At the Legal Empowerment Fund (LEF), we are committed to championing the transformative power of legal empowerment. This approach enables communities to not only understand but actively shape the laws that govern their lives. One standout grantee partner, the Just Like My Child Foundation (JLMC), has made significant strides in advancing human rights and gender equality in central Uganda. Through their Project Justice initiative, JLMC has provided critical legal education and advocacy tools to help communities confront and combat gender-based violence and other injustices. Among their most innovative and impactful efforts is the Save for Justice (SFJ) initiative—a grassroots-driven legal empowerment model that is reshaping access to justice.
The Save for Justice Model: Community-Led Legal Empowerment
Save for Justice represents the epitome of community-led legal empowerment. It began in the Namumira community in Luwero, Uganda, with strategic support from JLMC. Community paralegals and justice volunteers—often on the front lines of defending human rights—face financial hurdles when covering the costs of legal advocacy, including transportation, communication, and case management. These financial barriers often impede access to justice. Recognizing this challenge, JLMC worked with the community to create a sustainable, community-led funding mechanism through SFJ to support these crucial justice efforts.
Grassroots Mobilization for Justice
The Namumira community’s proactive approach to legal empowerment through SFJ illustrates the power of grassroots mobilization. With deep understanding of the critical need for justice services, the community organized door-to-door fundraising campaigns, where contributions as small as 500 Ugandan shillings were collected from households. This collective action has empowered individuals and strengthened the community’s ability to hold perpetrators accountable
Women in particular have been central in driving SFJ forward, acting as key contributors and leaders in this initiative. The initiative has not only empowered individuals but has also strengthened the community’s collective voice in challenging injustices.
A Model for Justice: Sustainable and Scalable
The success of SFJ in Namumira has proven that community-driven legal empowerment initiatives can have a since 2013. SFJ is a powerful model for how local resources can be mobilized to address systemic barriers to justice. It is adaptable and scalable, with strategies such as grassroots fundraising and membership models tailored to the unique needs of each community. The success of SFJ lies in the commitment, integrity, and leadership of community volunteers—local champions who are deeply invested in the pursuit of justice.
What we are Learning – Key Insights for Scaling and Success
Our partnership with JLMC has provided valuable insights into the elements necessary for the success and expansion of SFJ. Three key elements have emerged:
- Engagement and leadership of community volunteers: Volunteers are the backbone of SFJ, ensuring its integrity and sustainability.
- Capacity building and legal education: Continuous education and peer learning equip volunteers with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate complex legal landscapes.
- Adaptability of the SFJ: SFJ can effectively replicated in diverse contexts, making it a powerful tool for legal empowerment across regions.
The Future for Save Justice: Scaling Impact
The Legal Empowerment Fund is fully committed to supporting JLMC in scaling the Save for Justice initiative to reach more communities across central Uganda. We will continue to provide resources for awareness-raising, legal education, and capacity-building initiatives, to ensure that SFJ can expand and be sustained in new areas. Additionally, this partnership is driven by a shared vision of justice—where every individual, regardless of socioeconomic status, can exercise their rights, access justice, and influence the laws that shape their lives.
Save for Justice is more than a program; it is a movement. It is a beacon of hope for communities striving to overcome systemic barriers to justice. With continued support and strategic expansion JLMC will bring this vital initiative to more communities, ensuring that legal empowerment and access to justice become lived realities for all.
