Judiciary Reviews Gender Policy to Improve Access to Justice

What the report says

The Ugandan Judiciary has begun reviewing its Gender and Equity Policy in an effort to reduce barriers faced by court users and staff, improve accountability, and expand equal opportunities in recruitment, training, and career progression. According to Nile Post, the process started on Wednesday at a two-day retreat in Entebbe hosted by the Human Capital Development, Gender and Equity Mainstreaming Committee, with support from UN Women.

The review is aimed at strengthening access to justice and making the policy more practical across the institution’s day-to-day work. Supreme Court Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, who chairs the committee, said the updated framework should turn principles such as equality, dignity, and fairness into measurable actions. She also said the Judiciary should remove systemic obstacles that limit effective participation in court proceedings, while addressing staff welfare and professional development.

Chief Registrar Agnes Alum said the Judiciary remains committed to “Justice for All” and highlighted the need to support vulnerable groups, including women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities. She called for accessible court facilities, gender-sensitive procedures, staff training, and better data collection to monitor progress.

UN Women representative Beatrice Mulindwa welcomed the review and urged the Judiciary to focus on practical commitments that improve workplace safety, public trust, and timely service delivery. The retreat is also examining the previous policy’s evaluation and a draft revision clause by clause, with the goal of producing a clearer implementation framework and stronger accountability measures.