Law
NETPIL Calls for Effective Access to Justice
The Network of Public Interest Lawyers (NETPIL) has called on various state actors (police, security agencies, courts of law) to ensure effective access to justice as well as effective remedies to the people of Uganda. This call was made at a media breakfast meeting held on Wednesday, 17th November, 2021 at Piato Restaurant in Kampala. The meeting was intended to equip media personnel with knowledge and skills to report on abuses as well as seek a remedy for victims. The Report titled ‘The 2021 General Elections’ in Uganda: Human Rights Violations & the Spectacle of Violence’ produced by NETPIL was also shared.
NETPIL brings together individual lawyers, CSOs/NGOs and law firms committed to public interest litigation and advocacy; NETPIL is hosted by the Public Interest Law Clinic (PILAC) established at the School of law, Makerere University in 2012. PILAC seeks to promote hands-on experiential learning as well as exposing students to ‘live’ cases of individuals who have been confronted by the law in its varied manifestations.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Arthur Nsereko – Coordinator, NETPIL said ‘Access to justice (A2J) is a right and basic principle of the rule of law. In the absence of access to justice, people are unable to have their voice heard, exercise their rights, challenge discrimination or hold decision-makers accountable’. He noted that numerous reports have been recorded on violations and abuse in Uganda, but never follow through with access to justice for the abused.
Mr. Nsereko further explained that the State has a duty to respect, protect and fulfil rights including particularly the duty of states to ensure that the rights are implemented through the provision of legislative measures and judicial remedies, in accordance with the national legal system. The State is also obliged to take appropriate steps both to prevent rights violations and to investigate, punish and redress such abuse when it does occur – in other words, to provide access to remedy.
Facts shared at the meeting about the November 2020 riots highlighted that at least 54 people including women and children were reported extra judicially killed where 32 were adjudged rioters, hit by stray bullets while 22 persons were declared innocent and these included juveniles. However, an effective remedy, including reparation and compensation have not been possible for those affected which is a violation of rights.
Presenting at the meeting, Ms. Veronica Kange – Legal Officer, PILAC said ‘for the violation of every right, there must be a remedy. Rights and Freedoms are meaningless if there are no consequences for their violations. For a remedy to be adequate, it should be accessible, affordable, timely and effective. The remedies should be simple and urgent’.
‘There is an expectation by victims to access effective remedies premised on restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, guarantees of non-repetition as well as satisfaction’, Ms. Kange noted.
Issues arising from the presentations and discussions included:
- In boardrooms, lecture rooms we may not be able to solve the challenges hence involvement of the media to disseminate the messages.
- There is a right to truth, justice and remedy.
- Uganda has very good laws but implementation is poor.
- Backlog in courts deters people from seeking for justice in courts of law.
- There is need for effective court processes.
- There is common belief that justice is for the rich because of the costs involved.
- There is thought that the state has abdicated its responsibility.
- Appreciate that police and government always say that they will investigate but how soon do the remedies happen.
- Pre-emptive statement by leaders biases the final decision example bail discussions in parliament.
- The State must respect its institutions.
- Treatment of suspects by the statement.
- Police and other security agencies should desist from use of force or live ammunition when dealing with suspects.
- Interim reports would be welcome as we await final report.
- Opportunity to engage the institutions concerned by civil society but where it fails then alternative steps can be explored.
At the end of the meeting, a press statement on the ‘denial of political players’ to access broadcasting houses’ was presented.
Please see Downloads below for the presentations.
Zaam Ssali is the Principal Communication Officer SoL & MakCHS
Orientation for the law freshmen and women was held on the 7th-8th August 2025 with guest speakers including: Hon. Medard Lubega Sseggona (Senior Partner-Lukwago and Co. Advocates; Member of Parliament for Busiro County East, Dr. Patricia Acan Okiria (Deputy Inspector General of Government) and Hon. Lady Justice Sarah Langa-Siu (Judge of the High Court of Uganda) who was the Chief Guest.
The freshers were advised to excel in whatever they do and avoid mediocrity. Priority setting, time-keeping and making the right choices were highlighted as key issues to ensure success while at Law School. This is the 57th Bachelor of Laws (LLB) class since the Makerere University School of Law (SoL) began in 1968.
In his address to the new students, the Dean – Assoc. Professor Ronald Naluwairo welcomed them to Makerere University and School of Law. He said, “Be proud to be here among the select 280 students admitted for the Bachelor of Laws out of over 2600 applicants. You are at the best law school with faculty prepared to teach you and multiple resources available to you, utilise them”.
