Kenneth Kugonza has been a Legal Officer with Justice Defenders since June 2020, having previously been a volunteer with us for two years.
Working across four prisons in the Mid-Central region of Uganda, Kenneth ensures our paralegals are equipped with the law and is responsible for ensuring our legal offices at Kibaale District, Kyakasengura Farm, Kakumiro Farm and Kagadi District prisons are running effectively. Working with around 40 clients across the four prisons each week.
"The most fulfilling part of my job is serving the indigent people incarcerated in prisons by providing pro bono legal services," Kenneth shares. "Seeing them attain justice and also being engaged with my clients to solve their legal matters to offer a fulfilling output of attaining justice."
The job isn't easy though; poor roads coupled with changeable weather makes Kenneth's days long. He usually rides 280km every week.
"The most challenging part of my job is the long distances between the prisons I operate in associated with heavy rains and bad roads. This affects my work during the rainy season."
Despite the challenges, Kenneth is particularly passionate about the right for everyone to have a fair hearing. He shares: "Serving humanity is my first priority. Working with Justice Defenders has allowed me to contribute my passion for humanitarian services and has also built in me love for humanity and never to judge people because everyone deserves a chance to have the other side of his or her story heard."
Watch a day in Kenneth's life: