The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA), Mr. Robert Kasande, has reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to strengthening access to justice, protecting fundamental rights, and advancing the dignity and freedoms of women and girls, following the launch of Phase III of the Sexual and Reproductive Health, Access to Justice, Freedom, Equality and Rights (SAFER) Project.
Mr. Kasande made the remarks on 23 October 2026 at JLOS Towers in Kampala, where he, together with Ms. Rachel Odoi, Senior Technical Advisor at the Justice, Law and Order Sector (JLOS) Secretariat, hosted the signing of a €3.42 million tripartite agreement between the Government of Austria, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government of Uganda.
The 2026–2029 phase builds on the achievements of the previous phases and will expand integrated health, justice and protection services across the Karamoja, Acholi and Lango sub-regions, targeting 830,872 direct beneficiaries, primarily women, adolescent girls, persons with disabilities and underserved communities.
Mr. Kasande emphasised that strong government ownership and sustained collaboration will be critical to building on the gains made in the three sub-regions and ensuring lasting impact.
Key interventions will include expanding access to integrated sexual and reproductive health services, strengthening gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, and improving access to legal services.
The project will also strengthen the capacity of key justice and human rights institutions, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Human Rights Commission and Local Council Courts.
To improve access to justice, the project will support measures to address case backlogs through special court sessions and alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
It will also address harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, alongside emerging forms of violence, including technology-facilitated GBV.
Speaking at the launch, the Head of the Austrian Embassy in Uganda, Dr. Katja K. reaffirmed Austria’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law and protecting the rights of vulnerable populations.
UNFPA Uganda Country Representative, Ms. Kristine Blokhus said the organisation remained committed to ensuring that survivors of GBV receive timely, dignified, and survivor-centred support through integrated health, justice, and protection services.
The project adopts a systems-strengthening approach, embedding interventions within national institutions and structures to promote sustainability beyond the project period. Civil society organisations, including the Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET), will contribute to implementation.
Phase III of the SAFER Project aligns with Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and reinforces government efforts to improve access to justice, protect fundamental rights and expand essential services for women and girls in underserved communities.
Ministey of Justice appreciates the Government of Austria and UNFPA for their continued partnership and support towards strengthening justice, health, and protection services in Uganda.