Trust in Uganda’s Justice System Hits Alarming Low, International Report Warns
Uganda’s criminal justice system is facing a crisis of confidence, with a new report by the International Justice Mission (IJM) revealing deep-seated public mistrust and chronic institutional weaknesses, especially in responding to violence against women and children.
Released on Monday, the “National Baseline Survey” highlights a sector weighed down by sluggish investigations, overstretched law enforcement, and scarce resources.
The findings depict a justice process struggling to deliver timely and fair outcomes, leaving victims vulnerable and disillusioned.
Beata Chelimo, IJM’s Deputy Director of the Criminal Investigation and Prosecution Department, underscored the human and logistical limitations confronting police officers.
“How do you expect a police officer who can barely afford decent accommodation to work with passion?” she asked, pointing to the lack of decentralised forensic services as a major bottleneck in investigations.
“By the time a forensics expert travels from a distant district to Kampala for lab access and returns, it’s already too late. This jeopardises the quick administration of justice,” she added.
The report’s statistics are telling: only 18% of surveyed stakeholders expressed confidence in the criminal justice system as a whole, with trust in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) even lower at 9%.
Acknowledging the challenge, DPP Jane Frances Abodo said public trust had eroded and called for “comprehensive public sensitisation” to improve transparency and rebuild confidence in the system.
IJM Country Director Wamaitha Kimani urged government to take swift action, warning of the consequences of inaction.
“Without swift changes, the justice system risks failing those who depend on it the most,” she said, noting that the report should serve as a roadmap for reforms and investment to make justice delivery more effective, transparent, and accessible.
The report’s findings now add urgency to ongoing debates about reforming Uganda’s justice sector to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
