Human rights activists have warned that delays, neglect and poor handling of complaints by public institutions are eroding confidence in Uganda's justice system, with some victims abandoning their pursuit of redress.
The activists, from Paradigm for Social Justice and Development, are urging government institutions, particularly the police and Community Development Officers, to respond more effectively to public complaints and ensure victims receive timely assistance.
The concerns emerged during a meeting with Wakiso District leaders, where the organisation presented findings from research into access to justice and the challenges faced by residents seeking redress.
One of the affected residents, Debra Mazzi, who is visually impaired, accused government officials of neglecting people who approach their offices for assistance.
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
Mazzi said people with disabilities face several challenges, including attacks, robbery and intimidation, but sometimes struggle to obtain help from institutions mandated to protect them.
She said she had been attacked and robbed at her home more than three times, but her attempts to seek assistance were allegedly met with repeated referrals between offices and delays.
"I have been attacked and robbed at my home more than three times. Whenever I report these incidents to the relevant authorities, I am sent from one office to another without receiving help. Eventually, I became tired and stopped following up on my complaints," she said.
Other residents interviewed during the research reportedly expressed similar frustrations, saying poor responses from responsible institutions had discouraged victims from reporting cases.
"Many people go to these offices expecting help, but instead they are frustrated. Some eventually give up because they feel nobody is willing to listen to them or help them get justice," one resident said.
According to the activists, the research also found that some residents increasingly prefer to settle disputes privately rather than report them to authorities.
They said some men experiencing domestic violence abandon their cases because of embarrassment and uncertainty about whether they will obtain justice, while others resort to informal community arrangements without involving police.
"Some victims of domestic violence choose to remain silent or settle their disputes privately because they fear embarrassment and have lost confidence in the institutions that are supposed to protect them," the activists said.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
The organisation also identified social media conflicts, online insults and the spread of false information as concerns emerging from its research.
"We have also established that social media is contributing to the problem, as some people spend their time fighting, exchanging insults and spreading false information instead of engaging in productive activities," the activists said.
The study further found that women and young people accounted for 72 per cent of the domestic violence cases identified in Wakiso District.
"Our findings show that women and young people are the most affected by domestic violence, accounting for 72 per cent of the cases identified in Wakiso District," the activists said.
The organisation called on police, Community Development Officers and other public officials responsible for handling complaints to take citizens' concerns seriously and ensure that victims are not passed from one office to another without assistance.
"We appeal to all officials working in public offices, especially the police and Community Development Officers, to listen to citizens and handle their complaints seriously. People should not have to move from one office to another while seeking justice," the activists said.
They said timely intervention, accountability and improved service delivery were necessary to restore public confidence in government institutions and encourage victims to seek justice through formal channels.
