By BMUganda’s justice sector marked a major milestone today with the official opening of the Kyegegwa Justice Centre, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at decentralizing justice services and bringing justice closer to the people.The center was officially launched during a high-level ceremony attended by key stakeholders including the guest of honor Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), senior representatives from the judiciary, Uganda Police Force, Ministry of Internal Affairs, officials from the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS), and local government.The justice hub includes the a Police Station, Magistrate Court, and the Legal Aid seating on a two land acreage that was freely offered by Kyegegwa District Local government.In her remarks, Justice Abodo hailed the center as “a landmark achievement” in Uganda’s justice system, symbolizing collaboration, accessibility, and accountability.“This center is not just a building; it’s a commitment to deliver justice to every Ugandan, regardless of their background,” Justice Abodo said. “It integrates the Office of the DPP, the judiciary, and the Uganda Police Force under one roof ensuring streamlined, coordinated, and timely justice services.”Empowering Justice at the GrassrootsConstructed with support from development partners including the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Austria, the Kyegegwa Justice Centre represents a strategic effort by JLOS to address one of the biggest barriers to justice: physical accessibility.According to Rachel Odoi Musoke, Senior Technical Advisor at JLOS, the facility is part of a broader decentralization initiative that has now seen over 54 justice centers built across the country since 2012.“People in hard-to-reach areas often spend money and time they can’t afford just to access justice,” Musoke noted. “Kyegegwa fills a critical gap in our justice infrastructure and provides a permanent home for essential justice services, including legal aid for the first time in this region.”She also emphasized the innovative design of the facility, which includes inter-connected offices and designated spaces for victim and witness support, streamlining communication and improving service delivery.Addressing Local Needs and ChallengesJustice Abodo used the opportunity to speak candidly about the challenges still facing the justice system in rural areas, including power supply issues, limited water access, and the importance of witness support.“Some witnesses sit under trees all day waiting to testify with no water, no comfort. Yet they are central to the justice process,” she said. “We must make sure their experience is dignified. They are victims too.”The DPP also thanked the Kyegegwa District Council for its generosity in allocating not just land for the center, but additional territory for future expansion highlighting the importance of local government support in sustaining justice initiatives.Commitment to Community and AccountabilityJustice Abodo reaffirmed the DPP’s commitment to transparency, community engagement, and timely justice.“We don’t do this for ourselves. We do it for the community. Let the buildings not be empty monuments justice must be real, and it must be felt,” she said. “Let’s keep the doors open. If someone has a complaint, let them speak. Don’t suffer in silence. Kampala is far but now justice is here.”She also encouraged justice sector actors to actively participate in district security and coordination meetings, emphasizing the importance of information-sharing in preventing miscarriages of justice.Development Partners and International SupportMusoke acknowledged the crucial role of international cooperation, particularly through partnerships with the Austria, the UK, Austria, Germany (GIZ), the UN, UNICEF, and others.“Without the generous support of our development partners and the coordination of the JLOS Secretariat, this achievement would not have been possible,” she said.Looking Ahead: A Call for Continued CollaborationAs Uganda moves toward ensuring universal access to justice, the Kyegegwa Justice Centre stands as a model of what can be achieved when communities, government, and international partners work together.“This is just the beginning,” Justice Abodo concluded. “Let this place be a beacon of justice fast, fair, and for all.”The event marked the culmination of a three-day joint monitoring and evaluation exercise by JLOS and its partners, underscoring a shared commitment to improving service delivery and fostering accountability in Uganda’s justice system. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).