Uganda holds 1,233 children in 780-place facilities
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Nile Post
Illustrative image · illustrate Digital Ug · Pexels · Licence PexelsUganda’s juvenile remand homes hold 1,233 children, against a recommended capacity of 780, meaning they are 453 places over capacity. Minister Mercy Lakis warned about living conditions, care and the reintegration of young people during the annual review of the governance and security programme, reports Nile Post.
Uganda is holding 1,233 children in juvenile remand homes, even though their recommended capacity is 780 places, State Minister for Youth and Children’s Affairs Mercy Lakis said at the fifth annual review of the governance and security programme for the 2025-2026 financial year, reported by Nile Post.
The overcrowding amounts to 453 children across the country’s seven juvenile remand homes and national rehabilitation centre. Mercy Lakis warned of the consequences of overcrowding for access to healthcare, nutrition, education, psychosocial support and reintegration programmes. She also called for better coordination between investigators, courts, probation officers and social services to reduce delays in processing cases involving minors.
The minister called for child-friendly justice combining accountability, protection and social reintegration. She particularly stressed the importance of social inquiry reports, which provide magistrates with information on minors’ family situations and living conditions before judicial and educational measures are selected.
