The Pro Bono Project of the Uganda Law Society
For over 14 years, the Uganda Law Society’s Pro Bono Project has provided free legal services to vulnerable and marginalized individuals across Uganda. Supported by development partners, the project operates through Legal Aid field offices in Kampala, Jinja, Soroti, Gulu, Arua, Masindi, Kabarole, Mbarara, and Kabale.
1. Legal Representation through Pro Bono (2023)
With support from the Netherlands Embassy, the project offered:
- Legal advice & counseling (354 beneficiaries)
- Court representation (456 beneficiaries)
- ADR/mediation services (305 beneficiaries)
Total assisted: 1,115 people
2. National Pro Bono Day Celebrations
The 14th Annual National Pro Bono Day (September 1, 2023) focused on:
- Theme: “Understanding Succession Processes to Protect Property Rights & End Family Conflicts”
- Participants: 1,141 advocates (741M, 400F)
- Clients served: 3,187 people (1,891M, 1,296F) across 9 districts
Pro Bono Week (August 28–31, 2023) activities included:
- Community sensitizations (prisons, radio/TV talks)
- Blood donations, material donations (remand homes)
- Sports & media engagements (football in Gulu, broadcasts on King FM, NBS TV, UBC, etc.)
3. The Duty Counsel Scheme
Advocates stationed at courts & police stations provided:
- Legal advice & bail/bond representation (931 beneficiaries)
- Referrals for further assistance (56 beneficiaries)
- Total served: 990 people (743M, 247F)
Supported by: Netherlands Embassy & Governance and Security Programme.