The Gulu High Court Circuit has rolled out a renewed drive to fast-track Sexual and Gender-Based Violence cases across northern Uganda.
The initiative, dubbed “Justice for Her,” was officially opened yesterday in Gulu City by the Head of the Circuit, Phillip Odoki.
Speaking at one-day training for judicial officers, prosecutors, defence lawyers, court clerks and interpreters, Justice Odoki said the programme must succeed.
The training is a preparatory step ahead of a special SGBV criminal session aimed at clearing case backlog in the four magisterial areas under the circuit.
Justice Odoki notes that northern Uganda’s history of conflict continues to cast a long shadow, particularly on women and girls.
The “Justice for Her” project was first launched in Gulu last year by the Principal Judge following discussions between the Judiciary of Uganda, the Austrian Development Cooperation and UN Women.
Justice Odoki says the renewed push will strengthen coordinated case management, reduce delays, and promote survivor-centered justice.
The training also seeks to ensure that all court actors share a common understanding of what qualifies as Sexual and Gender-Based Violence a gap that Justice Odoki says has previously led to confusion in case classification.
The initiative marks a significant step in rebuilding trust in the justice system for survivors of sexual violence in northern Uganda.
By Okello Jesus Ojara
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