Judiciary, UNODC strengthen partnership to improve justice delivery

The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has held discussions with the Head of Office of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Uganda, Ms Jeptum Bargoria, on strengthening cooperation between the two institutions.

The meeting focused on making the longstanding Judiciary–UNODC partnership more strategic, impactful, and results-oriented, with emphasis on interventions that improve justice delivery and benefit court users.

Justice Abodo said the judiciary values partnerships with development partners and appreciated the support received over the years. She noted that the institution has shifted from focusing mainly on activities to pursuing measurable outcomes.

She identified key priority areas, including reducing criminal case backlogs, prison decongestion, promoting alternative justice mechanisms, and expanding digital justice services.

The Principal Judge highlighted the Judiciary’s continued adoption of technology through tools such as digital evidence systems, transcription services, and video conferencing to make justice faster and more accessible.

She also emphasised the need to strengthen specialised criminal justice interventions and improve the use of forensic evidence in handling complex cases.

“We have made some progress, but the challenge is taking these initiatives deeper so that the Judicial Officers and the public utilise them,” Justice Abodo said.

Ms. Bargoria commended the Judiciary’s initiatives, including specialised justice weeks, settlement fortnights, and Court Open Days, saying they have contributed to improving access to justice.

She pledged UNODC’s continued support and highlighted areas for further cooperation, particularly in financial crime justice, asset recovery, freezing, and forfeiture.

The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of both institutions to a focused partnership built on strategic priorities, measurable results, and sustainable improvements in Uganda’s justice system.

Also present were the Principal Judge’s Personal Assistant, HW Edger Nyakairu, and UNODC Project Officers Ms Annet Koote and Ms Barbara Nakijoba.