The State-Funded Legal Representation Implementation Committee this morning convened at the Supreme Court for its first meeting of the 2025/26 Financial Year.
Chaired by the Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya, the session brought together key justice sector stakeholders to deliberate on issues raised during a recent training on the scheme.
In her opening remarks, HW Lamunu commended the members for their dedication to strengthening access to justice. She noted that the recent training was timely and instrumental in identifying gaps in the system, adding that there was a proposal to extend similar capacity-building sessions to magistrates.
"As we meet today, we must examine the areas of concern that arose from the training and work collectively to address or eliminate these challenges," she said.
It was further observed that continuous training on state briefs has already yielded positive results-attracting senior lawyers to the scheme, increasing the participation of female advocates, and improving the quality of legal representation provided.
The meeting was attended by Registrars; HW Thadius Ayebare Tumwebaze (Supreme Court), HW Prossy Katushabe(High Court), HW Allen Rukundo Omwebabazi (Court of Appeal) HW Agnes Alum (Magistrates Affairs and Data Management) and HW Patricia Amoko, Principal Legal Secretary to the Chief Registrar.
Also present were Ms. Margaret Nakigudde, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions; Dr. Sylvia Namubiru Mukasa, CEO of LASPNET; SP Victoria Nahyema, Legal Officer at the Uganda Prisons Service; Ms. Margaret Kobusingye, representative of the Secretary, Law Council; Ms. Lydia Namuli Lukwago, Manager of the Legal Aid Clinic; and Ms. Mary Kyomugisha, In-Charge of Naguru Remand Home.
Established under Rule5 of the Judicature (Legal Representation at the Expense of the State) Rules,2022, the Committee is charged with monitoring the implementation of state-funded legal representation for accused persons, handling applications from advocates seeking to join the roll of state-appointed advocates.
The Committee is also tasked with reviewing and setting fees payable to advocates, resolving complaints from stakeholders, and addressing emerging issues to ensure the effective application of the Rules.
Posted 12th, August 2025
