The Dual Crisis: When Legal Justice Isn’t Enough
In Uganda, a woman fleeing violence faces two battles: the legal fight for justice and the psychological struggle to heal from trauma. For years, these journeys have been separate paths—one through courtrooms, the other through counseling rooms. But what if healing the mind was recognized as essential to winning the legal case?
This question sparked a revolutionary collaboration. In 2023, Path for Health Uganda entered a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with the Legal Aid Project of the Uganda Law Society, creating Uganda’s first fully integrated legal and psychosocial support system.
“The traditional approach treated survivors as either legal cases or counseling clients,” explains our Program Director. “We recognized that trauma affects a survivor’s ability to testify, engage with lawyers, and pursue justice. True justice requires healing both the legal injury and the psychological wound.”
The Integrated Model: How the Partnership Works
This isn’t a simple referral system. It’s a deeply embedded partnership where mental health support becomes part of the legal aid infrastructure:
Digital-First Access
Free Legal Aid: USSD Code: *284*14#
Free Psychosocial Support: Toll-Free: 0800100151
Mobile App: Pulidawo available on Google Play
The Synergy in Action
One Call, Two Solutions: Survivors reach one platform, then choose “1” for legal aid or “2” for counseling
Seamless Referrals: ULS lawyers immediately refer clients showing trauma signs to Path for Health counselors for prompt counselling session.
Two-Way System: Our community teams identify legal cases needing ULS intervention
Capacity Building: We train lawyers in trauma-informed approaches
Our Vision: Justice as Holistic Healing
“We’re building an ecosystem where a survivor’s psychological wellbeing isn’t an afterthought—it’s central to their legal strategy,” says a Path for Health founder. “When survivors heal, they become stronger witnesses. When they understand their legal rights, they regain power. This synergy creates transformative outcomes.”
Call to Action Section
For Survivors: Need help? Dial 0800100151. Press 1 for legal aid, 2 for counseling. All services are free and confidential.
For Partners: Interested in replicating this model? Contact our partnerships team at info@path4health.org