Lack of Remand Homes Delays Juvenile Justice in Kisoro
KISORO — The Chief Magistrate of Kisoro, Patrick Bamuhiga, has raised concern over the lack of remand home facilities, warning that it is disrupting the fair and timely adjudication of juvenile cases in the district.
Speaking during an interaction between judicial officers and district leaders at Kisoro Magistrate Court, Bamuhiga said the absence of a nearby remand home has created serious logistical and legal challenges.
“The absence of remand homes adversely affects the adjudication of juvenile cases,” Bamuhiga said. “The nearest facility is in Kabale, yet we do not have official transport to facilitate the transfer of juvenile offenders. Cases are handled on a case-by-case basis, which is not sustainable.”
He further noted that delays in investigations, particularly for non-capital offences, have worsened the situation, leading to prolonged detention of juveniles on remand.
Uganda’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Flavian Zeija, acknowledged the growing concern over long remand periods, attributing part of the problem to financial and structural constraints within the justice system.
“At the magistrate level, some cases proceed without legal representation, but at the High Court, every accused person must have a lawyer provided at the expense of the state,” Zeija explained. “This increases the financial burden on the judiciary, as the court must also facilitate witnesses.”
He added that logistical challenges, such as the transfer of investigating officers to distant regions, further complicate proceedings.
“When an investigating officer is transferred far away, it becomes difficult and costly to bring them back for hearings, including providing transport and accommodation,” he said.
Zeija stressed that limited funding from the government has strained the judiciary’s ability to operate efficiently.
“The budget is insufficient. The funds we receive cannot adequately support all judicial processes, which contributes to prolonged stays on remand,” he said.
