Kalangala – The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), in partnership with the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has intensified efforts to raise awareness on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and related justice issues through a community Baraza held at Kibanga Playground in Kalangala District.
The Baraza, held on April 28, 2026, was convened under the theme “Tackling Gender-Based Violence, Land Crimes, and Refugee Protection,” reflecting a shared commitment among justice sector actors to strengthen the rule of law and enhance access to justice in vulnerable communities.
Leaders and justice sector stakeholders highlighted the unique geographical and social challenges affecting service delivery in Kalangala, noting that the district’s island-based setting complicates access to justice. They also cited rising land disputes, increasing cases of gender-based violence, refugee-related concerns, and difficulties in securing witness attendance.
Speaking on behalf of IDLO, Programme Manager Samson Asiimwe reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting the rule of law and improving justice systems. He commended the strong collaboration among justice actors in Kalangala and pledged continued support to institutions working to advance access to justice.
Representing the Director of Public Prosecutions, Odumbi James Owere emphasised the ODPP’s role as a “gatekeeper of justice,” tasked with protecting victims, ensuring fairness to suspects, and safeguarding innocent persons from wrongful prosecution. He encouraged complainants and witnesses to actively participate in court processes and assured residents that issues raised during the Baraza would inform future interventions.
During the interactive session, residents raised concerns about limited transport for justice officials, gaps in investigative practices, persistent domestic and sexual violence, land conflicts, and the legal interpretation of elopement cases.
The dialogue underscored the importance of community Barazas as platforms for accountability, legal awareness, and strengthening collaboration between justice institutions and the public.
The engagement reaffirmed a people-centred approach to justice delivery and highlighted the ODPP’s ongoing commitment to bringing services closer to the communities it serves.
ODPP, Kalangala, Gender-Based Violence, GBV, Baraza, IDLO, Kingdom of the Netherlands, justice sector, land disputes, refugee protection, access to justice, community engagement, rule of law, Uganda, prosecution, legal awareness
