Government and Judiciary Urged to Fast-Track Overcrowded Children's Cases in Uganda

Uganda’s justice sector players have faced renewed calls to expedite cases involving children in conflict with the law. The urgent appeal comes in response to severe congestion across the country’s remand facilities, which are currently holding hundreds of minors well beyond their intended limits.

According to the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Ms Mercy Faith Lakisa, Uganda’s seven regional remand homes have a recommended combined capacity of 780 children. However, these facilities are currently accommodating 1,233 minors, representing an excess of 453 children. The minister’s remarks were delivered on Friday by Ms Emily Ojambo, a commissioner in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, during a training session for judicial officers organized by the Judicial Training Institute.

Ms Lakisa highlighted that Naguru Remand Home alone holds 299 children, raising serious concerns regarding congestion, general welfare, and the protection of minors. Officials pointed to several systemic challenges, including prolonged stays on remand, inadequate legal representation, delayed court processes, and a shortage of social inquiry reports.

Deputy Chief Justice Mr Moses Kawumi Kazibwe echoed these concerns, noting that the limited number and wide geographical distribution of remand homes contribute significantly to trial delays. With only seven regional facilities—located in Naguru, Fort Portal, Kabale, Masindi, Gulu, Arua, and Mbale—alongside the Kampiringisa National Rehabilitation Centre, children often travel long distances to attend court proceedings across multiple districts.

Despite logistical hurdles, the Deputy Chief Justice urged judicial officers to take active responsibility. He directed heads of circuits and chief magistrates to visit local remand homes at least once a month to review cases and identify children whose detention approaches or exceeds legal limits under the Children Act. Stakeholders maintain that a coordinated approach between the Judiciary and the Ministry of Gender is essential to protecting the future of vulnerable youth.

For more details, read the original report on the Daily Monitor.