Kampala– The Chief Executive Officer of FIDA Uganda, Ms Liliane Byarugaba Adriko, on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, at her chambers in Kampala to discuss how to improve access to justice, particularly for women, children and other vulnerable groups.
Lady Justice Abodo described FIDA Uganda as “home” to her and expressing appreciation for the organisation’s congratulatory message following her appointment. She commended FIDA Uganda for its longstanding contribution to legal aid and its unwavering commitment to ensuring justice reaches vulnerable communities across Uganda.
The Principal Judge observed that the Judiciary’s partnership with FIDA Uganda has had a visible impact, even in some of the country’s most remote areas, where the organisation continues to provide legal services to those most in need.
She emphasised that while the Judiciary bears the constitutional responsibility of administering justice, it cannot achieve this mandate in isolation and therefore relies on strong partnerships with organizations such as FIDA Uganda.
Lady Justice Abodo called on the organisation to support the Judiciary’s efforts to promote Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), mediation and plea bargaining through sustained public awareness and community sensitization. She noted that many court users remain unaware of these mechanisms, which provide faster, more affordable and less adversarial avenues for resolving disputes. She also encouraged FIDA Uganda to continue mentoring young lawyers,stressing that the legal profession should be anchored in integrity, service and a commitment to healing society.
Nsangi Chief Magistrate, HW Winfred Naigaga Kyobiika, a former Board Member of FIDA Uganda, congratulated the Principal Judge upon her appointment and thanked her for receiving the team. She highlighted the strong partnership that has existed between the Judiciary and FIDA Uganda through legal aid, advocacy and public interest litigation aimed at protecting the rights of women, children and other vulnerable members of society.
Speaking on behalf of FIDA Uganda, Ms Adriko congratulated Lady Justice Abodo on her appointment and described her as a long-standing champion of access to justice whose leadership continues to inspire the organisation.
She also recognised HW Kyobiika’s contribution during her tenure on the FIDA Uganda Board, particularly in strengthening collaboration with the International Association of Women Judges–Uganda Chapter, promoting gender-responsive jurisprudence through judicial exchanges, and supporting initiatives such as the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
Ms Adriko said the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss practical challenges affecting women’s access to justice while identifying areas for deeper collaboration between the Judiciary and the organization.
While commending the Judiciary for reforms aimed at reducing case backlog, expanding Alternative Dispute Resolution, improving case management, strengthening court infrastructure and advancing digital justice through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS). She noted that many women and vulnerable court users continue to face significant barriers. These include long distances to courts, delays in case disposal, limited digital literacy and access, inadequate communication regarding adjournments, and accessibility challenges faced persons with disabilities.
Drawing from FIDA Uganda’s legal aid experience, Ms Adriko proposed harmonizing formal and customary justice systems to better protect women and children, improving communication with litigants whenever court sessions are adjourned or judicial officers are unavailable, expanding circuit court sessions to underserved communities, and dedicating additional judicial attention to family and succession matters.
