By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
MBARARA
A coalition of lawyers and human rights defenders under their umbrella Legal Room have joined forces to empower marginalized communities in Uganda to access legal protection and assert their rights. The initiative aims to provide practical solutions to daily justice problems and tackle systemic injustices and inequalities.
According to Fiona Matsika, Legal Officer at Legal Room, “Millions of people in Uganda are failed by the justice system, leaving them with nowhere to turn when their rights are violated. We believe in a future where all people can access equal protections and remedies under the law.”
The coalition includes grassroots activists and organizations such as the Coalition of Women’s Advocates (COWA) and Chapter 15, who are working to protect the rights of marginalized women and communities.
Nahurira Brenda, a human rights defender, highlighted the need for advocacy and education on sexual rights, noting that many women are unaware of their rights and are often abused. “We intend to conduct advocacy with local government to protect reproductive health rights and transform the lives of marginalized women,” she said.
Bitwire Yvonne Melisa of Chapter 15 emphasized the challenges faced by activists, including threats, insecurity, and intimidation. “We call upon other partners to join us in defending the marginalized women and communities,” she said.
The initiative aims to provide concrete solutions to daily justice problems and demonstrate that justice is possible, even in environments marked by arbitrariness and unfairness. By empowering marginalized communities to access legal protection and assert their rights, the coalition hopes to create a more just and equitable society in Uganda.
