiciary has launched the "Justice for Her" project at the Nebbi Courthouse in Uganda’s West Nile region.
The initiative, officially unveiled by Acting Principal Judge Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga, aims to accelerate the resolution of GBV cases and strengthen judicial support for women and girls affected by violence.
Also referred to as the Rapid Resolution Mechanism for GBV Cases, the project is funded by UN Women and the Austrian Development Cooperation, and will initially be rolled out in Nebbi, Gulu, and Masaka.
It seeks to address systemic delays in handling GBV-related cases, reduce case backlogs, digitize courtrooms, and deploy more judicial personnel to underserved areas.
“We must act now,” said Justice Kajuga at the launch. “Our goal is to see tangible progress by July. This is not just about implementation—it’s about restoring dignity and justice to survivors.”
The project comes in response to worrying statistics from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2022, which shows that over 50% of Ugandan women have experienced physical violence—a rate that exceeds the continental average.
These figures underline the urgent need for reforms that center the experiences of survivors in the justice system.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Adekemi Ndieli, representing UN Women, emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring and proposed the adoption of virtual court sessions to increase access for victims in rural or remote communities.
She applauded the Judiciary’s leadership, particularly Deputy Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, for championing the initiative.
The Judiciary has committed Shs350 million toward the project’s implementation. In addition to expediting justice, the funds will be used to enhance courtroom infrastructure and introduce victim-friendly procedures, including trauma-informed approaches.
Lady Justice Harriet Grace Magala, Judge of the Arua High Court, lent her voice in support, urging for the official opening of the Nebbi Court to allow survivors easier access to legal recourse.
The launch was attended by a broad cross-section of stakeholders including justice sector officials, police, human rights defenders, religious leaders, and local community members.
Mr Deo Akugizibwe, representing the Judiciary, reiterated that the institution is committed to making justice “swift, fair, and accessible—especially for the most vulnerable.”
With its survivor-centered design and focus on systemic reform, the “Justice for Her” initiative promises to be a turning point in Uganda’s fight against GBV, and a model for making justice truly inclusive and responsive.
