Principal Judge Abodo Leads Court Open Day in Rakai to Strengthen Fight Against Gender-Based Violence

Rakai– The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has today presided over a Court Open Day at the Rakai District Headquarters Grounds, reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to enhancing access to justice and intensifying the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Held under the theme “Justice Begins with You: Report Gender-Based Violence. Access Justice,” the event brought together judicial officers, justice sector actors, development partners, and members of the public in a strong show of community-centred justice.

Upon arrival, Justice Abodo was received by a team of judicial officers led by Lady Justice Katamba Victoria Nakintu Nkwanga, Head of the Masaka High Court Circuit, and Lady Justice Fatuma Nanziri Bwanika, Resident Judge Masaka. Other officials present included Deputy Registrar Karungi Loe, Chief Magistrates Raphael Vueni of Rakai and Abert Asiimwe of Masaka, alongside Grade One Magistrates from the greater Masaka circuit.

The Open Day attracted key stakeholders across the justice chain, including representatives from UN Women, the Uganda Prisons Service, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Among the notable attendees were Ms. Adekemi Ndieli, Deputy Country Representative of UN Women, and Mr. Apollo Mwanje, Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Rakai.

Justice Abodo inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Uganda Police Force before touring exhibition stalls showcasing services offered by various justice institutions.

Earlier in the day, the Principal Judge held a strategic engagement with judicial officers and stakeholders at Rakai Chief Magistrate’s Court. She also inspected ongoing construction works at the court, now at 54 percent completion, highlighting the Judiciary’s continued investment in infrastructure to bring services closer to the people.

A key highlight of the Open Day was the renewed focus on tackling GBV through innovative justice interventions. Through its partnership with UN Women, the Judiciary is implementing the Justice for Her Project—a time-share fast-track mechanism aimed at improving the handling and disposal of GBV cases.

The initiative is currently being piloted in the Gulu and Masaka High Court Circuits, including magisterial areas such as Gulu, Nwoya, Amuru, Masaka, Kalangala, Ssembabule, and Rakai. It seeks to address structural and cultural barriers that hinder access to justice by strengthening pre-trial processes, leveraging technology, building capacity among justice actors, and promoting staff wellbeing.

During the event, Judiciary Communications Officer Deo Akugizibwe led a public sensitisation session, encouraging communities to report GBV cases and seek justice through formal channels.

The event, supported by the Government of Uganda and UN Women, was moderated by Deputy Registrar for Appellate Mediation at the Court of Appeal, HW Zulaika Nanteza, with support from the Judiciary Communications team, ensuring an engaging interaction between justice providers and the public.