A Critical Analysis of Pre-trial Detention in Uganda

ABSTRACT This research paper analyses pre-trial detention (remand) in Uganda. It digs deep into the causes and effects of lengthy pre-trial detentjon and provides suggestions to end it. The paper gives appropriate history of the wider context of pre-trial detentions in Uganda that 5pans from the immediate post-colonial times of Uganda to the recent, highlighting major historical events that have shaped the law on pre-trial detention. It goes ahead to provide an analysis of the literature both local and international and compares it while giving a critic of it. The paper goes further to investigate the existence of the laws relating to pre-trial detention at the national, regional and international level highlighting the particular provisions of law that state the confines with;n this kind of detention should take place and be dealt with. With the central region as its geographical scope, the research paper entails a field work report of the findings .fi·om the study. The main method of research used here is the quantitative method where data is extracted.fi·om the case study with the guMe of information from the target group. The .flnding5; .fi'om the .field study relating to pre-trial detention are circumstantial of the country's level c~fdevelopment, economic status a[ld the social- political state of affairs in the country. In a conclusion, the paper is comprehensive in analysis, investigation and reporting of pre-trial detention in Uganda and is rich in comparison of the present with the past of Uganda in relation to the topic; locallegalfi·amework with international and concludes with recommendations from the author to various stakeholders in this country towards ending lengthy pre-trial detention in Uganda.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Contents 

DECLARATION ............................................................................................................................ ii 

APPROVAL .................................................................................................................................. iii 

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DEDICATION ............................................................................................................................... iv 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT ................................................................................................................. v 

TABLE OF STATUTES ................................................................................................................ vi 

LIST OF CASE LAWS ................................................................................................................ vii 

ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................. viii 

TABLE ()F CONTENTS ............................................................................................................... ix 

ABBREVIATIONS ...................................................................................................................... xii 

CliAPTEl~ ONE ........................................................................................................................... 1 

1.0 IN'fRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 1 

I. I Historical Background of the study .......................................................................................... 1 

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1.2 Problen1 staten1ent ..................................................................................................................... 3 

1.3 Objectives ofthe study .............................................................................................................. 3 

I .3.1 General Objective .................................................................................................................. 3 

I .3.2 Specific objectives ................................................................................................................. 3 

1.3 .4 Research questions ................................................................................................................. 3 

1.4. Significance of' the study .......................................................................................................... 4 

1.5 Justification of' the Study .......................................................................................................... 4 

1.6 Scope of the study ..................................................................................................................... 4 

1.6.1 Titne scope ............................................................................................................................. 4 

ix 

1.6.2 C:Jcographical scope ................................................................................................................ 5 

1.7. Research n1ethodology ............................................................................................................. 5 

1.8 Literature Revievv ...................................................................................................................... 5 

Lin1itations of the Research ............................................................................................................ 8 

I. 9 Chapter Synopsis ................................................................................................................ 9 

Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................... 9 

CHAPTER 'fWO ........................................................................................................................ 10 

2.0 NON LEGAL ASPECTS OF PRE-TRIAL DETENTION IN UGANDA ....................... 10 

2.1. The causes of lengthy pre-trial detention in Uganda ............................................................. 10 

2.3. Effects of lengthy Pre-trial detention in Uganda ................................................................... 12 

2.4 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 14 

CliAPl'J