Strengthening Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Launched in Uganda
A Five-Year Initiative to Improve Access to Justice
The Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Richard Buteera, has launched a five-year programme aimed at strengthening the rule of law through crime prevention and promoting effective, fair, humane, and accountable criminal justice systems in Uganda.
About the Programme
The Strengthening Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme (2022-2027) is organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Uganda Office. The programme is designed to contribute to the strengthening of the rule of law and improve access to justice for all, particularly vulnerable groups.
Key Objectives
The programme has several key objectives:
- To strengthen the criminal justice system in Uganda through digitalization and capacity building of institutions
- To promote effective investigations and digitized records
- To align laws regulating digital and cyber space with technological advancements
- To ensure successful prosecution of criminal cases in courts of law
Programme Implementation
The programme brings together institutions under the Administration of Justice Programme (AJP), including:
- The judiciary
- Police
- Prisons
- Other stakeholders
These institutions will work together towards delivering criminal justice services to the people of Uganda. The Deputy Chief Justice called upon all stakeholders to take the implementation of the UNODC Programme seriously to ensure effective administration and delivery of criminal justice systems in Uganda.
Capacity Building and Training
The programme will focus on capacity building and training for:
- Judges
- Prosecutors
- Police investigators
This training will enable them to effectively handle digital evidence, investigate crimes, and prosecute cases in a timely manner.
Support from the UN Resident Coordinator
The UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda, Ms. Susan Ngongi Namondo, commended the programme as a value-added contribution to the government’s efforts to expand access to justice to all Ugandans.
Launch of the Programme
The launch was attended by top officials from the judiciary, including the Principal Judge, Hon. Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, and other dignitaries. The event marked the beginning of a new era in strengthening the criminal justice system in Uganda and promoting economic development through effective administration of justice.
Call to Action
The Deputy Chief Justice emphasized that this initiative will help to ensure that the criminal justice system in Uganda is effective and efficient. He called upon all stakeholders to take the implementation of the UNODC Programme seriously to ensure effective administration and delivery of criminal justice systems in Uganda.