A critical analysis of the effect of poverty on access to justice in Uganda: a case of Luwero district
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Date
2014-06
Authors
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Publisher
Kampala International University, School of Law
Abstract
This study made a critical analysis of the effect of poverty on access to justice in Uganda with reference to Luwero District. The study focused on the effect of low income, low education levels and social-cultural beliefs on access to in Luwero district. The research design adopted in this study was a cross -section. A cross-section of people seeking justice at the Magistrates court at Luwero and employs working in the court constituted part of this study. From the results, most people seeking justice were low income earners, experienced bias and discrimination in access to justice and they rarely accessed justice.
They also saw the judicial function as a supplier of services in a market driven by demand. The Actual costs of engaging a lawyer were said to be are high in addition to time spent in court was high. On a more negative note majority of respondents (66.6%) indicated that there was high cost and long distances to legal services in addition to corruption in the justice system (68.9%). A good number did not exercise their right due to lack of education and ignorance and the lack of access to justice was also hindered by language with some cases being lost due to incorrect interpretation by interpreters (76.7% response). Many poor people seeking justice faced discrimination due to their age, gender and disability, or race, family status, or age and mental disability and devoted part of their income to pay bribes. There is to for organizations like the Legal Services Division aims at enhancing fair and quick dispensation of justice; and making effective use of the law to promote and protect human rights in Uganda.
Description
A Research Report Submitted to Kampala International University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Bachelor of Laws
Keywords
Poverty, Justice, Uganda, Luwero district