LocationsStrengthening Access to Justice in Uganda’s Small Island Communities: A Partnership Between the Judiciary and UNDP
September 1, 2025
A google map showing routes from Kampala Capital City to Buvuma Island
Buvuma Island, located in Lake Victoria, is one of Uganda’s largest islands and part of a cluster of 54 islands that make up Buvuma District in the Central Region. Situated approximately 90 km southeast of Kampala and 25 km south of Jinja, Buvuma remains one of the country’s hard-to-reach areas. Its island terrain, unreliable water transport, and limited infrastructure present significant challenges to service delivery, including access to justice. From the mainland, Buvuma Island is accessed via the Kiyindi landing site on the Mukono to Njeru Road, followed by a one-hour ferry journey aboard the MV Palm-Uganda to the Kirongo landing site on Buvuma. Local boat services also connect communities across the archipelago.
For years, Buvuma Island with approximately 120,000 residents has faced complex challenges in service delivery due to the dispersed geography, difficult terrain, inadequate infrastructure, and limited financial and human resources. As noted by the Local Council V Chairperson, the district lacks a Permanent Magistrate's court and State Attorney, forcing residents to undertake long and costly journeys often by boat to access justice services, at the High Court in Mukono a nearby district.
Uganda's Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, (Centre) takes a group photo with stakeholders during the Court Open Day in Buvuma Island
Strengthening Access to Justice through Court Open Days
On 13 May 2025, the Judiciary of Uganda, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held the first-ever Court Open Day in the Buvuma Islands, at the Buvuma Magistrate’s Court. This milestone event marked a significant step forward in the Judiciary’s commitment to extending justice services to Uganda’s hard to reach communities, many of whom face unique barriers of accessing justice services.
The Court Open Day brought together the Judiciary and other key justice sector stakeholders, including the Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, civil society organizations, lawyers and security organs resident in Buvuma. Through an exhibition, these partners showcased the services they provide and engaged with the local community to offer clarifications on justice-related concerns and procedures. In addition, there was insightful participation of the district leaders and the local community.
The event demonstrated the importance of integrated, community-based approaches to justice and highlighted how collaboration among institutions and the local community helps to break down barriers and bring justice closer to the people of Buvuma.
In his keynote address, the Deputy Chief Justice emphasized that judicial power originates from the people, stating, “Judicial power comes from the people. Their voices must shape how we deliver services, even in the most remote areas.” He reaffirmed that access to justice is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and outlined key ongoing reforms by the Judiciary aimed at strengthening justice service delivery in hard-to-reach areas. These reforms include the expansion of High Court circuits, plans to assign a resident Chief Magistrate to Buvuma, the provision of speed boats to facilitate travel for judicial officers across the islands, and the introduction of e-justice solutions such as Video Conferencing Systems for courts and prisons—highlighted by the recent launch at the nearby Mukono High Court Circuit.
He also commended the Buvuma District Local Government for allocating land for the construction of a permanent courthouse and noted that the Judiciary is actively working to mobilize resources for its construction.
On her part, Her Worship Lamunu Pamella Ocaya, Acting Chief Registrar, reiterated the Judiciary’s commitment to effective and accountable service delivery in her remarks. She urged judicial officers and other justice chain actors to uphold high standards of professionalism, provide timely and respectful services, fight corruption, and maintain a client-centered approach.
Similarly, His Worship Johnson Talemwa, Magistrate at Buvuma Court, noted that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms are being implemented at the Buvuma Magistrate’s Court. He highlighted that reconciliation, mediation, and small claims procedures are being encouraged, and the local community has responded positively, appreciating this approach to resolving disputes.
Community members in Buvuma Island engaging with services during a Court Open Day event
Community Concerns within the Island
The Court Open Day fostered meaningful dialogue, with community members sharing challenges and suggestions to improve justice services in Buvuma. The Deputy RDC confirmed land had been allocated for a permanent courthouse and urged swift action.
In a session with over 150 participants, key concerns included:
Lack of banking services complicating bail payments;
Persistent land disputes and slow resolution;
Widespread gender-based violence with limited support;
Poor infrastructure, no electricity, inadequate housing for judicial staff, and dilapidated court and police facilities;
Delayed investigations leading to case failures.
Judicial officers addressed these issues, pledged collaboration with local leaders, and reaffirmed their commitment to improving justice delivery in this underserved region.
Community members engaging with services during a Court Open Day event
UNDP’s People-Centered Approach to Justice
The UNDP Resident Representative emphasized that the partnership with the Judiciary aligns with UNDP’s vision of transformative governance. Court Open Days help demystify judicial processes, build trust, and empower citizens especially vulnerable groups like women, youth, and persons with disabilities to claim their rights.
Beyond Court Open Days, UNDP supports Uganda’s justice sector through various initiatives, including:
Installing video conferencing systems in courts and prisons to reduce case backlogs (already in Masaka, Gulu, Mubende, Mbale, Mukono, Jinja; ongoing in Kitgum and Lamwo);
Promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for faster, affordable, and community-friendly justice;
Advancing gender equality and supporting survivors of gender-based violence;
Strengthening local council courts to improve grassroots access to justice;
Providing legal aid services to vulnerable populations.
UNDP remains committed to fostering an inclusive, transparent, and accessible justice system for all Ugandans, including those in underserved areas.
Annet Mpabulungi, Team Leader Governance and Peace Strengthening, UNDP Uganda giving remarks on behalf of UNDP during the Court Open Day in Buvuma Island
Conclusion and the Path Forward
For Buvuma residents, the Court Open Day marked a turning point in bridging the justice gap for island communities. In a symbolic gesture, they presented an oar to UNDP and the Judiciary signifying the start of a journey toward accessible, people-centered justice.
The event provided a platform for public feedback, with the Deputy Chief Justice pledging to assign a Resident Attorney and fast-track the construction of a permanent courthouse.
For UNDP, the day reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, transparent, and people-centered governance, aligned with Sustainable Developemnt Goal 16 (SDG 16). Court Open Days, including past ones in Mbale, Sironko, Gulu, and Jinja, continue to play a vital role in demystifying judicial processes and ensuring no one is left behind.