Pre-Trial Detention in Uganda's Criminal Justice System: Reforms and Reducing Duration

Pre-trial detention in Uganda's criminal justice system has been a contentious issue, with concerns raised about its duration and impact on defendants' rights. Qualitative data collection methods were employed, including semi-structured interviews with stakeholders such as judges, prosecutors, defence attorneys, and defendants. Participant observation was also conducted in court settings to gather insights into actual practices. Analysis revealed that while some reforms have led to a reduction of detention periods by up to 30%, challenges persist related to resource allocation and judicial capacity. The study concludes that although significant progress has been made, sustained implementation of these reforms remains crucial for achieving meaningful reductions in pre-trial detention durations. Future research should explore ways to enhance the effectiveness of existing reforms through better training programmes for legal practitioners and improved allocation of judicial resources.