The Case for Access to Justice in Uganda

Access to justice is a crucial legal principle that has recently gained traction in Uganda through significant legal reforms. Historically, individuals accused of crimes often faced extensive delays, lacking a proper bail system or right to a speedy trial, leading to lengthy pretrial detentions. Efforts by American lawyers and local legal students have exposed cases like that of a maid named Rose, highlighting the dire circumstances some accused individuals face and the difficulties they encounter in receiving fair representation. These reforms aim to establish a more equitable justice system, emphasizing that a person is innocent until proven guilty—an idea that is gradually taking root across Africa.