KAMPALA - The Hon. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu has met with the Austrian Head of Delegation to Uganda, H.E Dr. Roswitha Kremser who called upon him at the Ministry’s offices on Parliament Avenue.  The meeting was a courtesy call by the Head of Delegation as she winds up her tenure as chairperson of the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) -Development Partners Group (DPG). She was accompanied by Dr. Katja Kershbaumer, the Governance Advisor at the Austria Development Cooperation. 

Hon. Prof. Kamuntu and Dr. Kremser discussed matters of great importance to the nation and to the JLOS Sector in particular, which ranged from upholding the rule of law, eliminating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), upholding Human Rights and promoting Justice delivery mechanisms in Uganda, notably the need to regularise criminal sessions in the judiciary and the issue of pre-trial detentions by the Uganda Police. 

Her Excellency laid out some of the achievements registered during her leadership which include the increase in the use of technology in the delivery of Justice(E-Justice), reduction in case backlog and improved handling of juvenile offenders.  She lauded the Sector’s efforts in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based violence.  Dr. Kremser also raised the issue of the urgent need to appoint a substantive Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission. She noted that lack of a substantive chairperson has weaken the functioning of the Commission.  

On his part, the Minister congratulated Dr. Kremser on a very successful tenure as Chairperson of the JLOS-Development Partners Group. He applauded the support given by the ADC and other Sector Development Partners towards the administration of Justice and rule of law in the country.  

Hon. Prof Kamuntu noted the concerns raised in regard to the delay in the appointment of a substantive chairperson of the Human Rights Commission. He pledged to expeditiously handle this matter with all the relevant stakeholders and the appointing authority. 

The Minister further assured her that she has a firm partner, in Government, in the fight against Gender Based Violence. He promised his full support on that front.  The Hon minister also called upon Her Excellency Dr. Kremser to continue supporting the Sector, noting that institutions like the Office of the Director Public Prosecutions (ODPP) need urgent assistance in retooling, especially State Prosecutors based in upcountry locations. He averred that he is handling the issue of their renumeration enhancements with H.E the President and other relevant authorities in government.