The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Hundreds of people from different parts of West Nile rushed to seek free legal services as part of the Regional Pro Bono day activities held at Arua police grounds yesterday.
The Regional Pro Bono day was initiated by the Uganda Law Society to increase access to justice through the provision of free legal services by Advocates to the poor, indigent and marginalized members of society.
Many of those who converged in Arua said this was an opportunity for them to get access to legal services which, according to them, are unaffordable and often, one of the reasons the poor do not get access to justice.
Costa Omale, the Coordinator of the Pro Bono Project at Uganda Law Society in West Nile affirmed that indeed, most times people in need of legal services fail to get them due to lack of funds to hire lawyers. She explained that the legal services do not end at the Pro Bono day but are rolled forward until the needy clients get the required justice.
Arua Chief Magistrate Daniel Lubowa said Advocates are willing to provide the free services to address the needs of the poor and vulnerable.
The Pro Bono service was established to promote equality in access to Justice, improve delivery and standard of legal services. According to the provision, each Advocate must provide 48 hours of Pro Bono services each year to the needy. This is the seventh year that the West Nile region is commemorating the annual Pro Bono day since its establishment.
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