A recent report by Avocats Sans Frontiers (ASF) shows Uganda’s pretrial detention rates have shown a minor decrease over the past three years. While there has been a slight improvement, the figures are still far from satisfactory, raising questions about the state of human rights in the country.
ASF’s data reveals that the pretrial detention rate, which stood at 53.3 percent in 2020, has marginally declined to 49 percent in 2022 and 48 percent in 2023. Although this decline is a positive sign, ASF’s Uganda country director, Irene Anying, emphasizes that more substantial progress is needed to protect human rights effectively.
Anying commented on these statistics, saying, “These percentages are indicative of progress but leave a lot to be desired.” She further stressed that the country must make more significant strides in safeguarding human rights.
This discussion took place during the National Dialogue on pretrial detention, where various human rights issues, including detention without trial, were addressed on October 26, 2023, at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala.
To combat this issue, Avocats Sans Frontiers and Legal Aid Service Providers’ Network in Uganda have been implementing the “protecting constitutional and procedural rights through access to Justice” project in several districts, including Gulu, Kitgum, Arua, Masindi, Lamwo, Wakiso, and Kampala. Funded by the Austrian Development Corporation, the project aims to promote the rule of law in Uganda’s justice administration.
Prolonged pre-trial detention, as highlighted by ASF, has severe consequences on detainees’ rights to a fair and speedy trial. Detainees often endure overcrowded and unsanitary facilities, risking their health and exposure to inhumane treatment. Many of these facilities lack basic necessities, such as adequate food, clothing, and bedding. Additionally, inmates often lack access to essential services and opportunities for exercise.
Arbitrary arrests and violations of detainees’ rights are commonplace in Uganda, stemming from various factors, including inadequate police training, discrimination, political interference, and corruption.
While the reduction in pretrial detention rates is a step in the right direction, it is evident that Uganda still has a long way to go in protecting the rights of its citizens and ensuring a fair and just legal system.
