Legal Aid Project
Introduction
- The department falls within ULS Strategic Objective II of strategic plan: to promote access to justice for the poor, indigent and vulnerable persons.
- The department implements its activities through The legal Aid Project (LAP), established by the Uganda Law Society with support from NBA/NORAD to ensure that the poor, indigent and vulnerable persons in Uganda access Justice.
- LAP is registered & operates legally under the NGO Act, 2016
Supervision over the LAP
- The project is overseen by the LAP Committee chaired by the ULS Vice President.
- LAP Committee seats whenever required to support LAP activities or events.
- ULS Management Legal Aid Project committee supports the diary implementation of project activities.
Number of Legal Aid Centres/Clinics
- The department serves the indigent, vulnerable and marginalized persons through 2 legal aid offices across the country
- 23 are full legal aid clinics located in; Kampala, Mbarara, Kabale, Kabarole, Masindi, Arua, Gulu, Soroti, Jinja, Luzira, Luweero & Moroto.
- And 9 are satellite clinics located in; Abim, Amuria, Kaberamaidho, Nakapiripit, Pader, Kitgum, Amudat, Moyo and Kotido
Projects Under the Legal Aid Project
- Legal Aid – International Development Law Organization (IDLO) (supports 6 clinics)
- Legal Aid- Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) (supported 6 clinics, 2 satellites & 9 Pro Bono coordination centers)
- UN Women (supported 8 satellites clinics specifically aimed at ending violence against women and girls
- International Rescue Committee (IRC) - West Nile (enhancing access to justice for refugees & host communities in West Nile)
- International Rescue Committee (IRC) - Kyaka (enhancing access to justice for refugees & host communities in Kyaka)
- Legal Aid - Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS)
- Alight (U) and Danish Refugee Council (DRC) have a MOU to represent refugees in south western Uganda, Fortportal, Kamwenge and yumbe.
Staff Capacity
LAP has 108 qualified staff in the above mentioned offices across the country and the staffing positions include
- Legal staff (Advocates/Lawyer) =49
- Paralegals= 17
- Clerks = 8
- Administrators and other support staff =15
- Drivers = 14
Key Project Outcome Areas
- Increase access to quality legal & advisory support services through Legal Aid
- Increase access to quality legal & advisory services through Pro Bono Services
- Increase Respect for Human Rights
Key Activities
- Legal representation of clients in Court.
- Conducting mediations.
- Provide legal advice and counseling
- Conduct legal and human rights awareness
- Conduct prison out reaches and visit detention facilities to assistant suspects and prisoners.
- Establish a new satellite legal aid clinic in Nabilatuk
- Develop and print Information, Education, Communication (IEC) materials.
Key Innovations
- PULIDAWO APP and USSD Code. Clients log in to locate an advocate for assistance.
- IVR-Recorded Voice Response. Clients call a toll free line (080010051) and speak to a lawyer. They also listen in to the recorded information on GBV, bond and bail.
- ULS will be running a call blast next quarter to women and girls in the communities informing them of ULS-LAP services and GBV.