Delays in Uganda's court system risk undermining investor confidence and slowing economic transformation, according to Dr Katja Kerschbaumer, Head of the Austrian Embassy in Uganda. Speaking at the Fifth Annual Performance Review of the Governance and Security Programme for the 2025/2026 financial year, Kerschbaumer warned that businesses and investors needed predictable legal institutions capable of enforcing contracts, protecting property rights and resolving disputes fairly. She argued that access to timely justice was not merely a legal requirement but also an important economic consideration, and that prolonged court proceedings, particularly in commercial and land disputes, could discourage investment, increase the cost of doing business and weaken public confidence in state institutions.
Kerschbaumer, speaking on behalf of the Justice Sector Development Partners Group, emphasised that reducing case backlogs should remain a priority for Uganda's justice and governance institutions. She highlighted delays in criminal proceedings, prolonged pre-trial detention and slow investigations, which she said have serious consequences for individuals and their families. She also drew attention to civil and commercial disputes, including land cases, contractual disagreements, debt recovery and inheritance matters, which affect households, businesses and investors. "Justice delayed could very quickly become justice denied," she said.
Beyond security and justice, Kerschbaumer said the rule of law was a critical driver of economic development because investors required a stable and predictable environment in which to operate. She noted that countries that had achieved sustained economic transformation had also invested in strong legal institutions capable of reducing business risks, encouraging innovation and creating an environment in which enterprises could expand and generate employment. She stressed that no investor would commit resources where contracts cannot be enforced, and no entrepreneur would invest with confidence where disputes cannot be resolved fairly and timely.
Kerschbaumer acknowledged Uganda's progress in maintaining peace and stability over recent decades, noting that the country had made considerable investments in strengthening public institutions and professionalising the security and justice sectors. She singled out the operationalisation of the Judiciary's JLOS House as an important achievement in strengthening the justice sector, describing the facility as a landmark that reflects the importance of institutions responsible for administering justice. She also praised Uganda's Constitution as a strong constitutional foundation that provides extensive protection for fundamental rights and freedoms.
On balancing development with rights protection, Kerschbaumer cautioned that limitations on individual property rights for national development projects must be undertaken lawfully, transparently and proportionately, with appropriate safeguards and compensation for affected property owners. She stressed that some fundamental rights, particularly the prohibition of torture, are absolute and cannot be suspended even during public emergencies or security operations. She maintained that improving the speed and efficiency of justice delivery would strengthen both human rights protection and Uganda's business environment. The Justice Sector Development Partners Group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Uganda's efforts to strengthen access to justice, accountability, human rights and good governance.