INSIDE UGANDA’S CASE BACKLOG AND CONGESTED PRISONS

Authorities at Bushenyi government prison (Nyamushekyera prison) have decried congestion at the facility which has increased health risks for prisoners especially women.
Located in Bushenyi district western Uganda, Nyamushekyera prison is meant for only 326 prisoners but it currently accommodates over 1300.
Mr. Benjamin Magoola, the facility deputy OC attributes the congestion to failure by court to handle case backlog which would have helped to eliminate those on remand.

A case becomes backlogged when it has been in the justice system for more than two years without being heard and determined. The 2022 annual Judiciary report indicates that the total case backlog stood at 50,592 cases (30.11 percent) against 168,007 pending ones in 2o22. This was a 2.23 percent (1,156 cases) reduction from the FY2020/2021 status of 51,748 backlog cases against 161,054 pending ones.
These two issues generated mixed reactions on 21st July 2023, during an open court day held at the Bushenyi magistrate’s court premises presided over by the Deputy Chief Justice Richard Butera, who advised people to embrace alternative dispute resolution (ADR) by settling some matters outside of court.

Meanwhile, Bushenyi district has been granted a high court that will serve the 5 districts of Greater Bushenyi including Bushenyi, Sheema, Rubirizi, Buhweju and Mitooma.
As prisoners choke on congestion in Nyamushekyera prison and other government prisons like Kakiika (Kyamugorani) Mbarara, Mbarara main prison, Nyabuhikye Ibanda, Kiruhura prison and others across Uganda, concerned leaders and other stakeholders have also decried lack of quality services for the prisoners like HIV care and other health services, food and other services.
They want the government to address contributing factors like corruption, lack of sensitization and other challenges.