The Paralegal Advisory Services (PAS) seeks to contribute to improving access to justice for all in line with the government’s Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) priorities. Its overall objective is to enhance access to justice for poor and vulnerable groups. PAS’ interventions address the challenges of congestion in police cells and prisons, overstay on remand especially for non-capital cases, delays in the administration of justice and non-compliance with JLOS performance standards. All interventions are aimed at improving delivery of services and making the justice system more responsive to those seeking justice. The PAS began operations in 2005 with the mandate of providing legal advice and assistance to detainees in Uganda’s criminal justice system and linking the demand and supply sides of justice. PAS was until June 2011 funded by the Legal Aid Basket Fund (LABF) which was managed by HUGGO/Danida on behalf of the other development partners. Effective July 2011 to June 2016, the programme is funded by the Democratic Governance Fund (DGF) with contributions from eight countries; Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, European Union, Netherlands, Ireland and UK.
The programme has so far rolled out from four (4) to thirteen (13) sites in all regions of the country with forty nine (57) Social Workers and forty three (50) Paralegals implementing activities. The programme sites include: Arua, Fort Portal, Bushenyi, Luzira, Kitgum, Mbarara, Gulu, Lira, Jinja, Mbale, Busia and Soroti – managed by Uganda Prison Service and Kampala-managed by Uganda Christian Lawyers Fraternity (UCLF).
PAS services have in the recent year been extended to districts of Agago, Pader,Nebbi,Ntungamo,Iganga, Kapchorwa, Nakasongola and Luwero, with several outreaches carried out in neighbouring districts and outposts in the criminal justice institutions.