Today, legal‑aid advocates in Uganda, led by the Legal Aid Service Providers Network (LASPNET) and the Uganda Law Society (ULS), successfully held the inaugural Access to Justice Run 2025 (Run4Justice) at the Law Development Centre (LDC) grounds in Makerere, Kampala.
The event drew thousands of participants for 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km routes, bringing together legal professionals, civil society members, human‑rights organizations, and the general public to support the construction of a permanent Legal Aid House, a central hub designed to provide coordinated legal‑aid services for vulnerable and marginalized Ugandans.
Organizers emphasized the urgent need for the project, noting that 80% of Ugandans cannot afford legal representation, leaving millions without access to justice.
The Legal Aid House is envisioned to offer representation, mediation, legal advice, and outreach programs to ensure that justice is accessible to everyone, regardless of economic status. Advocates hailed the run as an investment in dignity, equity, and stronger communities, highlighting the role of public participation in achieving a justice system that serves all citizens.
Groups such as the Uganda Human Rights Commission and FIDA Uganda joined the event, praising the initiative for promoting awareness of legal-aid services and reinforcing the importance of citizen engagement. The run also coincided with an open day and recreational activities for lawyers, fostering interaction between the legal community and the public while raising funds for the construction of the Legal Aid House.
The inaugural Access to Justice Run forms part of a broader advocacy push for the National Legal Aid Bill, which aims to institutionalize legal aid in Uganda and ensure sustainable access to justice across the country.
Organizers hope that today’s successful event will inspire continued support, secure necessary funding, and accelerate the creation of the Legal Aid House, ultimately extending legal services to underserved communities and strengthening the country’s justice system.
By Michelle Ndaga
