The National Taskforce on Criminal Justice Efficiency and Prisons Decongestion, established to address prolonged remand and delays in criminal proceedings, has approved a roadmap and set up a technical team. This team will identify bottlenecks in the criminal justice system and recommend practical measures to address these issues. The decisions were made during the Taskforce's inaugural meeting, chaired by Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala.
Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo urged members to focus on practical interventions rather than producing another report highlighting known challenges. She emphasized that the Taskforce's work must result in tangible improvements. The Taskforce comprises representatives from the Judiciary, the Attorney General's Chambers, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Uganda Police Force, and the Uganda Prisons Service. Their goal is to identify and address delays across the criminal justice system.
Abodo expressed concern about accused persons spending lengthy periods on remand without sufficient evidence to support prosecution. She also highlighted cases stalled at the investigation and committal stages. Prolonged pre-trial detention affects not only the liberty and dignity of accused persons but also their families and livelihoods. However, Abodo stressed that efforts to ease congestion must also safeguard victims' rights and public safety.
During the meeting, participating institutions presented status reports outlining their respective challenges and identifying areas requiring coordinated action. These reports will inform the technical team's work in collecting case-file data from justice institutions, engaging other stakeholders, and preparing recommendations for the Chief Justice. The proposals will outline immediate, short-term, and medium-term interventions based on the findings.
The initiative follows a high-level meeting held on March 24, 2026, between Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija and then Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala. During this meeting, Zeija proposed establishing a joint Technical Committee, led by the Principal Judge, to review cases involving inmates on remand and develop interventions to ease prison congestion.
Abodo supported the proposal, emphasizing that the review should also cover cases handled by State Attorneys that had not progressed to committal. The technical team will build on this proposal, working to develop practical solutions to the challenges facing the criminal justice system. By addressing these issues, the Taskforce aims to promote both access to justice and the efficient administration of criminal justice.
The Taskforce's efforts are expected to have a significant impact on the lives of accused persons, victims, and their families. By reducing prolonged remand and delays in criminal proceedings, the Taskforce can help ensure that justice is served more efficiently and effectively. The team's recommendations will be crucial in achieving this goal, and their work will be closely watched by stakeholders across the justice system.
Key points
- The National Taskforce on Criminal Justice Efficiency and Prisons Decongestion has approved a roadmap to reduce prolonged remand and delays in criminal proceedings.
- The Taskforce brings together representatives from the Judiciary, the Attorney General's Chambers, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Uganda Police Force, and the Uganda Prisons Service.
- The technical team will collect case-file data, engage stakeholders, and prepare recommendations for the Chief Justice to address delays across the criminal justice system.
