Pro Bono Project

The Pro Bono Project mobilizes **lawyers to provide free legal services** to those who cannot afford them.

What is Pro Bono?

Pro bono publico means **”for the public good”** – professional work done voluntarily and without payment.

About ULS Pro Bono Project

The Uganda Law Society Pro Bono Project coordinates volunteer lawyers to provide free legal services to poor and marginalized communities.

Who We Help

**Target Beneficiaries**:
– Persons living in poverty
– Prisoners (remand and convicted)
– Refugees and asylum seekers
– Women and children
– Persons living with HIV/AIDS
– Victims of gender-based violence
– Land grab victims
– Small-scale farmers

Services Provided

**1. Prison Visits**:
– Regular visits to prisons
– Review of remand cases
– Bail application assistance
– Appeal filing for long-term prisoners
– Case follow-up

**2. Community Legal Clinics**:
– Mobile outreach in rural areas
– Free legal consultation
– Document drafting
– Rights awareness

**3. Court Representation**:
– Criminal defense
– Civil litigation
– Family law matters
– Land disputes
– Human rights cases

**4. Legal Education**:
– Know-your-rights sessions
– Community sensitization
– Radio programs
– Training paralegals

Pro Bono Lawyer Network

**Volunteer Lawyers**:
– Over 500 registered volunteer lawyers
– All practice areas covered
– Located across Uganda
– Both junior and senior counsel

**Law Firms**:
– Participating law firms provide staff
– Dedicated pro bono hours
– Specialized expertise
– Mentorship opportunities

How Pro Bono Works

**For Clients**:

1. **Referral**: From legal aid clinic, prison, or community
2. **Assessment**: Case reviewed for merit and eligibility
3. **Allocation**: Assigned to volunteer lawyer
4. **Representation**: Lawyer handles case
5. **Follow-up**: Quality assurance check

**For Lawyers**:

1. **Registration**: Sign up for pro bono panel
2. **Indication**: Areas of practice and availability
3. **Allocation**: Cases matched to expertise
4. **Service**: Provide legal representation
5. **Reporting**: Submit case reports

How to Request Pro Bono Services

**As an Individual**:
1. Visit ULS Secretariat or regional office
2. Explain your legal problem
3. Undergo means assessment
4. Provide supporting documents
5. If eligible, case allocated to lawyer

**As a Referring Organization**:
1. Submit referral form
2. Attach client documents
3. Provide case summary
4. Confirm client eligibility
5. Await allocation

Requirements for Pro Bono Services

**Client Must**:
– Demonstrate inability to pay
– Have a case with merit
– Provide truthful information
– Cooperate with assigned lawyer
– Attend all court dates

**Documents Needed**:
– National ID or birth certificate
– Proof of income (or lack thereof)
– Case documents
– Reference letter (from LC, NGO, or prison)

Pro Bono Practice Areas

Impact and Achievements

**2023-2024 Statistics**:
– 2,500+ cases handled
– 5,000+ prison visits made
– 300+ community clinics conducted
– 500+ volunteer lawyers active
– 15,000+ persons reached through education

Pro Bono Success Stories

**Wrongful Conviction Overturned**:
A man had served 8 years for murder he didn’t commit. Pro bono lawyer helped appeal. Court found new evidence. He was acquitted and compensated.

**Family Reunited**:
A mother separated from children for 3 years. Pro bono lawyer filed for custody. Children returned to mother after successful petition.

**Land Saved**:
A widow faced land grabbing by relatives. Pro bono lawyer obtained injunction. Land was protected. Widow now owns land title.

Become a Pro Bono Lawyer

**Benefits**:
– Give back to society
– Gain diverse experience
– Professional development
– Networking opportunities
– Recognition and awards

**Requirements**:
– Current practicing certificate
– Good standing with ULS
– Willingness to serve
– Minimum hours per year

**To Join**:
1. Contact ULS Pro Bono Coordinator
2. Complete registration form
3. Indicate practice areas
4. Attend orientation
5. Start receiving cases

Funding and Partners

**Donors**:
– EU Delegation to Uganda
– UNDP
– Democratic Governance Facility
– Open Society Initiative

**Partners**:
– Prison Justice International
– Justice Centres Uganda
– FIDA Uganda
– LAP (Legal Aid Project)

Contact

**Pro Bono Coordinator**:
Uganda Law Society
Plot 5A Acacia Avenue
Kampala, Uganda
P.O. Box 426, Kampala
Phone: +256 41 434 2424
Email: probono@uls.or.ug

**Website**: www.uls.or.ug

Remember

**Pro bono service strengthens access to justice**. If you’re a lawyer, consider joining. If you need help, don’t hesitate to apply.