Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs' Progress on NRM Manifesto Commitments Highlighted During Manifesto Week

*By John Kusolo*

On 26th November 2024, Robert Kasande, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MOJCA), presented a comprehensive report detailing the ministry's progress in implementing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto 2021-2026 commitments. The event, held at the Office of the President Auditorium, showcased MOJCA’s pivotal role in advancing justice, governance, and constitutionalism in Uganda.

In his presentation, Kasande underscored MOJCA's mission to uphold the rule of law and provide legal frameworks that ensure governance and due process for all Ugandans. He highlighted the ministry's strategic objectives, which include strengthening institutional frameworks, enhancing public access to services, promoting constitutionalism, and building institutional capacity.

The Permanent Secretary also emphasized MOJCA's collaboration with key institutions such as the Electoral Commission, Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), and Uganda Law Reform Commission (ULRC), which are instrumental in ensuring policy coherence and governance.

*NRM Manifesto Commitments and Progress*

1. Compensation for War-Affected Households

MOJCA has prioritized compensation for war-affected communities in the Teso, Lango, and Acholi sub-regions. To date, UGX 121.225 billion has been distributed to 24,777 claimants:

Acholi: UGX 33.222 billion for 3,993 beneficiaries.

Lango: UGX 39.242 billion for 10,684 beneficiaries.

Teso: UGX 48.759 billion for 10,100 beneficiaries.

Despite this progress, Kasande highlighted challenges such as limited budgets and inaccuracies in claimant data, which have delayed the process.

2. Transitional Justice

The ministry is implementing the National Transitional Justice Policy (NTJP) to foster reconciliation and peace in post-conflict regions. This initiative seeks to address historical injustices and promote societal healing.

3. Digitalization of Legal Processes

MOJCA has expanded the Computerized Prosecution Case Management System (PROCAMIS) to 20 additional stations, improving efficiency and transparency in handling legal cases.

4. Strengthening the Fight Against Corruption

Kasande outlined efforts to bolster investigation and prosecution systems to ensure accountability. This aligns with the NRM's commitment to eradicating corruption.

*Key Achievements*

1. Justice and Equity

JLOS House Construction: Phase 1 of the Justice, Law, and Order Sector (JLOS) House is 75% complete. This project aims to reduce government rent expenses significantly.

Cost Savings: MOJCA's legal representation in 16,420 cases saved the government UGX 3.6 trillion.

2. Human Rights Advocacy

The UHRC investigated 3,086 complaints, mediated 276 cases, and translated Chapter 4 of the Constitution (Bill of Rights) into 38 local languages.

A Human Rights Education App was launched to enhance awareness and accessibility.

3. Law Reforms

The Uganda Law Reform Commission revised laws on external labor, intellectual property, and animal cruelty. User-friendly guides for the Succession Act and Domestic Violence Act were also developed.

4. Intellectual Property Management

The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) operationalized intellectual property laws, established 34 technology support centers, and generated UGX 269.13 billion in revenue.

*Challenges*

Kasande acknowledged several challenges impeding MOJCA’s efforts:

Budget Constraints: Insufficient funding affects compensation and office expansions.

Data Inaccuracies: Incorrect and incomplete claimant data delays compensation processes.

Institutional Capacity: Limited regional offices cannot match judiciary expansions, hampering service delivery.

*Way Forward*

To address these challenges, MOJCA plans to:

Mobilize additional resources to bridge funding gaps.

Accelerate policy reforms, particularly in intellectual property and traditional knowledge.

Enhance digital integration to improve case management and inter-agency coordination.

The Permanent Secretary’s presentation highlighted MOJCA’s significant strides in fulfilling the NRM Manifesto commitments while identifying areas requiring further investment and focus. As Uganda progresses toward its 2026 goals, MOJCA’s efforts in governance, justice, and constitutionalism remain critical to the nation’s development agenda.

The Manifesto Week provides an opportunity to reflect on these achievements and challenges, reaffirming MOJCA’s dedication to ensuring justice and equity for all Ugandans.