The Principal Judge, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, presided over the launch of the Judiciary Time-Share Fast Mechanism for Gender-Based Violence(GBV) cases, codenamed Justice 4Her, at Gulu High Court.
The event commenced with Justice Dr. Zeija inspecting the Guard of Honor. He was received by the Head of the Gulu High Court Circuit, Justice Phillip Odoki, alongside judicial officers, various justice sector stakeholders, and the Gulu City leadership.
Justice Dr. Zeija emphasized that the Justice 4Her project is not merely an initiative but a beacon of hope. It represents a commitment by justice stakeholders and development partners to ensure full access to justice for survivors of violence. "This initiative is a commitment to ensuring that justice is not a privilege for the few but a right for all, especially women who have endured violence and injustice for far too long," he said.
He noted that GBV is not just a violation of human rights but a significant barrier to equality, dignity, and development. It deprives survivors of security, their voice, and often their hope. He acknowledged that violence against women and girls remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally, and Uganda is no exception.
Justice Dr. Zeija outlined the project's key focus areas in addressing structural and cultural barriers to justice for GBV survivors. These include enhancing case pre-trial preparation, increasing the use of technology during trials, capacity development and staff well-being, and providing institutional support to victims.
He urged all stakeholders to empower GBV survivors not just with legal support but with the confidence that their voices matter and their rights will be upheld. He emphasized that justice cannot be achieved by one institution alone but requires collective commitment from government agencies, civil society, legal professionals, and communities. "The interests of justice demand that we work together to challenge harmful norms, strengthen our legal frameworks, and ensure that survivors are met with compassion, not condemnation," he said.
Justice Dr. Zeija also noted that the project marks a departure from the traditional session-based system, providing an opportunity to mainstream the daily hearing of GBV cases. He called for unwavering commitment from all involved, stressing that justice must be delivered without fear, favor, or ill will.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to the project's development partners-the Austrian Development Agency for financial support and UN Women for steering the implementation. He reaffirmed the Judiciary's commitment to ensuring justice for GBV survivors and maintaining accountability in the process.
Justice Odoki thanked Justice Dr. Zeija for presiding over the launch of the Justice 4Her project. He cited Article 28 of the Constitution, which mandates the right to a speedy trial, stressing that justice should not be delayed.
Providing an overview of the Gulu High Court Circuit, he reported that, as of the previous day, the circuit had 1,876 pending cases, 867categorized as backlog (over two years old), and 433 criminal cases ready for trial, including 230 categorized as sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV)cases.
He noted that the project comes at a crucial time to restore hope by ensuring justice for victims, survivors, and accused persons. However, he emphasized that its success hinges on the commitment and dedication of all stakeholders.
Justice Odoki also highlighted the establishment of a witness protection room at Gulu High Court, a critical step in ensuring survivor safety and confidentiality. He called on law enforcement officers to conduct thorough investigations to strengthen prosecutions.
Additionally, he stressed the need for public sensitization on GBV, focusing on where to report cases, how to preserve crime scenes, and steps to take in seeking justice.
He concluded by pledging full commitment to ensuring the project's success, urging all stakeholders to work collaboratively in delivering justice efficiently and effectively.
Ag. Chief Registrar HW Pamella Lamunu Ocaya reiterated that the Justice 4Her project aims at enhancing the Judiciary's capacity to identify, prioritize, and expedite GBV case management, leveraging technology for improved efficiency. She described the initiative as both timely and necessary.
She acknowledged that GBV cases constitute a significant portion of the Judiciary's case backlog, emphasizing that these are not just statistics but a reflection of societal issues requiring urgent intervention.
She urged stakeholders to implement the agreed resolutions and interventions to fast-track GBV cases within the judicial system. She also encouraged deeper reflection on the root causes of GBV and the need for ongoing dialogue to mitigate its prevalence for a safer Uganda.
She concluded by extending appreciation to the project's partners-the Austrian Development Agency and UN Women-as well as implementing agencies, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP),the Uganda Police Force, the Uganda Prisons Service, and the judges handling these cases.
Ms. Adekemi Ndieli, Deputy Country Representative of UN Women, congratulated Justice Dr. Zeija on his appointment as Deputy Chief Justice.
She highlighted that the development of this mechanism was a participatory, consultative, and collaborative process requiring significant stakeholder engagement.
Ms. Ndieli emphasized that combating GBV requires substantial resources and expressed deep appreciation to the Austrian Development Agency for its commitment to supporting GBV interventions and improving access to justice for women and girls in Uganda. She stated, "The fight against gender-based violence demands collective effort and significant investment. We are grateful to the Austrian Development Agency for standing with us in ensuring that women and girls in Uganda can access the justice they deserve."
She underscored that access to justice is fundamental to an effective, accountable, and gender-responsive justice system and is essential for realizing the rights of women and girls.
Recognizing ongoing efforts to dispose of GBV cases, she noted that special sessions and daily hearings have significantly contributed to reducing case backlog. She stated, "The introduction of special sessions and prioritization of daily hearings have proven effective in expediting GBV case disposal. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping the Justice 4HerTime-Share Fast Track Mechanism, ensuring that survivors receive timely justice."
Ms. Ndieli concluded by reaffirming UN Women’s commitment to the cause, expressing confidence that collaboration, dedication, and hard work will drive the project's success. She emphasized the importance of aligning efforts with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensuring that no one is left behind especially the most vulnerable.
The event was moderated by Deputy Registrar Gulu High Court, HW Obong George.
Posted 20th, March 2025
