Women Lawyers And Activists Demand Swift Approval Of Uganda’s National Legal Aid Bill
Women lawyers and rights activists in Uganda have urgently called on the government to expedite the passage of the National Legal Aid Bill into law, highlighting its critical role in ensuring access to justice for indigent, marginalised, and vulnerable citizens. The bill, initially tabled in Parliament in 2020, aims to regulate the provision of legal aid services across the country and address the significant barrier many Ugandans face in affording legal representation—a fundamental aspect of the constitutional right to a fair hearing.
According to the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Uganda, operating a single legal aid clinic in one district for a year incurs costs of €56,437.14, approximately Shs221 million. Ms. Angela Asiimwe, a member of FIDA Uganda, emphasised the profound impact of these clinics, stating that they can resolve up to 850 cases annually per district. Presently, FIDA manages 16 legal aid clinics across 16 districts and oversees four family justice desks located at magistrates’ courts.
Ms. Asiimwe revealed that FIDA has provided legal aid to 25,327 clients through 19 legal aid clinics and three family justice desks, with women constituting 70.4 percent of the beneficiaries and men 29.6 percent. “We have also recovered Shs422.1 million in maintenance and compensation for clients, as well as Shs78 million in land-related cases,” she added. She further highlighted that over 80 percent of Ugandans are unable to afford the services of private lawyers, rendering legal representation inaccessible for the majority. “An accused person cannot have a fair hearing in court without legal representation,” she explained, underscoring the urgent need for the National Legal Aid Bill.
Veteran women’s rights activist and FIDA member Ms. Miria Matembe reinforced the importance of the association’s efforts, clarifying that the fight is not against men but rather a push to empower women and promote gender equality. “When women face challenges and suffer helplessly, this organisation steps in to help. FIDA promotes gender equality, enabling women to contribute effectively to society, which ultimately benefits everyone,” Ms. Matembe stated.
As FIDA Uganda commemorates its 50th anniversary, Ms. Matembe appealed to men to join the fight for gender equality, emphasising that societal progress depends on collective effort. “When women succeed, men also benefit,” she added, highlighting the mutual advantages of empowering women and ensuring equitable access to justice for all Ugandans.
The passage of the National Legal Aid Bill is seen as a pivotal step towards bridging the justice gap in Uganda, ensuring that legal aid services are accessible, regulated, and adequately funded to meet the needs of those most vulnerable in society.
