BarefootLaw provides Ugandans with legal advice to enable vulnerable people to have access to the law. Resolving legal problems yourself strengthens an individual’s social position. BarefootLaw aims to contribute towards this. Particularly now that an increasing number of Africans have a smartphone, technology is becoming an important tool to extend its outreach further.
BarefootLaw’s objectives are ambitious: by 2030, the Uganda-based initiative wants to open the door to the law for up to 50 million people across Africa. Their vision is of a world in which every citizen can better themselves and their communities. To this end, digital technology is essential. Providing an open and accessible legal system is particularly relevant to people from disadvantaged backgrounds. For instance, what would you do if you suddenly need to provide proof of ownership of the land you are cultivating? Often families have lived on that land for generations, but they usually wouldn’t have any such proof. Furthermore, how do you deal with a conflict if you cannot resolve it by mutual agreement? This is when legal assistance may prove to be most welcome.
How it all started
While studying law in August 2012, Gerald Abila encountered a case that highlighted the lack of legal knowledge among many citizens. This motivated him to start sharing the things he learned about the law as a student. Being young, he used the platforms that existed at the time: whatever he learned from his studies, he would share with his followers through Facebook and via text message. Since then, many more options have become available. But his successful approach back then continues to underpin how BarefootLaw delivers accessible and easy-to-understand legal information.
Raising awareness and advocacy
BarefootLaw is committed to providing individuals with both information and practical support. This can be done both in person – through walk-in facilities or at local venues – and by using a range of modern technologies. Ranging from advice via chat or text message through to virtual counselling. Or even through webinars and via posts on social media. BarefootLaw is also involved in awareness-raising as well as political influencing, at conferences and through the publication of reports that deal with the legal situation in Uganda. Dioraphte’s contribution gives the organisation a stable foundation on which to develop all this further.
Some initiatives run by BarefootLaw
- Digital resources to inform vulnerable women of their rights.
- Facilitate local partners so they can also offer support to remote communities.
- Free legal advice and support to start a small business.