Vanessa came to the legal aid clinic because she and her children were left homeless and destitute by her husband. After 30 years of marriage, he had sent her away and taken another woman into their home.

In Uganda today, there is little a woman in Vanessa's position can do. Traditionally a man can have as many wives as he can afford. Women have no possessions and depend totally on their husbands for their livelihoods. Western influence has slowly begun to change the attitudes of both men and women, but this slow process sometimes leads to conflicts between official and traditional law.

FIDA-Uganda has set up several legal aid centers for women. The clinics are run by female lawyers who offer information and advice for women in trouble. With the help of a weekly radio show, the centers fill daily with women waiting to tell their stories. Many can barely read or write, others have no idea what their rights may be; however, all know where to go for help.

I HAVE A PROBLEM, MADAM visits the clinic at Mbale, a small town at the foot of Mount Elgon. Here FIDA lawyers attempt to reconcile the women and their men in face to face meetings, even if it means traveling to isolated villages high on the mountain. The filmmakers also record the proceedings in High Court, where Beatrice is on trial for murder: she killed her husband with an axe, after being beaten by him all day.

A fascinating glimpse into a society where women are only now beginning to be heard in traditionally male culture.