Pader justice stakeholders call for faster case disposal reforms

1 July 2026, 11:48 am

By Geoffrey Okwong

Justice sector stakeholders in Pader District have called for the expedited disposal of court cases and enhanced collaboration among justice institutions to address the growing burden of customary land disputes and reduce congestion in prisons.

The appeal was made during a District Chain-Linked Committee (DCC) stakeholders’ meeting held at Pader Chief Magistrate’s Court, where judicial officers, prison authorities, police and other justice sector actors reviewed progress and challenges affecting access to justice in the district.

Speaking at the meeting, the Chief Magistrate of Pader, Martins Kirya, expressed concern over the increasing number of customary land disputes before the courts, warning that unresolved land conflicts continue to threaten peace and social cohesion within communities.

Kirya observed that many land disputes involve family members and relatives, making them more complex and emotionally charged. He encouraged communities to embrace mediation and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms where appropriate, noting that such approaches can preserve relationships while easing pressure on the courts.

He further urged justice sector institutions to strengthen coordination in handling cases to ensure the timely delivery of justice and improve public confidence in the justice system.

Representing the Officer-in-Charge of Pader Government Prison, Moses Amoki said delays in the justice process continue to contribute to congestion at the prison, despite improvements brought about by plea bargaining and community service.

Amoki said the prison currently holds 232 inmates, comprising 95 male convicts, 124 male remand prisoners, six female convicts, and seven female remand prisoners, in addition to three children living with their mothers.

He commended the Judiciary for introducing plea bargain sessions, saying the initiative has increased the number of concluded criminal cases and enabled eligible offenders to benefit from community service orders, thereby reducing pressure on the prison.

However, he revealed that the facility currently has 42 inmates facing capital offences, with only nine having so far been committed to the High Court for trial.

Amoki cited the case of an inmate, Daniel Opiyo, who has remained on remand since 2022 awaiting committal to the High Court, and appealed for the expedited handling of such cases to reduce prolonged detention.

He also called for the quicker hearing of petty offences that have not been enrolled for plea bargaining, arguing that unnecessary delays contribute to overcrowding.

The prison officer further appealed to judicial officers to consider alternative approaches, where the law permits, in handling elderly suspects involved in family and land disputes. He disclosed that the prison recently admitted two elderly remand prisoners aged 77 and 72 years, noting that their advanced age makes incarceration particularly challenging.

Amoki also urged courts to impose more deterrent sentences on habitual offenders, saying some repeatedly serve short prison terms before returning to commit similar offences in the community.

He commended the Uganda Police Force for supporting prison operations by providing transport whenever the prison’s ageing vehicle breaks down and assisting in the recapture of escaped prisoners. He also highlighted the prison’s commitment to protecting inmates’ rights through prisoner and staff human rights committees and regular engagement with independent human rights organisations.

Justice stakeholders at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to improving coordination across the criminal justice system, noting that faster case disposal, wider use of alternative dispute resolution, plea bargaining and community service remain key to reducing case backlog, easing prison congestion and promoting access to justice in Pader District.