Systematic Review of Criminal Justice Reforms and Pre-Trial Detention Reduction in Uganda: An Analysis of the 2021–2026 Strategic Agenda

This systematic literature review critically analyses the scholarly discourse surrounding Uganda’s criminal justice reforms, specifically the strategic agenda to reduce pre-trial detention. The research problem centres on evaluating the implementation and efficacy of these recent reforms, given the persistent and disproportionate use of pre-trial detention, which undermines defendants’ rights and burdens the penal system. Employing the PRISMA framework, the methodology involved a rigorous search and synthesis of peer-reviewed articles, government reports, and analyses from Ugandan civil society organisations published up to and including 2023. Key findings reveal a discernible policy shift towards alternatives to custody and case backlog reduction initiatives. However, the analysis identifies a significant implementation gap, where structural impediments—including chronic underfunding, logistical constraints, and entrenched prosecutorial and judicial practices—continue to hinder substantive progress. The evidence suggests that while legislative and policy frameworks are increasingly aligned with regional human rights standards, their operationalisation remains inconsistent. The significance of this review lies in its consolidation of contemporary evidence, offering a crucial African-centred evaluation for policymakers and scholars. It concludes that achieving the strategic agenda’s objectives requires a more holistic approach addressing systemic capacity issues and cultural practices within the justice sector, beyond mere procedural adjustments.