The Chief Justice of Uganda, the Hon. Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, has confirmed that he will grace the celebration of 25 years of Law Development Centre (LDC) Legal Aid Clinic’s work.
In his remarks, the Chief Justice said he was honoured to be invited as Chief Guest for the Clinic’s 25-year celebrations and confirmed his attendance. He underscored that legal aid remains an essential pillar of access to justice, stressing that without it, many vulnerable Ugandans continue to be excluded from the system.
His Lordship commended the Clinic for nurturing young lawyers committed to service, and assured that the Judiciary is ready to train and accredit student lawyers in mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), which he described as vital tools in easing case backlog and promoting timely justice delivery.
Lady Justice Eva K. Luswata, Chairperson of the Legal Aid Clinic Advisory Board, formally extended the invitation to the Chief Justice for the celebrations due on October 24, 2025, under the theme “Giving Access to Justice for 25 Years.” She also appealed for support in training Clinic lawyers in mediation.
The Manager of the Legal Aid Clinic, Ms. Lydia Namuli Lubega, highlighted the Clinic’s milestones, noting its transition from a donor-dependent initiative to one formally recognised under the national Administration of Justice Programme, with a dedicated budget allocation from Parliament.
She explained that the Clinic operates a unique student-led model that not only equips law students with practical legal skills but also provides free legal aid to indigent clients. Each year, the Clinic handles more than 5,000 cases through its eight centres in Kampala, Jinja, Mbarara, Mbale, Lira, Adjumani, Kabarole, and the LDC campus.
Ms. Lubega added that over the years, the Clinic has pioneered child justice interventions and expanded ADR programmes, building strong partnerships with the Judiciary, Police, and Prisons in widening access to justice.
Also present at the meeting were Ms. Caroline Bunga Idembe, representing civil society organisations on the Clinic’s Advisory Board, and Mr. Eric Hatanga, representing the Uganda Law Society.
