Africa-Press – Uganda. The Acting Principal Judge, Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga, has officially launched Phase One of the Daily Hearing of Criminal Cases Pilot Project, aimed at accelerating justice delivery for gender-based violence (GBV) and other priority criminal cases across five High Court Circuits — Mbarara, Luwero, Wakiso, Entebbe, and Mukono.
The hybrid launch brought together key players in the justice sector, including judges from participating circuits, registrars, representatives from the International Development Law Organisation (IDLO), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Justice Centres Uganda, and the Uganda Law Society.
Justice Okuo commended stakeholders for their commitment to improving access to justice and singled out IDLO for its continued support.
She said that while expediting trials, the daily hearing model must uphold due process by safeguarding the presumption of innocence and ensuring the right to legal representation.
“This should not remain a pilot, but a routine practice replicated across the country to deliver justice for the most vulnerable,” she said, expressing optimism that the project would reduce prolonged pre-trial detention and restore public trust in the judiciary.
She assured the public that civil and miscellaneous matters would continue to be heard alongside criminal cases to prevent disruptions in participating courts.
IDLO Country Manager, Ms Barbara Kilei, welcomed the initiative, noting that while GBV cases are the main focus, other serious offences, including economic and land-related crimes, must also be addressed as they significantly impact livelihoods and national development.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. John Baptist Asiimwe, described the project as a critical step toward timely justice but highlighted that its success depends on the readiness and coordination of all criminal justice actors, citing staffing gaps in the ODPP, limited facilitation for witnesses, and the need for stronger collaboration among the Police, Prisons, and defense lawyers.
Stakeholders agreed on key next steps, including strengthening coordination through a leadership structure, jointly cause-listing cases, conducting prison visits to sensitise inmates, and appointing a DPP focal person to oversee implementation.
The initiative, under the Access to Justice for Sustainable Development Programme supported by IDLO, will run for two years.
Phase One begins on November 3, 2025, with monthly reviews planned to assess progress and replicate successful practices nationwide.
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