KAMPALA – At least 700 cases are set to be disposed of in the third phase of special sessions to dispose of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases.
This was revealed during a meeting chaired by the Principal Judge, Dr Flavian Zeija, with officials from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Justice, Law and Order Sector Secretariat.
The UNFPA Country Representative, Alain Sibenaler commended the Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs for the interventions undertaken to enhance access to justice for women and girls especially in SGBV cases.
During the discussion on the implementation of the 2020 work plan, it was shared that the agency had approved Phase III SGBV Sessions. The Ag. Registrar High Court, Mary Ikit, said the sessions will be conducted in the High Courts of Luweero, Moroto, Kapchorwa, Gulu, Arua, Jinja, Iganga, Bundibugyo, Kiryandongo and Mubende. Similarly, the Chief Magistrates courts of Apac, Nakapiripirit, Tororo and Busia will hold dedicated SGBV Court sessions.
HW Ikit said to foster proper preparations and coordination, the Deputy Registrars and Chief Magistrates of the participating courts have been urged to generate cause lists of 50 cases each and share with key JLOS institutions such as Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution and Uganda Prison Services.
Additionally, the meeting discussed the possibility of piloting at least six e-justice court sessions on Gender-Based Violence. This, it was noted, would be used as a basis to scale up to other High Court circuits in future.
Mr Sibenaler also briefed the PJ on “Delivering an Integrated Package of Rights in Karamoja & Northern Uganda”, a two-year programme funded by the Austrian Development Agency.
The meeting which was attended by senior officials from the Justice, Law and Order Secretariat, cited challenges such as lack of full absorption of budgets and late commencement of implementation of programme activities which was occasioned by delayed work planning.
The meeting agreed on different strategies to address the challenges.