Assoc. Professor Naluwairo advised the students that study of the law is laborious; therefore to excel one must remain disciplined, focus on studies, attend classes and do assignments on time. He cautioned the Freshers to avoid vices like excessive use of social media, substance (alcohol & drugs) abuse, addiction to smartphones and sports betting. He said, “These are distractions which may lead to failure and eventually dismissal from the university”.
The Dean welcomed the guest speakers who are all alumni of SoL for making the time to attend the orientation to inspire, guide and advise the freshers on excelling through Law School.
In his speech to the law freshmen and women, Hon. Medard Lubega Sseggona said, “It is an incredible honour to be back where my journey began in 1997, testament to what this University can make you. Law School is not about cramming and academic excellence doesn’t come by accident. One must create a structure/study routine and stick to it; mentorship from senior colleagues and lecturers is important; and while colleagues, mentors and lecturers will support you, this is your journey and you must take responsibility and do the work to succeed”. He congratulated Makerere University on the new School of Law Building which he said will improve the ambience for the students.
On strategy on how to ace law school, he advised students to create case summaries, read ahead, read law books not pamphlets, be participatory in class and discuss with colleagues. “Treat law as a full-time job, employed as full-time students” he added. Highlighting the various opportunities for a law graduate, he explained that a good degree will open doors and several paths including private practice, corporate organisations, human rights and legal aid, government departments and agencies, research and academics, politics and policy, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution among others.
“Challenges exist as well like academic pressures to study, many have passed and so will you; laziness and poor time keeping. Stay focused, avoid distractions, build a reputation through honesty and continue professional development even when you complete your bachelor’s degree” Hon Sseggona further advised.
In conclusion, Hon. Sseggona implored the students to be curious, be kind through lifting others, share information and choose the right friends.
In his remarks to the law freshmen and women, Mr. Okuku Gordon Phillip – SoL Guild Council Chairperson and President – Makerere Law Society welcomed the students to the School. He said, “You have made it to SoL, a premier law school on the continent. This is an institution with a legacy that has produced judges and outstanding legal practitioners, people who have framed the legal and policy framework of the country and beyond”.
Okuku reminded the students that opportunities are many as long as they make the right choices. “Joining Makerere is an achievement but remember your work lies ahead”, he said. It is important that you remain accountable and have integrity in all that you do and respect the tireless work of the academic staff who are here to support you, he further advised.
“This place will model you; challenge yourself to participate in the various activities available to you and may this journey prepare you to change the world”, Okuku said.
“Lectures are a full-time requirement and should be attended fully. In the 7th week, you will be tested for coursework which is 40% of your total mark”, Dr. Zahara Nampewo – Deputy Dean, SoL pointed out to the students. She guided the students to read, use the resources available to them and cautioned them against using artificial intelligence because plagiarism tests are conducted on their work. She further reminded the students that academics has no shortcuts.
“Distinguish yourself, be mindful of your social media footprint and self-presentation. Also remember today is the first day of your new book, story about your future”, Dr. Nampewo urged.
Quoting C.S. Lewis, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria encouraged the students to carry a mind-set of integrity throughout their legal education and future careers. She advised the students to desist from arrogance but be confident, work hard remain determined and fear God.
In her talk to the students, Hon. Sarah Langa-Siu advised the students to be thankful of being where they are. “Always strive to excel, avoid mediocrity, have a priority list and remember the sacrifices of your parents and the pain they will suffer if you don’t complete your studies”, she guided.
Lady Justice Langa-Siu highlighted the following tips:
- Pursue a good degree ( don’t get pass degrees)
- Enjoy your youth but remain responsible and organised
- Cultivate a positive brand
- Seek mentorship but be teachable
- Visualise your future and work to get there
- Have a positive can-do attitude
“There is a campus buffet for you to survive university, you have access to a wide range of friends including good and bad. Keep your eyes, ears open to discern and judge wisely; don’t lose focus; do the right thing at the right time; choose the right role models; avoid opportunities for quick money, HIV, STIs and unwanted pregnancies”, Justice Langa-Siu tipped.
Quoting Psalm 90:2, the judge reminded the students to remain focused on their studies and align God in their life. “Also remember that while this degree is yours, it has many stakeholders”, she added.
The Heads of Department and Faculty talked to students about life at campus and setting the pace for hard work in order to survive Law School.
Dr. Ivan Engoru, SoL Timetable and Examination Coordinator moved a vote of thanks to the guest speakers on behalf of the School.
Orientation continued on the day 2 with presentations from School Registrar, Finance Office, Guidance and Counselling, Library, Directorate of ICT, Safe Guarding Unit among others. A networking session with student leaders as well as associations and clubs was also held.
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