Austrian envoy roots for equitable justice access for women

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The Austrian envoy to Uganda has said that an affordable justice system empowers individuals and strengthens democracy by upholding the principle that justice should be available to all, not just to those who can afford it.

Dr Katja Kerschbaumer, the head of the Austrian Embassy/Development Co-operation office in Uganda, says high legal fees, court costs, transportation and other associated expenses can deter people from seeking justice or securing proper legal representation.

“The cost of accessing justice must not be prohibitive,” she says, adding that “an affordable justice system is a fundamental component of access to justice, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their economic status, can seek and obtain fair treatment under the law.”

Tororo Woman Member of Parliament who also doubles as Uganda Women Parliamentary Association Chairperson, Sarah Opendi remarking. (Photo by Colleb Mugume)

She made these remarks as a chief guest during a Justice Colloquium on Gender-Responsive Access to Justice at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala on May 7, 2025.

The Justice Colloquium was organised by Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET) and was attended by Members of Parliament (MP), various district leaders and representatives, as well as several international development partners from the United Nations (UN) and other partners, including Legal Aid Service Providers Network (LASPNET).

Speaking during the same event, Kyamuswa County MP Mose Kabusu said, in Kalangala district, many Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivors can’t make it to court due to transport challenges.

“Police often take up to two weeks to get fuel. Being on an island makes access to justice even harder for women and girls; hence, justice is delayed,” he said.

ASP Annet Kwagala from Jinja Road Police Child Protection Unit speaking. (Photo by Colleb Mugume)

Kabusu emphasised that access to justice remains a major challenge for women in hard-to-reach areas, leading to rising cases of GBV.

He called for the establishment of mobile courts in Kalangala’s six islands and other underserved districts to bring justice closer to the people and enhance response to GBV.

The event largely hinged on justice for women was attended by the Bare Foot Law Reform, which uses legal innovation and technology to provide free legal information and guidance for underserved communities in Uganda as well as Avocats Sans Frontieres (ASF) an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) founded in Brussels in 1992 and specialises in promoting justice and the defence of human rights.

Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA) chairperson Sarah Opendi lauded UWONET for the continued leadership in promoting access to justice.

She urged judicial officers and other stakeholders to read the Gender Bench Book, which offers comprehensive precedents and analysis on judicial decisions related to gender-based violence in Uganda.

UWONET executive director Rita Aciro emphasised the importance of collective efforts in advancing women’s access to justice.

Aciro acknowledged the strong partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda, ASF, Barefoot Law and Penal Reform International, which has enabled UWONET to sustain vital community-based responses, especially in the districts of Kamuli and Namutumba.

“This programme has been running in Busoga since 2013. Through our GBV Advisory Centres and Shelters in Kamuli and Namutumba, we continue to offer holistic support to survivors, bridging the gap between formal justice systems,” Aciro stated.

She also expressed deep appreciation to district leaders and local government for donating over 3 acres of land to UWONET for the shelters in both districts in eastern Uganda.

The event was also attended by cultural leaders and law enforcement personnel, such as police officers.

Prince Yololimu Nabonghoa in Busoga's Kisingiyi chiefdom acknowledged the impact of UWONET’s work. Through various engagements, there has been a recognition that girls and women can inherit property, in line with the provisions of the Succession (Amendment) Act.

The Police were represented by ASP Annet Kwagala from the Child Protection Unit, among others.

Participants take a group picture during the high-level Justice Colloquium on Gender-Responsive Access to Justice held at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala, Tuesday 6 May 2025. (Photo by Colleb Mugume)

Kwagala acknowledged that the Police still face many challenges, but she was glad to note that, “in some divisions we have established centres where we can keep the girls who have been violated.”

She said women being violated can call 0800199195 for immediate assistance.

“We call upon civil society organisations to help us create juvenile cells. That will help the girls,” she explained.

While responding to concerns raised about the police’s use of excessive force in conducting arrests, she explained saying this is only done when suspects do not respect orders.