national 13 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Chief Justice Urges Kisoro Courts to Partner with UNHCR on Refugee Trials Amid Prison Overcrowding
Chief Justice Flavian Zeija has called on Kisoro courts to collaborate with UNHCR for special sessions to expedite refugee cases, addressing severe prison overcrowding where Kisoro Government Prison holds 187 inmates against a capacity of 85. The appeal came during his tour of southwestern Uganda courts, highlighting backlogs and resource shortages. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kisoro-courts-urged-to-fast-track-refugee-trials-as-prison-overcrowding-rises-5422416
Chief Justice Flavian Zeija has urged the Kisoro Chief Magistrate’s Court to work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to fund special court sessions focused on refugee inmates. This move aims to accelerate trials and ease prison congestion.
Zeija shared these recommendations on Monday during the launch of a three-day tour of courts in southwestern Uganda, starting in Kisoro. The tour will extend to Kabale and Rukungiri High Courts, as well as magistrates’ courts in Rubanda, Rukiga, and Kanungu.
Drawing from his past experience as a circuit judge in Mbarara, Zeija noted successful partnerships with UNHCR that enabled quick trials for refugees. He emphasized the challenges posed by their transient nature, which affects bail and witness follow-ups.
Kisoro Resident District Commissioner Badru Sebyara raised alarms over the surge in refugee inmates. The local prison, designed for 85 people, now houses 187, with expansion efforts underway, according to officer-in-charge Odeke Joseph.
Limited resources, including a shortage of judges—only 88 in Uganda against a needed 150—contribute to prolonged remand periods. Zeija pointed out difficulties in transporting witnesses, such as police officers reassigned far away.
Kisoro Chief Magistrate Patrick Bamuhiga reported a backlog of 410 cases, with 299 at the main court. Grade One courts at Bunagana and Kyanika lack state attorneys, restricting them to civil matters. Senior Resident State Attorney Christopher Ainomugisha requested deployments, and Zeija promised to address it with the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Judiciary Secretary Pius Bigirimana announced plans for a new Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Bukimbiri County to enhance access, as locals currently travel over 40 kilometers, often limited to market days due to costs. Kabale High Court Resident Judge Ssemogerere Karoli Lwanga highlighted rising land and succession disputes from population pressures.
The tour seeks to bolster justice delivery and coordination among sector players.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)