Our Work / Access to Justice

Legal aid in Uganda.
Justice within reach.

The ability to seek justice should not depend on the ability to pay. Happy Care Foundation works to provide free legal support for vulnerable people, especially those in conflict with the law.

Request support

Support legal aid

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Do you need legal support?

Tell us briefly what has happened, where you are and how we can contact you safely. Our team will assess your request and discuss an appropriate next step.

Explore the support available ↓

Please do not send sensitive case documents through an unsecured public form.

Practical support through the justice process

Legal advice and guidance

Understanding a legal problem is the first step. Our legal aid mandate includes advice and counselling to help people understand their options and participate in decisions affecting them.

Representation and court accompaniment

For eligible matters, the legal aid unit’s responsibilities include legal representation and court accompaniment. Assistance is assessed against the circumstances of the case and available capacity.

Bail applications and plea bargain support

Our constitution includes support with bail applications and plea bargains. These processes require individual legal assessment; assistance does not guarantee release or a particular court outcome.

Post-trial support and referrals

A court decision may be followed by continuing legal and social needs. HCF’s approach connects post-trial assistance with mental health support, rehabilitation and reintegration where appropriate.

Who our legal aid work prioritises

Children and young people

Children in detention, other vulnerable children and young people in conflict with the law need support that respects their dignity and rights.

Women facing vulnerability

Women in conflict with the law and survivors of gender-based violence are among the groups identified in our constitution.

Older people and vulnerable adults

We also prioritise older persons in conflict with the law and vulnerable adults who face barriers to legal protection.

How to request legal help

1. Contact HCF

Use Request Support or contact our office. Share a short summary and safe contact details.

2. Discuss your circumstances

The team assesses the legal issue, location, urgency and whether HCF can assist or recommend another service.

3. Agree the next step

Where support is available, the team explains the proposed assistance and any information needed from you.

Request support

Justice and recovery belong together

Legal support can remove one barrier, while emotional distress, interrupted education or community rejection may remain. HCF’s mission brings legal aid together with trauma-informed mental health support and rehabilitation.

For children, young people and adults rebuilding their lives, a coordinated approach helps keep the person at the centre of the response.

Every person deserves dignity, a fair hearing and a chance to move forward.

Questions about this programme

Is HCF legal aid free?

HCF’s mission is to deliver free legal services. Contact the team to confirm whether your matter falls within the programme and what assistance is currently available.

Can HCF guarantee the outcome of a case?

No. Court outcomes depend on the facts, applicable law and the decisions of the justice system. HCF can discuss appropriate support without promising a result.

Can I refer someone who needs help?

Yes. Contact HCF with the person’s knowledge and consent where appropriate. Avoid sharing unnecessary personal or case information in the first enquiry.