Officials in Uganda have urged judicial officers to protect the rights of refugees and asylum seekers in the country as they perform their duties. This appeal was made during the launch of a handbook on Refugee Access to Justice in Kampala, with speakers emphasizing the significance of this responsibility. The handbook, a collaborative effort between the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the Judiciary of the Republic of Uganda, and the Office of the Prime Minister – Department of Refugees, aims to raise awareness among judicial officers and stakeholders regarding refugee policies, ultimately enhancing access to justice for refugees in Uganda.
The primary goal of the handbook, as explained by Diana Kabahuma, the IRC’s Spokesperson, is to equip judicial officers and other stakeholders with a better understanding of Uganda’s intricate refugee policies and laws. Supreme Court Justice Christopher Izama Madrama, who chaired the Validation Committee, praised the handbook, emphasizing that it covers essential knowledge often not taught in schools. He stressed that many people lack awareness of the legal frameworks pertaining to refugee needs.
Justice Madrama acknowledged the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers, including language barriers, lack of identification documents, resource constraints, knowledge gaps among justice actors, unfamiliarity with Uganda’s legal systems, and geographical barriers hindering access to justice. He noted that the handbook is designed to address these challenges and provide crucial legal insights.
Madrama underlined the judiciary’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders and promoting humanitarian justice sector reforms. He cited a case where Somalians in Uganda had reportedly never won any legal cases, expressing hope that the handbook would improve access to justice for refugees and promote justice for all backgrounds.
Furthermore, Justice Madrama encouraged the Justice Law and Order Sector institutions to actively engage in the humanitarian justice sector forum and support government initiatives aimed at safeguarding and advancing refugee rights in Uganda.
As of May 2023, Uganda was hosting 1,547,981 refugees and asylum seekers, with ongoing arrivals primarily from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. Uganda had received 30,448 refugees from the DRC and 16,067 from South Sudan since the start of the year, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees-UNHCR Operation Update.
At the same event, High Court Civil Division Judge Dr. Douglas Singiza, appointed as a Judge in May 2022, encouraged everyone to use the handbook as an essential resource on refugee matters. He highlighted the handbook’s potential to enhance knowledge about refugee access to justice and urged judicial officers to apply the knowledge gained. Singiza also emphasized the importance of disseminating this information widely, noting that anyone can become a refugee due to conflicts and violence, reinforcing Uganda’s commitment to supporting refugees.
