UK (Commonwealth Union)_ BarefootLaw, a recently accredited Commonwealth partner, is commemorating a decade of distinguished service, which has been instrumental in facilitating access to legal services and fostering legal awareness among Ugandan communities. Their unique approach involves the deployment of mobile ‘justice boxes’ to remote grassroots communities in Uganda, connecting local residents with free legal advice offered by lawyers from the capital city of Kampala. This innovative online service equips individuals with the means to resolve disputes, obtain crucial legal information, and gain a deeper understanding of their legal rights.
Gerald Abila, the visionary founder and executive director of BarefootLaw, reflected on a decade of dedicated service and envisioned an expansion of their operations beyond Uganda to encompass other African nations and the broader Commonwealth. He emphasized the principle that access to justice should not only be pursued but also visibly demonstrated. Abila expressed his optimism about further growth and innovation on the horizon. He said, “I’m proud of how far my team and I have come, and this is just the beginning, because access to Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done. We’re looking forward to further growth and innovation.”
BarefootLaw, established in 2013, has evolved from a modest Facebook page into a sophisticated legal advisory service, extending its assistance to over a million individuals. Professor Luis Franceschi, the Assistant Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, commended Mr. Abila and his team for addressing a critical gap in legal access over the past decade. He underscored the significance of BarefootLaw’s contribution to legal innovation, particularly in the domains of court proceedings, case management, legal practice, and legal education. He also highlighted the organization’s role in providing access to justice for Commonwealth citizens, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
Professor Luis said, “BarefootLaw is an incredible example of how innovation in the legal field is unstoppable. I’ve always believed that the court system, criminal and civil procedure, case management, law practice, and legal education need to evolve. And BarefootLaw is doing exactly that by providing access to justice for Commonwealth citizens, especially the most vulnerable.”
Additionally, BarefootLaw has established a presence in The Hague, known as the international epicenter of “peace and justice,” to showcase its groundbreaking initiatives in Uganda and explore opportunities for expansion. The organization’s activities in this regard are currently centered at the Humanity Hub. Accredited organizations like BarefootLaw serve as trusted partners of the Commonwealth Secretariat, aligning with the Commonwealth Charter’s values and principles, and are pivotal in fulfilling the Secretariat’s mandate to address the unique needs of its member countries.
