Kitgum | The Human Rights Centre Uganda (HRCU) convened a two-day networking forum bringing together young Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) and key Justice, Law and Order Sector (JLOS) actors from Kitgum and Lamwo districts.
The forum run from December 4–5, 2025, at Bomah Hotel in Kitgum Municipality.
The engagement was part of HRCU’s project Increasing Access to Justice for the Youth in Kitgum and Lamwo districts, and supported by Bread for the World. The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between youth HRDs and state institutions to improve justice delivery and foster a climate where human rights are respected and protected.
A total of 60 participants—including youth HRDs, civil society representatives, police officers, prisons officials, magistrates, probation officers, cultural and religious leaders, and district authorities attended the forum.
Eric Namungalu, HRCU’s Head of Programs, said the forum seeks to build a stronger, more coordinated relationship between youth HRDs and JLOS duty-bearers to enhance access to justice for young people. He added that the engagement also offers space for sharing experiences and lessons among community actors and state institutions.
Participants reviewed the state of youth access to justice in Kitgum and Lamwo over the past year, highlighting achievements and persistent gaps. Discussions were further informed by findings from HRCU’s baseline study on youth justice challenges.
A youth HRD from Kitgum, Aromorach Clare, underscored the urgency of the engagement and revealed that many young people do not know where to seek help when their rights are violated.
She added that the forum is helping youth human rights defenders understand how to work more effectively with state institutions to ensure youth cases are handled faster and more fairly.
Kitgum District Police Community Liaison Officer Ojok Bosco welcomed the dialogue and noted that the Police should recognize the importance of cooperating with youth HRDs.
He further stated that strengthened information-sharing and well-defined referral structures will enable the police and other duty-bearers to serve communities more effectively.
Robert Ekirita, Chief Magistrate of Kitgum Magistrates Court, highlighted gaps in youth support mechanisms.
“One of the biggest challenges we see is the lack of legal representation for young offenders,” he said.
“Working with HRDs can help ensure that young people are guided through the justice process and understand their rights,” he added.
Youth advocate and Human Rights Defender- HRD Otim Nicholas Ojara noted that delays in case handling continue to frustrate young complainants.
“We need practical reforms, and I am glad both HRDs and JLOS actors are discussing real solutions here,” he said.
Ocheng Kennedy, HRCU’s Program Officer for Knowledge Management and Compliance, said the forum’s discussions are focusing on strengthening youth-friendly justice mechanisms, improving collaboration and communication between HRDs and JLOS institutions, addressing systemic youth-justice gaps, and enhancing the safety and protection of youth HRDs.
Additionally, other priorities include promoting accountability and transparency in justice service delivery, expanding community sensitization and legal awareness, identifying capacity gaps within JLOS institutions, and developing a joint 2026 action plan with clear responsibilities and monitoring tools.
The forum is employing a mix of presentations and structured group discussions. HRCU expressed optimism that the outcomes will strengthen justice pathways for young people and deepen collaboration between human rights defenders and state actors in northern Uganda.
The Increasing Access to Justice and Respect for Human Rights for the Youth in Kitgum and Lamwo districts project is funded by Bread for the World – Protestant Development Service.
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