19 local organizations to watch: BarefootLaw

📋 What they do BarefootLaw brings access to justice and the law to over a million people in Uganda and elsewhere, with the goal to help millions of people across Africa understand and protect their rights by 2030, the organization tells us. It does this by providing free, digital legal information and guidance through the use of technology-enabled legal support. 👀 Why we’re watching With support from the Segal Family Foundation, the Dovetail Impact Foundation, and the African Visionary Fund, among others, this nonprofit has rolled out several innovations including: • BarefootLaw Boxes: These shipping containers are converted into AI- and solar-powered law centers, which are transported to rural areas to ensure people in remote settings can access justice. • The Justice Microgrid: A 14.25-kilowatt photovoltaic system located in Bala, northern Uganda, that provides enough power for a legal support center, local government buildings, and community spaces. The pilot — a partnership between the Solar Electric Light Fund, or SELF, and BarefootLaw — aims to promote a more accessible justice ecosystem using clean, distributed energy. • Strong AI integration: In 2019, it launched “Winnie, an AI lawyer” to deal with approximately 100 daily legal queries. While it takes a lawyer 72 hours on average to respond to queries, Winnie can cut that to 24 hours. 🏢 Countries of operation Uganda, with a presence in Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia. 🗓️ Founding year 2012. ➕ Leadership Gerald Abila, founder and executive director. 📊 Impact snapshot - Over 10,000 legal problems were handled in 2023. - 17,858 people had their legal problems resolved after accessing BarefootLaw’s support. - Over 1 million people served since 2012. 💡Insider scoop As it is for many nonprofits, gaining access to funding is challenging. And SDG 16 — which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions — is notably underfunded compared to other SDGs. BarefootLaw has also faced issues with legal systems being difficult to navigate, especially for people who lack legal literacy. Its team must not only offer legal advice but also ensure legal information is understandable. The digital divide is another barrier. Individuals who lack access to technology, especially in rural areas, struggle to get legal advice. So BarefootLaw engages with Uganda’s chief justice and a coalition of stakeholders in government, legal aid, and technology innovators to increase access to justice. Founder Gerald Abila was the first African named as one of the 10 most influential legal persons in the world by the American Bar Association and a 2024 recipient of the Schwab Foundation Social Innovation award. ➡️ Follow 🌐 barefootlaw.org