Analysis of the pro bono service providing institutions in Uganda: a case study of Uganda law society
Loading...
Date
2016-04
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kampala international University, School of Law
Abstract
Legal aid is provided by Countries and persons that recognize the social obligation to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor persons. Legal aid service provision is usually distinguished as primary legal aid and involves legal representation, legal advice, mediation and legal counseling. On the other hand, secondary legal aid involves human rights training, legal awareness, law reform, legal research and advocacy.
In most developed Countries such as England and Wales, Australia, Canada, the United States and India, it is the duty of the state to provide for legal aid services in the national budgetary allocations for the justice sector. In certain Instances, an independent body or commission is established with the mandate to supervise and allocate funds for legal aid service provision. Developing Countries that have made substantial progress in this area are South Africa, Ghana and Kenya.
The Legal Aid Providers Network {LASPNET) was established to link up all legal aid service providers by providing a forum of networking ideas and promoting the legal aid sector agenda. It is supervised by the Legal Aid sub-committee of the Law Council. The only legal aid provided by the State is through the state brief system for only capital cases. In addition there is no legal aid policy to hold government accountable for providing legal services to indigent persons whose rights have been abused.
The only laws available are the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995, Poor Persons Defense Act Cap and the 1 'egu1 attons made there under, the Advocates (amendment) Act Cap 267 and the Regulations made there under, the Trial on Indictment Act Cap 23, The Magistrates' Court Act, Cap 16 that provide for pro-bono services.
Various methods of data collection were used. These included interviews, observations questionnaires and documentary reviews. The recommendations will look at broadening the legal aid service to government or state actors, increasing the capacity of the civil society organizations to cope, among others.
Description
A Report Submitted to the School of Law in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of Bachelors Degree in Law of Kampala International University
Keywords
Pro bono service, Uganda, Uganda Law Society, Institutions