Remarks at Launch of UNODC Programme on “Strengthening Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Uganda”

 My Lord the Deputy Chief Justice of Uganda, Hon. Justice Richard Buteera,

The Principal Judge of Uganda, Hon. Dr. Judge Flavian Zeija,

Hon. Justices, Judges and Judicial Officials of the Courts of Judicature of Uganda,

The Ambassador of the Netherlands to Uganda, Her Excellency Karin Boven,

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo,

The Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija,

Representatives of the various Development Partners,

UNODC Regional Representative for Eastern Africa, Mr. Neil J. Walsh,

Heads of UN Agencies in Uganda,

UNODC Head of Office for Uganda, Ms. Sharon Lesa Nyambe,

Heads of Government Institutions,

Representatives of Civil society, Academia and the Private Sector,

Religious and Cultural Leaders,

Members of the Press,

Ladies and Gentlemen

On behalf of the United Nations System in Uganda, I am pleased to join you today as we launch a programme aimed at creating an enabling environment for equitable access to justice and strengthening responses aimed at countering organized crime.

Today’s launch brings great joy for the UN system in Uganda: The “Strengthening Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme in Uganda”, is the maiden Country Programme for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Uganda.

The programme that we launch today, is home grown and all encompassing; responding directly to the unique challenges in crime prevention and access to justice, identified by Government officials, institutions and agencies, together with other relevant stakeholders.

Let me congratulate the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Justice Institutions and Civil Society Organizations, for this timely partnership which will contribute to the strengthening of the rule of law, access to justice, crime prevention and the promotion of effective, fair, humane and accountable criminal justice systems in line with international standards and norms.

Let me most sincerely thank the Government of the Netherlands, represented here by H.E Karin Boven, for the generous financial support which has enabled this programme come to fruition. This programme is a good reflection on how the UN system can work with development partners like the Government of Netherlands, Government, civil society and private sector to forge a strong partnership for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals – SDG 17.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This initiative is at the heart of sustainable and inclusive development and is essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda. Accessing and securing justice is a critical component of SDG 16, on promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies while enabling access to justice for all in an effective and accountable manner, at all levels.

A peaceful and just society is not only a goal by itself but is also a means to realizing many of the other SDGs, including those related to education, health, gender equality and decent work. Effective justice systems based on the rule of law are central to enabling all people, including vulnerable groups to become equal partners in decision-making and development.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Uganda has a solid track record in the area of strengthening the rule of law and access to justice in form of laws and policies. The Government of Uganda under the Justice Law and Order Sector has made several strides including the establishment of key justice institutions, capacity building for personnel and innovations such as automation of case management which have furthered access to justice in Uganda. 

Despite these developments, it is evident that the country still faces several challenges, particularly due to institutional capacity limitations. These challenges include capacity gaps in systems and processes which affects the efficiency and effectiveness of institutions in addressing the justice needs of communities.

Congestion in prisons, high case backlog, the slow speed and poor quality of investigations, inefficiencies in case management, limited access to legal aid especially for the most vulnerable, high rates of pretrial detention and low staffing levels among others, continue to undermine the right to quality, accessible and timely justice for citizens especially the poor and vulnerable.  

While these challenges persist, there are also new and emerging crimes powered by the world wide web and the internet: Illicit drug trafficking and terrorism, cybercrime, including online sexual exploitation and abuse of children, environmental crime and trafficking in cultural property.

Relatedly there is growing economic crime – such as large illicit financial flows which foster other kinds of organized crime and contribute to destabilization, with funds diverted to fund groups engaged in violet conflict. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

To address the above-mentioned concerns, it is important to find renewed strategies, partnerships and innovations – that mirror the bold actions the Government of Uganda has showed us in the past – to confront the challenges of today. 

We look to this initiative to accelerate actions and investments focusing on deepening access to justice in Uganda, including through provision of legal aid and legal information and capacity building for justice actors. Supporting young people in conflict with the law, women and people living with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups is necessary for the achievement of the 2030 agenda and reinforces our quest to leaving no one behind.

We are pleased that the programme on Strengthening Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Uganda has been developed in close collaboration with key Justice institutions including the Judiciary, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Uganda Prisons Service (UPS), Uganda Police Force (UPF) and Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). We are also pleased that UNODC has partnered with Civil Society Organizations including Legal Aid Service Providers. This collaborative approach is key to transforming policies, practices and investments in the administration of justice in the country.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of UN Family, I reiterate our commitment to support the Government and people of Uganda – through the implementation of our joint UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021-2025. The programme we are launching today is part of the implementation of the UN Cooperation Framework with the Government, under Strategic Priority I on Transformative and Inclusive Governance.

As I conclude, I would like to appreciate the Government of Uganda for the continued co-operation with the United Nations, and also express my gratitude to the Government of the Netherlands for the generous political and financial support to this initiative. Working together, we can all ensure peace, justice and inclusive societies for all.

Thank you for your kind attention.