Pegasus Scholars: Uganda
On my penultimate day in Uganda, I was having a conversation with my Uber driver, Joseph, about what a wonderful time I had had on my placement, and how sad I was to leave. “I’ll give you a Ugandan name”, he said. “Natukunda.” When I asked what it meant, Joseph replied, “Love”. My ‘new name’ could not have summed up my experience as a Pegasus Scholar in Uganda more perfectly.
I spent most days at the High Court in Central Kampala under the supervision of the Technical Adviser to the Judiciary, the formidable Professor Andrew Khaukha, and no two days were the same. I undertook work on a variety of law reform projects, spanning from the ‘state brief’ (legal aid) scheme to sentencing guidelines to the introduction of Alternative Justice Systems. I also attended several events, including the launch of new criminal and civil Rules and Practice Directions at the High Court, and a Child Psychology and Child Centred Decision Making conference, including sessions on handling child witnesses, and insights into life at youth bail hostels from ‘matrons’ who had been working with juveniles for decades. I also shadowed Lady Justice Alice Komuhangi at the Family Division of the High Court in a land dispute matter with over 20 different witnesses, and observed a murder trial at the High Court. One of the highlights of my trip was having the opportunity to spend time both in and out of court with Justice of the Ugandan Supreme Court, Mike Chibita – a brilliant lawyer and a man of great integrity.
I travelled around the environs of Kampala, visiting Magistrates’ Courts and prisons, observing first-hand the administration of justice in Uganda. I accompanied Scott Leist (Director of East Africa at Pepperdine Law School) and his team from the Pepperdine Prison Project (based in Mukono, a town near Kampala) who are working to implement ‘plea bargaining’ in the criminal justice system. I observed one ‘plea bargaining session’ in the grounds of a prison, concerning cases for which I had completed paperwork (everything is done by hand in the Ugandan justice system), where a Magistrate disposed of various cases concerning inmates (mostly incarcerated for petty crimes) following a plea bargain with the state prosecutor. I couldn’t help but draw parallels with mitigation I used to make as a criminal pupil in London. I was inspired by the dedication of Scott and his team to making positive change in the Ugandan justice system, and moved by the tenacity of my colleagues, from whom I learned a great deal – particularly Esther Lokwang, a passionate advocate (and now friend) – who was exceptionally kind to me.
Outside of work, I explored ‘the Pearl of Africa’s’ outstanding natural beauty by going on safari at Murchison Falls and visiting Jinja, where I travelled by boat to the source of the River Nile and zip lined between the trees in the forest of Nagojje. I sampled crocodile, had countless adventures on ‘boda-bodas’ and attended a wonderful wedding. I also visited All Saints’ Church in Kampala, where I met Lillian Yiki, a remarkable woman, mental health counsellor and friend, and shadowed her in a group therapy session at a psychiatric facility. I also befriended Stephen and Janet Gaukroger, an inspiring British couple who, through their Christian ministry, have been working with leaders and different communities in Uganda for years.
I was inspired by the dedication of Scott and his team to making positive change in the Ugandan justice system, and moved by the tenacity of my colleagues, from whom I learned a great deal.
I was inspired by the dedication of Scott and his team to making positive change in the Ugandan justice system, and moved by the tenacity of my colleagues, from whom I learned a great deal.
