The Rotary Club of Bulindo has extended free legal aid services to residents of Bulindo through a Legal Camp held at Bulindo Catholic Church grounds.
The camp was organized to tackle ignorance of the law and to provide the community with much-needed access to justice.
It brought together legal experts, government institutions, and partner organizations to offer free consultations on issues such as land ownership, family and child protection, succession, taxation, and dispute resolution.
Speaking at the event, Paul Percy Lubega, President of the Rotary Club of Bulindo, said the initiative was born out of the realization that ignorance of the law remains one of the biggest drivers of conflict in society.
“As the Rotary Club of Bulindo, we are a community-based club, and we are looking at the many challenges that we are facing in our society today. One of the issues we cannot ignore is the high crime rate that is largely fueled by ignorance of the law.”
He explained that peace and conflict resolution are key areas of Rotary’s work, and the legal camp fits within that mission.
“You cannot stay in a community like this one without peace. That is why we decided to start a legal camp that allows people to understand issues of the law but also to interface with organizations that can help them,” Lubega said.
Highlighting land wrangles as a pressing concern, he noted the relevance of legal literacy in rapidly urbanizing areas like Bulindo and Kira.
“We have seen people come here to consult on issues of land in Bulindo and Kira. This is one of the fastest-developing areas in the country, with many acquiring land and building houses. Naturally, conflicts around land acquisition and property ownership are common, so this camp is very timely.”
Lubega emphasized that the broader goal is to fight ignorance, which he said is a silent but dangerous problem in society.
“Our responsibility is to help solve the problems of this world. One of the biggest problems we face is ignorance. In our constitution, it is clear—ignorance is no defense. You cannot say, ‘I didn’t know.’ You must know all the time. That is why we, as Rotarians, are committed to bridging this gap.”
Justus Kato, a representative from the Office of the Administrator General, educated the community on succession law and stressed the importance of making valid wills to avoid family conflicts.
“As the Office of the Administrator General, we deal with the estate of the deceased. Most of the family conflicts we handle arise because people die without making wills. A valid will helps you distribute your estate when you are still alive, giving you the right to decide for yourself how your property should be shared.”
Kato explained the critical requirements of a valid will.
“When making a will, you must sign it, have at least two witnesses, and nominate executors. Executors are the ones who put the will into force, and they are required to do their work within one year after the death of the maker.”
He cautioned that even valid wills could face challenges in court if due diligence is not observed during their drafting.
“A will can be challenged on the grounds that the maker was mentally ill at the time of writing, or if the signatures don’t match, or if it was not witnessed. In such cases, the law reverts to intestate succession, where property is distributed by law rather than the wishes of the deceased.”
He further called on families to take personal responsibility to prevent future disputes.
“The will streamlines the estate and saves families from unnecessary conflict. If you truly love your children and beneficiaries, you must ensure you leave behind a valid will. It is not enough to say, ‘they will know what to do.’ The law only recognizes what is properly written and signed.”
The legal camp attracted hundreds of residents from Bulindo and surrounding areas who consulted lawyers on issues ranging from land conflicts to tenancy rights, taxation, and family disputes.
Lubega said the camp would become an annual activity for the Rotary Club of Bulindo, aimed at empowering communities through knowledge.
“This legal camp is only the beginning. Every year, we shall call upon our colleagues in law firms, government agencies, and other organizations to join us in ensuring that people appreciate the law and use it to solve conflicts peacefully.”
The president also commended Rotarians and partners who volunteered their services.
“Many of the lawyers you see here today are members of our club. Others are friends who came to support us. Even Interpol is represented because one of their directors is a Rotarian. This shows the power of service above self, which is the Rotary spirit.”
The camp, facilitated in partnership with law firms, Uganda Police Interpol, Justice Centres, Centenary Bank, Ernest and Young, Old Mutual, Kalikumutima Advocates, Musinguzi and Musinguzi Advocates, among others, provided free legal services to people.
The camp followed previous Rotary Bulindo initiatives, including medical camps, blood donation drives, and maternal and child health programs, further cementing the club’s role as a driver of social transformation.