Austrian diplomat: Prolonged trials, torture undermine public trust in Institutions

What the report says

Dr. Katja Kerschbaumer, head of the Austrian Embassy in Uganda, has warned that lengthy court cases, extended pre-trial detention and torture can weaken public confidence in state institutions. She made the remarks in Kampala on behalf of the Justice Sector Development Partners Group during the Fifth Annual Governance and Security Programme review meeting at Imperial Royale Hotel.

According to The Independent Uganda, Kerschbaumer argued that timely justice, equal treatment under the law and respect for human dignity are necessary for stability and trust. She said people awaiting trial should not remain in custody for excessive periods simply because cases are delayed, and she stressed that torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment can never be justified, even in the name of security or public emergency.

She also said institutions gain credibility when they act transparently and follow constitutional safeguards, including in cases where the government acquires private land for public projects. The diplomat praised Uganda’s Constitution for protecting rights such as freedom of expression, equality before the law and protection from arbitrary detention, and noted that development partners have been allowed to visit detention facilities and meet officials and inmates.

Minister for Kampala Affairs Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, speaking for the Presidency minister, said the value of the Governance and Security Programme should be judged by real improvements in justice, accountability and public service delivery. She called for stronger anti-corruption work, better implementation of audit recommendations and closer coordination among government, partners and civil society.