Law Society flags human rights, justice concerns in 2026 rule of law report

What the report says

The Uganda Law Society has published its State of the Rule of Law First and Second Quarter Report 2026, covering January to June, and used the launch to highlight concerns about access to justice, bail, detention, prison congestion and alleged human rights violations in Uganda. According to Nile Post, the report examines constitutional governance, public institutions, the administration of justice, human rights and the broader civic environment.

The launch took place at the ULS secretariat in Kampala and brought together officials from the Judiciary, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, the Inspectorate of Government and other stakeholders. ULS said the report is meant not only to document problems, but also to support public discussion, accountability and reform. The society said it was encouraged by some developments, including the expansion of regional mobile courts, but urged continued attention to lawful arrest, fair hearings and equality before the law.

Prison congestion featured prominently in the discussion. Uganda Prisons Service officials said the inmate population stood at 82,339 as of August 12, 2026, with overcrowding estimated at 351.7 percent. They also noted steps such as Zoom-equipped prison units to support remote hearings. Police and the Inspectorate of Government used the forum to restate their mandates and highlight cooperation, while ULS leaders said the findings should help institutions identify areas needing improvement. The report comes amid wider public debate in Uganda over justice delivery, rights protection and constitutional governance.