Good governance, justice, accountability and security remain critical foundations for Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, investor confidence, social cohesion and the realization of the country tenfold development aspirations, Dr. Katja Kerschbaumer , the Head of Austrian Embassy/Development Cooperation in Kampala , has stated .
Dr. Katja Kerschbaumer who is also the Chair of the Justice Sector Development Partners’ Group pledge the a shared commitment to continue supporting Uganda’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law, access to justice, accountability, human rights and good governance.
“We value the constructive partnership that has developed between the Government of Uganda, the Judiciary, justice sector institutions and development partners, and we appreciate the openness, professionalism and spirit of collaboration that continue to characterize this engagement,” Dr. Kerschbaumer ,stated.
She was making a presentation during a well attended Joint Government of Uganda – Development Partners’ Governance and Security Programme (GSP) Annual Review at Royale Hotel in Kampala.
Minister for Kampala , Hajjat Minsa Kabanda ,on behalf of the Minister for Presidency Milly Babalanda officiated at the opening of the 5th GSP Annual Review
The Fifth Annual Performance Review comes during the first year of implementation of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), covering the 2025/2026 to 2029/2030 financial years, which seeks to strengthen governance, security and the rule of law as foundations for national development.
Dr. Kerschbaumer , therefore noted that the rule of law is therefore not merely a legal principle or concept bu rather a principle of governance, a principle of security, and a principle of development.
“This is why the rule of law and security are so closely connected. Security is not achieved only through police, prisons, or military institutions. Lasting security is built when citizens trust that public institutions operate fairly and impartially. It is built when justice is accessible and timely. It is built when people believe that they have a stake in society and that their rights and interests are protected,” she stated .
When institutions are trusted, Kerschbaumer noted , the citizens are more willing to cooperate with them, respect the law, and contribute positively to society. In this sense, the rule of law is one of the most effective investments a nation can make in its own stability and resilience.
She further noted that the continued investments in the justice ,institutions, accountability systems, citizen identification, anti-corruption measures, and public safety have all strengthened the foundations for economic growth and social cohesion.
“ A safer and more predictable environment reduces risks for citizens and businesses alike and allows development to take root.”
The development partners welcomed the government of Uganda’s operationalization of the JLOS Tower, enhanced forensic and investigative capacities, expanded national identification coverage and continued anti- corruption efforts which have contributed to creating a more effective state and a more predictable environment for citizens and businesses alike.
They also recognized Uganda’s role in promoting peace and stability within the East and central African region .
“In a part of the world where conflict and displacement continue to affect millions of people, Uganda’s contribution to regional stability deserves recognition. These achievements should not be taken for granted. They provide a critical foundation upon which development and prosperity can flourish,” the Development Partners stated in their review report.
Earlier while , speaking at the GSP Review Conference , State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Dr. Mercy Faith Lakisa, called for the urgent operationalization of the Remand Homes Court system to expedite juvenile justice in Uganda.
Dr. Lakisa, who is also the woman Member of Parliament for Alebtong district, said that government had gazetted all the seven Remand Homes to also serve as courts to dispense juvenile justice but regretted to note that none has been operationalized.
The State Minister said that the delay to make the Remand Homes Court system functional has led to delayed trial of cases for children who are in conflict with the law .
“ Justice delayed is justice denied . We must do something to have these gazette children courts operational to reduce case backlog and congestion in the few remand homes we have ,” Lakisa stated .
All the seven remand homes are overcrowded with limited space to accommodate children who get in contact with the law . There are 1,032 children in remand homes and yet the recommended capacity is 780.
The GSP Annual Review Findings
According to the Annual Review Report findings presented by Mr. Sam Rogers Wairagala, the Deputy Senior Technical Advisor at the Governance and Security Programme Secretariat , audit recommendations implementation, stood at 59%, falling short of expectations. He urged government institutions to act on outstanding audits rather than leaving them unresolved.
Wairagala further reported that gender and equity compliance reached 61% against a target of 70% and the refugee resilience performance lagged at 39% against a target of 53%, heavily constrained by declining international financing.
The report revealed that the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) recovered Ug.Shs. 41.9 billion in the on-going anti graft campaign.
The report further shows that there has been marked improvement in capacity building for various duty bearers (security and law enforcement agencies to prevent and respond to crime, and 32,617 offenders were rehabilitated, exceeding the target of 6,000 inmates.
According to the report 20% of villages (out of 71,227) engaged in community policing programmes while various JLOS institutions continued automating their systems.
