Uganda
- derekjustindenton
- Feb 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 27
Rate of children in detention per 100,000: 20 (2018) https://data.unicef.org/resources/dataset/children-in-detention/
According to The National Population and Housing Census Uganda’s children make up almost half the population. While rates have declined from 5.8 births per woman the 2014 census to 4.5 births this still makes Uganda one of the youngest populations in the world. Widespread poverty is a structural problem in Uganda and contributes to youth crime. These tends demonstrate Uganda’s ever-increasing need for effective youth justice policies and structures.
Section 88 (1) of Children Act (1996) defines the age of criminal responsibility at 12 years of age.
In Uganda, youth diversion decision-makers include village courts (under the Local Council Courts), police, and family and children's courts. The central purpose of the Children's Act (1996) is that children in conflict with the law, whose offences are not serious, should wherever possible be dealt with and assisted in their communities by Local Council Courts at the village, parish and sub-county level. These practices divert children from more formal processes in the Family and Children Court at the district or sub-county level.
One of the most innovative support systems available to the Ugandan children in conflict with the law is the appointment of Fit Persons and Mediators (section 91 (9) Children’s Act (1996)). The Fit Persons closely supervises or offers accommodation to children, where parents and guardians are unable. This initiative helps to prevent the child being remanded in custody.
Another innovative initiative at the sub-county level is the role of Community Development Assistants who have several roles crucial to children’s reintegration into the community. The Community Development Assistants train Fit Persons, mediators, Local Councils and Community Based Organizations, they also provide counseling for children and assisting children in Family and Children's Courts and Local Council Courts. Community Development Assistants also support the work of the District Probation and Social Welfare Officers who are responsible for the care and protection of children, which includes intervention in marital disputes affecting children, child abandonment, disability issues, child abuse and children in conflict with the law.
The Ugandan Family and Children’s Court has the authority to order various forms of intervention, including counseling, community service, and placement in rehabilitation centers. Recent developments in the Ugandan youth justice system include the introduction of child friendly courts which seek to ensure proceedings are conducted in a manner that respects the dignity and rights of children. Despite these changes implementation remains inconsistent with traditional justice systems often being used in rural areas.
Rehabilitation centers, such as the Kampiringisa National Rehabilitation Centre and the Naguru Remand Home provide a range of services, including education, vocational training, and psychological support, to help young offenders reintegrate into society. The focus on rehabilitation is intended to reduce recidivism and promote positive behavioral change.
Despite these efforts, the Ugandan youth justice system faces several challenges. According to a report by the Legal Aid Service Providers' Network (LASPNET), issues such as poverty, corruption, and inadequate resources hinder the effective delivery of justice for young people1. The report highlights the need for specialized youth legal services and the training of justice sector actors to better understand and address the unique needs of young offenders1.
Furthermore, a study on juvenile delinquency in Uganda points out that the lack of a strong enforceable legal regime and a weak institutional framework contribute to the high rates of juvenile crime. The study calls for comprehensive reforms to strengthen the legal and institutional mechanisms for addressing juvenile delinquency and ensuring that young offenders receive appropriate support and rehabilitation.
While the Ugandan youth justice system has made significant strides in protecting the rights of young offenders and promoting rehabilitation, there is still much work to be done. Addressing the systemic challenges and ensuring that all children have access to justice and support services essential for the continued development and the effective work of the system.
1: Legal Aid Service Providers' Network (LASPNET). (2018). Access to Justice Needs for Youth in Uganda: Vulnerability, Poverty, and Corruption Hindrances.
2: Kon, A. J. (2011). Juvenile Delinquency under the Laws of Uganda: Case Study of Kampiringisa Rehabilitation Centre and Naguru Remand Home. Kampala International University.
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