Advancing Justice for Women: Legal Aid Launches ‘Justice for Her’ in Amuru
By Mildred Auma
Communication Officer

Amuru District has today witnessed the launch of a new Legal Aid project dubbed “Justice for Her,” a three-year initiative aimed at enhancing access to justice for women and girls experiencing or at risk of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The project, funded by the Australian Development Agency, will be implemented across all communities in the district, with a strong focus on prevention, response, and strengthening justice systems to better serve GBV survivors.

Speaking during the launch, Senior Legal Officer and Legal Aid representative, Athieno Clova, noted that the project will support courts to fast-track GBV cases, ensuring they are cause-listed and determined to their logical conclusion. She emphasized that the initiative will adopt a multi-sectoral approach, working closely with key stakeholders including the police, local government representatives, civil society organizations, health workers, informal justice actors, as well as women and adolescent girls who are the primary beneficiaries.

Key strategies under the project will include conflict resolution, capacity building for community structures, GBV prevention and response, awareness creation, and referral of cases to appropriate service providers.

The project will also deliver a range of critical services such as provision of legal representation, legal advice, mediation, counseling, and mobile legal aid clinics. In addition, welfare support will be extended to vulnerable GBV survivors, including assistance with accommodation, transport, and medical expenses.

The Chief Administrative Officer, John Bosco Opio, welcomed the initiative and called for strong coordination among stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation and sustainability.

On behalf of the District Chairperson, the Secretary for Community-Based Services, Okello Apollo Kaggwa, expressed appreciation for the support, noting that Amuru’s unique size and vulnerability make such interventions both timely and necessary.

The “Justice for Her” project is expected to significantly strengthen access to justice, improve service delivery for GBV survivors, and contribute to safer, more resilient communities across Amuru District.