Low funding within Uganda’s Judiciary has been cited as a major driver of congestion in remand homes, with delays in case handling leaving suspects on remand for extended periods.
This concern emerged on Monday during an interaction meeting between judicial officials and local leaders at Kisoro Magistrate’s Court in Kisoro District, as Flavian Zeija commenced a three-day working visit to courts in the Kigezi Sub-region. The visit is aimed at strengthening justice service delivery and enhancing collaboration among justice actors.
Judiciary officials raised alarm over increasing overcrowding in remand homes, attributing the situation to inadequate funding and limited manpower. Justice Zeija acknowledged that many suspects are spending long periods on remand due to delays in organizing court sessions. He also noted that some remand homes are currently supported by local governments, a situation that has created additional challenges such as the transfer of inmates between districts.
Highlighting staffing gaps, the Chief Justice pointed to Kisoro District, which operates with only three judicial officers, and urged them to maximize efficiency through rotational deployment across court stations.
Despite the challenges, Justice Zeija assured residents that measures are underway to improve access to justice. These include plans to establish a new court in Rubuguri Town to ease case backlog and bring services closer to the people.
He also cited difficulties in handling cases involving refugees who frequently move across borders, calling for faster case processing mechanisms to address such complexities.
On legal reforms, Justice Zeija revealed that proposed amendments to the Magistrates Act will empower lower courts to handle higher-value cases, thereby reducing pressure on superior courts. He added that the Judiciary is set to decentralize the Court of Appeal, with the Western Region circuit to be based in Mbarara.
Additionally, the Judiciary plans to introduce open court days to promote public participation and transparency in the justice system.
Kisoro Chief Magistrate Patrick Bamuhiga highlighted the absence of a juvenile remand home in the district, which forces authorities to rely on facilities in Kabale.
Meanwhile, Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere, the Resident Judge of the Kabale High Court, noted that Kisoro’s growing population and its proximity to international borders have led to increased case volumes, prompting the adoption of virtual court technologies.
The Permanent Secretary to the Judiciary, Dr Pius Bigirimana, confirmed plans to expand court infrastructure, including the establishment of a court in Rubuguri to serve Bukimbiri County.
CUE IN BIGIRIMANA…. ON THE MATTER……ENG//
