Lawyer Who Sued UK, US Gov’ts over Speaker Among Sanctions Starts Public Interest Litigation NGO

By Our Reporter

NATIONAL

Soroti-based Ugandan lawyer, Joshua Okello who famously dragged the UK and US governments to international court over sanctions slapped against Speaker Anita Among has in a new move unveiled a new NGO trust dubbed the Global Litigation Initiative (GLI) through which he aims to promote justice and address pressing legal and humanitarian societal challenges.

Formally registered as a charity-based NGO, GLI has set its sights on tackling critical legal issues affecting marginalized communities and vulnerable populations. With a strong focus on human rights, environmental justice, and access to legal aid, GLI seeks to bridge the gap between justice and underserved populations through impactful litigation.

Speaking about the new initiative, founder Okello emphasized the need for a coordinated legal approach to addressing complex issues that transcend borders.

He said the Charity aims to relieve sickness and financial hardship from the vulnerable members of the community and to promote and preserve good health by the provision of funds, goods or services of any kind, including through the provision of counselling and support.

“The world is grappling with numerous challenges from human rights violations to environmental crises many of which require strategic legal interventions. GLI is here to champion the public’s interest, ensuring that justice is accessible to all,” Okello remarked.

“It [the Charity] will also be involved in producing and distributing educational materials and organizing events such as lectures, seminars, and training courses to further its objectives,” he added.

The maverick lawyer further emphasized that the Charity will also seek to provide support to cases of significant public concern, from defending victims of human rights abuses to advocating for environmental protections and strengthening rule-of-law principles globally.

“It will also work closely with local and international partners to offer legal aid, raise awareness, and lobby for policy changes that enhance justice systems.”

The Global Litigation Initiative promises to be a key player in advocating for legal solutions that empower individuals and promote fairness across multiple sectors, proving that justice knows no boundaries.

Okello  escalated his legal campaign against the United Kingdom government to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg, France by filing his complaint on Tuesday, 4th June, 2024.

This decision followed several delays in the High Court Civil Division in Kampala, where Okello initially lodged a lawsuit contesting the sanctions enforced on Speaker Anita Among on the 7th May, 2024.

Since initiating the case in Kampala, Okello  encountered continual postponements, with court officials attributing the backlog of cases from 2023.

Disheartened by the lack of progress, Okello opted to take his battle to the ECHR, a prestigious international court recognized for its efficacy in interpreting the European Convention on Human Rights.

Established in 1959, the ECHR boasts a distinguished legacy in adjudicating human rights disputes. It rendered its inaugural verdict in 1960, Lawless v. Ireland, and has since served as a pivotal platform for individuals and nations seeking justice under the European Convention on Human Rights.

The court entertains applications from individuals, groups, and contracting states, rendering it a significant forum for international human rights litigation.

Okello’s lawsuit against the UK government revolves around what he characterizes as “illegitimate sanctions” imposed on Speaker Among. The specifics of the sanctions and their ramifications have not been disclosed, yet Okello contends that they contravene fundamental human rights principles and warrant international scrutiny.