KAMPALA – The Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Dr. Flavian Zeija has represented the Judiciary in the meeting with a team from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to discuss collaboration on strengthening Uganda’s justice system, with focusing on wildlife, environmental, and criminal justice reform.
The UNODC team was led by Ms. Sharon Lesa Nyambe, Head of Office, and included Ms. Alejandra Euceda, Programs Coordinator, and Mr. Timothy Etiang, Associate Program Officer. Also present was HW Mwesigye Julius, the Personal Assistant to the DCJ.
In this meeting which was held at Court of Appeal building in Kampala, Dr. Zeija underscored the need for a dedicated judicial division to handle wildlife and forestry cases, emphasizing that it should remain focused specifically on these areas rather than broadening its scope.
He highlighted challenges in handling appeals, storing sensitive exhibits such as ivory, and the absence of a clear appellate framework, but expressed optimism that progress toward establishing the division could be achieved within the coming year.
On the topic of access to justice for island communities, the DCJ described the unique challenges faced by residents, including lengthy and costly travel, treacherous waters, and high levels of crime. While the Judiciary had considered providing boats to facilitate access, licensing and logistical hurdles had impeded the plan. He emphasized that these communities require tailored solutions, such as permanent court infrastructure and a consistent judicial presence.
Dr. Zeija also advocated for targeted training of judicial officers in specialized areas, such as wildlife and forestry crimes. He noted that strengthening courts near protected areas like Hoima and Bushenyi would enhance both the quality and seriousness with which such cases are handled.
In response, Ms. Nyambe commended the Judiciary for its ongoing partnership with UNODC, recalling their collaboration during the National Court Open Day in 2023. She noted that UNODC’s mandate in Uganda has expanded considerably, with interventions ranging from court refurbishments and provision of video conferencing and transcription equipment to capacity-building through the Judicial Training Institute (JTI).
She further highlighted the growing connections between organized crime, wildlife trafficking, and terrorism financing particularly via cryptocurrency and announced plans for a specialized multi-agency training on this emerging threat later this year, with the Judiciary set to participate.
Ms. Euceda briefed the DCJ on activities under the EU-Uganda Forest Partnership, highlighting UNODC’s support to the Judiciary and JTI in enhancing responses to wildlife and forest crime. She outlined plans to refurbish the Standards, Utilities, and Wildlife Court; procure equipment for specialized courts; and develop a training manual on forest crime under the guidance of Professor Kasimbazi. She also noted UNODC’s support for operationalizing the Environment, Infrastructure, and Land Division of the High Court.
Mr. Etiang updated the DCJ on progress under UNODC’s five-year program on crime prevention and criminal justice, now in its third year. He identified five priority areas: improving access to justice, expanding legal aid, promoting alternatives to imprisonment, preventing youth crime and violent extremism, and countering illicit financial flows. Partnerships have been forged with LASPNET, Justice Defenders, Justice Centres, the Legal Aid Clinic, and JTI to improve legal aid services. UNODC is also working with the Prisons Service and Directorate of Community Service on rehabilitation and reintegration, and supporting the Financial Intelligence Authority to combat money laundering and tax-related crimes
