The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, on Monday presided over a Court Open Day at the Rakai District Headquarters grounds, reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to expanding access to justice and strengthening efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Held under the theme “Justice Begins with You: Report Gender-Based Violence. Access Justice,” the event brought together judicial officers, justice sector actors, development partners, and members of the public in a strong demonstration of community-centred justice.
Upon arrival, Justice Abodo was received by a cross-section of judicial officers led by Lady Justice Victoria Nakintu Nkwanga Katamba, Head of the Masaka High Court Circuit, and Lady Justice Fatuma Nanziri Bwanika, Resident Judge for Masaka. Other attendees included Deputy Registrar Karungi Loe, Chief Magistrates Vueni Raphael (Rakai) and Abert Asiimwe (Masaka), as well as Grade One Magistrates from the greater Masaka High Court Circuit.
Key stakeholders from across the justice chain—including representatives from UN Women, the Uganda Prisons Service, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions—also attended. Notable guests included Adekemi Ndieli, Deputy Country Representative of UN Women, and Apollo Mwanje, Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Rakai.
Justice Abodo inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Uganda Police Force before touring exhibition stalls showcasing services offered by various justice institutions.
Earlier in the day, she convened a strategic engagement with judicial officers and stakeholders at Rakai Chief Magistrate’s Court.
She also inspected ongoing construction works at the court premises, which are currently at 54 percent completion—an indication of the Judiciary’s continued investment in infrastructure aimed at bringing services closer to the people.
Central to the event was a renewed focus on tackling GBV through innovative justice interventions. In partnership with UN Women, the Judiciary is implementing the Justice for Her Project, a time-share fast-track mechanism designed to improve the handling and disposal of GBV cases.
The initiative is currently being piloted in the Gulu and Masaka High Court Circuits. It covers Gulu, Nwoya, and Amuru Chief Magistrates’ Courts under the Gulu Circuit, as well as Masaka, Kalangala, Ssembabule, and Rakai Chief Magistrates’ Courts under the Masaka Circuit.
The project seeks to dismantle structural and cultural barriers that hinder access to justice for survivors by enhancing pre-trial preparation, leveraging technology in court processes, building the capacity of justice actors, and promoting staff wellbeing.
Deo Akugizibwe, Communications Officer at the Judiciary, led a public sensitisation session highlighting ongoing efforts to combat GBV and encouraging communities to report cases and seek justice.
“Justice is not just delivered in courtrooms; it begins with every individual taking a stand against abuse. By reporting cases and engaging with justice institutions, communities can ensure that survivors receive the protection and remedies they deserve,” Justice Abodo said.
The Court Open Day was moderated by Deputy Registrar Zulaika Nanteza, with support from the Judiciary Communications team, ensuring an interactive platform between justice providers and the public.
The event was held with support from the Government of Uganda and UN Women, underscoring a collaborative approach to promoting justice, safeguarding human rights, and addressing Gender-Based Violence at the community level.
