The International Justice Mission (IJM) has released a National Baseline Survey that paints a stark picture of the challenges facing Uganda's criminal justice system, particularly in handling cases involving women and children.
Launched on Monday, the survey assessed how effectively the system responds to violence against women and children.
Findings point to slow investigations, systemic weaknesses, and a troubling lack of public confidence in key institutions.
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Beata Chelimo, deputy director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate, attributed part of the problem to poor working and living conditions for police officers, which she said undermine their ability to handle cases diligently.
"How do you expect a police officer who can barely afford decent accommodation to work with passion? Once you report that your husband has beaten you, they may even reply that he did so because you were stubborn," Chelimo said.
She also cited the absence of decentralised forensic services, noting that with most facilities concentrated in Kampala, rural investigations suffer long delays.
"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," Chelimo added.
The report found that only 18 percent of stakeholders interviewed expressed confidence in the criminal justice system.
Confidence in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was even lower, at just 9 percent.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Jane Frances Abodo, acknowledged the trust deficit, saying it highlights the need for comprehensive public sensitisation to rebuild faith and promote transparency.
Wamaitha Kimani, IJM's country director, urged urgent systemic reforms to better protect vulnerable groups, especially women and children.
Without such change, she warned, the justice system risks failing those who depend on it most.
The report is expected to shape policy reforms and guide future investments aimed at building a justice system that is responsive, trusted, and accessible to all.
