news 22 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Government Blames Surge in Juvenile Crime on Parental Neglect
The Justice Ministry reports a dramatic rise in children on remand, from 1,111 in 2023/2024 to 5,426 in 2024/2025, which officials link to poor parenting and weak family support. Efforts are underway to decongest remand homes and enhance juvenile justice processes. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-links-rising-child-crime-to-poor-parenting-5433242
Ugandan authorities have expressed alarm over the sharp increase in juveniles entering the justice system, primarily due to inadequate parenting and fragile family units. At the 2026 National Performance Review Conference, Justice Minister Norbert Mao highlighted the strain on remand facilities nationwide.
Ministry data shows the number of children held on remand jumped from 1,111 in the 2023/2024 financial year to 5,426 in 2024/2025. Mao pointed to parental neglect, especially absent fathers, as a key driver, noting that single mothers often face challenges without co-parenting support.
“Government needs to be tough on fathers who neglect their children,” Mao stated, warning that unguided youth are prone to peer pressure and crime. He also cited issues like underfunded probation services, family rejections of rehabilitated children, and transport shortages for court proceedings.
Remand homes are overcrowded at 645% capacity as of December 2025, the worst in five years. Parenting expert Dickson Tumuramye stressed that children without discipline and boundaries struggle to differentiate right from wrong, often leading to rebellion.
To tackle this, the government is deploying judges to remand homes for faster hearings, creating on-site courts, and promoting diversion programs for minor offenses. Plans include non-custodial options, bail reforms, and better infrastructure.
Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba noted that 81% of juvenile offenders are on remand—exceeding the 65% target—with many enduring over seven months in detention. She called for reactivating courts and improving coordination to clear backlogs.