Austrian Diplomat Warns Court Delays Threaten Uganda's Investment Climate

The Head of the Austrian Embassy in Uganda, Dr Katja Kerschbaumer, has cautioned that persistent delays within the country’s justice system could severely undermine investor confidence and stifle economic transformation. Speaking on behalf of the Justice Sector Development Partners Group during the Fifth Annual Performance Review of the Governance and Security Programme, she emphasized that predictable and efficient legal institutions are vital for economic progress.

Kerschbaumer pointed out that businesses require reliable mechanisms to enforce contracts, protect property rights, and resolve commercial, civil, and land disputes fairly. When court proceedings drag on, the cost of doing business increases, and public trust in vital state institutions begins to erode. “Justice delayed could very quickly become justice denied,” she remarked, urging judicial authorities to prioritize cutting down case backlogs.

While acknowledging Uganda’s notable strides in maintaining regional peace, professionalizing security agencies, and operationalizing modern infrastructure like the JLOS House, the diplomat stressed that lasting security depends heavily on fair and impartial institutions. She noted that public trust grows when citizens feel that public authorities operate transparently and hold everyone equally accountable under the law.

Turning to constitutional matters, Kerschbaumer praised Uganda’s modern Constitution for offering comprehensive protections for fundamental human rights, such as freedom of expression and equality before the law. However, she emphasized that any limitations on individual rights—such as land acquisition for national infrastructure projects—must be handled transparently, lawfully, and with fair compensation. Furthermore, she underscored that absolute rights, particularly the prohibition of torture, must remain strictly protected under all circumstances.

Ultimately, Kerschbaumer reiterated that development and human rights are mutually reinforcing objectives rather than competing priorities. She reaffirmed the commitment of international development partners to support Uganda’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen the rule of law, enhance human rights, and improve the delivery of justice for all citizens and investors.

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