Who we are
We believe in a better life for children
Free Child Uganda is an NGO is a rights based non-governmental organization that works with children in conflict with the law. The NGO came into existence in June of 2016 with a core mandate of providing legal aid to children in conflict with the law. We are duly registered under the laws of Uganda and an approved legal aid service provider. Our MOU with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development gives us mandate to offer legal aid in the 7 of the remand homes including the National Rehabilitation Centre.
Why Child Justice
The rights of a child in conflict with and contact with the law aim to support full respect for, and implementation of, the principles and standards on child justice as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and corresponding
international and regional standards. Uganda is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the same have been domesticated in our laws through the Constitution. Despite having a robust legal framework, Uganda is currently placed at 12/52 by the African Child Policy Forum and is described as a fairly child friendly country, there in lies an opportunity to scale up our advocacy work to move Uganda to the bracket of a Child friendly African Government. With the amendment of the Children Act, Cap 59, A Child in the criminal justice system now has a right to effective legal aid.
Areas of Operation
Naguru Reception Centre
Naguru Reception Centre was established in 1959 by Save the Children UK. It was taken over by Government in 1972 to cater for children in need of care and protection ranging from 0-3 years that are abused, neglected, children whose parents are in prison or children who are called to be witnesses to crime. Naguru Reception Centre sits on a 2-acre piece of land in Naguru suburb.
Arua Remand Home
Situated on Giligili Hill on approximately fifteen (15) acre piece of land, the Remand Home is newly constructed, and is now fully operational. It is located approximately 8km away from Arua Town and has a total number of three government officers who are on full time service, one PWO, one Assistant PWO and one driver. The Remand Home has a holding capacity of 70 juveniles with 50 males and 20 females.
Fort Portal Remand Home
Fort Portal Remand Home is situated on approximately 5 acres of land located in Kitumba Ward, Fort Portal Municipality. It became operational in 1975 and It caters for the entire Rwenzori region. The Remand Home is managed by eight officers who are supported by, two Askaris, one cook and a driver. In addition, the Remand Home has the holding capacity of 50 juveniles with 25 males and 25 females.
Gulu Remand Home
Located on a 7-acre piece of land in Gulu Municipality Laroo division approximately 2km away from Gulu town, this remand home became operational in 2009 after the initial construction by the Gulu District Local Government and later the JLOS provided funds for the construction of staff houses. It serves the people of Acholi sub region and it has a total of five staff members three of home are officers and two Askaris on contract paid by Local Government. The Remand Home has a
carrying capacity of 54 juveniles with 27 males and 27 females.
Mbale Remand Home
Mbale Remand Home is one of the largest Remand Homes in the country. It is located in Mbale Municipality approximately 1.5km in a well fenced 3.7-4 acres of land with double storied facility. The Remand Home has twelve members of staff. Some of the staff members are accommodated at the home whereas others stay outside the Remand Home. The Remand Home has a big catchment area spanning from Karamoja, Bugisu, Sebei, Bukedi, and Busoga Regions. It has the carrying capacity of 45 juveniles with 40 males and 5 females.
Our Team
Winfred Adukule
Executive Director
Provides direction, vision, and guidance to the organization’s staff and board.
Kenneth Ecoku
Advocate
Represent clients, provides legal analysis and arguments in court and negotiation.
Terry M Adukule
Programmes Co-ordinator
Developing strategic research plans and manages projects
Dora Wadiko
Program Officer
Executes programs and projects, ensuring they align with goals and objectives
Peace C Andama
Advocate
Represent clients, provides legal analysis and arguments in court and negotiation.