Know more about The Institute
Built on the conviction that
accountability cannot wait
About Us
The Institute for Justice and Accountability in Uganda e.V. (iJA) is an independent research, documentation, and international accountability institution established in Germany as a non-profit association under German law. Founded by lawyers, journalists, governance practitioners, researchers, and human rights defenders with extensive professional experience across Africa and Europe, the Institute was established in response to the widening accountability vacuum affecting many African states.
The Institute proceeds from the understanding that constitutional governance cannot survive where public institutions become subordinate to political power, and that states do not operate in legal isolation from international obligations. It therefore promotes respect for international law, accountability systems, and the complementary relationship between domestic legal systems and international legal frameworks.
Operating from Germany provides the Institute with institutional independence, operational security, and the ability to conduct long-term documentation and analytical work beyond the immediate reach of political interference, while remaining deeply connected to African realities and accountability concerns.
Our Vision
To conduct rigorous and independent research, documentation, and legal analysis concerning human rights violations, democratic erosion, and institutional failures; to strengthen public understanding of accountability mechanisms; and to support justice, constitutional governance, and democratic restoration through evidence-based engagement with regional and international institutions.
Our Mission
To advance justice, accountability, and constitutional governance through rigorous research, independent documentation, strategic legal analysis, and evidence-based advocacy that strengthens democratic institutions, protects human rights, and promotes engagement with regional and international accountability mechanisms.
Core Values
Independence: Free from governmental, partisan, commercial, or personal influence. We answer only to evidence and principle.
Rigour: Every report, submission, and publication is held to the highest standards of factual accuracy and methodological integrity.
Accountability: We hold ourselves to the same standards we demand of others—transparent governance, regular reporting, and open processes.
Solidarity: Rooted in the Ugandan experience, working in solidarity with all those who bear the cost of impunity and the absence of justice.
The Board ofthe Institute
Elected at the founding meeting of 18 April 2026. Lawyers, journalists, governance practitioners, and human rights defenders — each bringing deep professional expertise to the mission of accountability for Uganda.
Kakwenza Rukirabashaija
Lawyer, public interest litigant, novelist, playwright, researcher, and internationally recognised literary figure. Founding Director of iJA. His work sits at the intersection of law, literature, governance, and institutional accountability, with sustained focus on public international law, constitutional governance, democratic accountability, and freedom of expression. An internationally acclaimed author whose writings have received major global awards for literary courage and democratic advocacy.
Jos Ajabo Mauersberger
Veteran journalist, communications practitioner, diaspora institution-builder, and public relations consultant with decades of experience spanning Uganda, Germany, and the former Soviet Union. One of the initiators behind Uganda Community Berlin e.V. (founded 1991), where he later served as Secretary General. Fluent in German, English, and Russian.
Grace Mercy Munduru
Lawyer, governance practitioner, women’s rights advocate, sports administrator, and institutional development specialist. Former Gender Advisor at Mercy Corps International Uganda. Previously served with FIDA Uganda, Refugee Law Project, and MEMPROW Uganda. Head of Marketing & Communications, Onduparaka FC. Chairperson, Disciplinary Committee, West Nile Regional Football Association.
Sam Kyakarita
Ugandan human rights defender living in exile in Germany. For over a decade he has actively advocated for freedom of expression, civic rights, and human rights accountability. His lived experience within and outside Uganda provides direct insight into the realities faced by activists, dissidents, and displaced persons under politically restrictive environments. Oversees financial governance, budgeting, and compliance under German law.
Morgan Muhindo
Advocate of the High Court of Uganda practising at Arinaitwe Peter & Co. Advocates, a Kampala-based social justice and human rights law firm. His practice spans constitutional litigation, public interest law, digital rights, data protection, fintech regulation, and AI governance. Active voice in the African internet governance ecosystem.
Ronald Muhinda
Historian, journalist, political analyst, and communications practitioner. Covered multiple presidential elections at Radio One FM 90 and served in the Uganda Parliamentary Press Corps. Reported extensively on political protests, corruption, state violence, electoral processes, and governance failures. Collaborator with journalists’ associations on media freedom and press rights.
OUR FOUNDING
From exile to institution
15 APRIL 2026
Uganda’s Parliament introduced the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026 — the first major test of iJA’s purpose and mandate, addressed within weeks of the Institute’s establishment.
6 MAY 2026
iJA published its first legal analysis on the Protection of Sovereignty Act and a public press statement addressed to the Government of Uganda, the African Commission, and UN Special Rapporteurs.
18 APRIL 2026 · 14:00 CET
Five founding members convened electronically. The Satzung was unanimously adopted, formally establishing iJA as an e.V. under the German Civil Code (BGB §§ 21–79).
9 MAY 2026
iJA filed formal breach reports with OFSI and OTSI, and a letter to the FCDO, regarding Speaker Anita Among and Albeity Limited — within three weeks of the Institute’s founding.
18 APRIL 2026
The full Board was constituted. Resolutions adopted on Vereinsregister registration, Vereinskonto, and Board authorisation — all unanimously.
IN PROGRESS
Documents circulated for notarisation and submission to the Amtsgericht. Next Board meeting: 18 May 2026, 12:00 CET, Google Meet.