Fifty Local Council Courts (LCCs) in five districts have received equipment and training to strengthen their ability to handle community-level cases and improve access to justice, particularly for women, girls and other vulnerable groups.
The intervention, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Spotlight Initiative 2.0, targets Model Local Council Courts in Yumbe, Gulu, Oyam, Nebbi and Madi-Okollo districts.
The equipment was handed over during an official launch in Yumbe, where representatives from the beneficiary districts also provided updates on the distribution, use and safeguarding of the items.
The Ministry of Local Government said the support is intended to address some of the practical challenges that affect the functioning of Local Council Courts, including case management, record keeping and accountability.
Local Council Courts are among the institutions through which communities can access justice closer to where they live, making their capacity important for people who may face difficulties accessing formal justice institutions.
The intervention also comes with targeted training for selected courts. Fifteen LCCs will receive training in Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), case management and referral, record keeping, access to justice and accountability.
Following the launch, ministry teams will conduct two-day training sessions across the five districts, reaching about 190 participants.
The training is intended to complement the equipment by strengthening the knowledge and skills of court members to manage cases, maintain records and make appropriate referrals, particularly in cases involving vulnerable people.
The ministry is also emphasising proper utilisation and safeguarding of the equipment, with district representatives expected to ensure that the items reach the intended courts and are maintained for their intended purpose.
The combined intervention is expected to improve the operational capacity of the 50 Model Local Council Courts while strengthening accountability in the management of community-level justice.
For communities in the five districts, the initiative places emphasis on strengthening justice mechanisms closer to residents, particularly those who may encounter barriers in navigating the formal justice system.
The support is being implemented under the Spotlight Initiative 2.0, which focuses on addressing violence against women and girls and strengthening systems that contribute to their protection and access to services.
