Dr. Katja Kerschbaumer, the Head of the Austrian Embassy in Uganda, has expressed concerns that prolonged court proceedings, excessive pre-trial detention, and human rights violations, including torture, risk eroding public trust in Uganda's institutions. She emphasized the importance of timely justice and strict adherence to constitutional protections. Kerschbaumer made these remarks on behalf of the Justice Sector Development Partners Group during the Fifth Annual Governance and Security Programme (GSP) Review meeting in Kampala.
Kerschbaumer highlighted that respect for human dignity, equal application of the law, and timely resolution of disputes are essential to building public confidence in government institutions and sustaining national stability. She warned that prolonged court proceedings have far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, businesses, and communities. The diplomat stressed that certain fundamental rights cannot be suspended under any circumstances, specifically citing the prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
The Austrian diplomat raised concerns about the human rights implications of prolonged investigations and court proceedings, particularly where suspects spend excessive periods in police custody or prison awaiting trial. She emphasized that persons awaiting trial should not spend excessive periods in police custody or prisons because their cases cannot be dealt with in a timely manner. Kerschbaumer praised Uganda's Constitution for providing extensive protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression, association, equality before the law, and protection against arbitrary detention.
Kerschbaumer identified public trust as a critical ingredient in strengthening governance and national security. She said citizens must have confidence that institutions are fair and impartial, the law applies equally to everyone, and their grievances will be addressed through established legal processes. The diplomat added that trust is equally important in attracting investment because businesses and investors require reliable, transparent, and accountable institutions to operate with confidence.
Minister for Kampala Affairs Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, who represented the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, called for stronger accountability, improved implementation of audit recommendations, and more effective anti-corruption measures. Kabanda delivered the keynote address, emphasizing that the Governance and Security Programme should be assessed not merely by institutional activities and reported achievements but by the actual improvements citizens experience in security, access to justice, public accountability, and equality.
Kabanda highlighted reported recoveries of Shs41.9 billion from corruption-related interventions, alongside savings of Shs17.8 billion, describing the results as evidence of institutional efforts to strengthen accountability and protect public resources. She also reported that the Office of the Attorney General had achieved 98.4 per cent of its financial performance targets. However, she cautioned that institutional achievements should not be confused with the overall attainment of national development objectives.
Kabanda outlined key priorities for the programme, including strengthening peace and security, improving governance and accountability, implementing audit recommendations, intensifying anti-corruption efforts, improving access to justice, and protecting human rights. She urged government institutions and development partners to translate their commitments into practical action, saying the programme's success should ultimately be measured by improvements in citizens' security, access to justice, confidence in public decisions, and quality of life.
Key points
- Prolonged court proceedings and human rights violations risk eroding public trust in Uganda's institutions.
- Timely justice and strict adherence to constitutional protections are essential to building public confidence in government institutions.
- Public trust is a critical ingredient in strengthening governance and national security in Uganda.
