Complaints of alleged bribery by police officers dominated discussions at the Law Development Centre (LDC) Court Open Day in Kampala, where members of the public accused some law enforcement officers of soliciting money in exchange for police bonds, arrests, and release of suspects.
The engagement, aimed at deepening public understanding of court procedures and improving access to justice, brought together officials from the Judiciary, the Uganda Police Force, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Uganda Prisons Service, local leaders, law students, and members of the public.
During the interactive session, several participants shared personal accounts alleging corruption within the criminal justice system. One resident, identified as Ketty Nakayanja, told the meeting that police officers allegedly demanded one million shillings to secure her son’s release. She said she only managed to raise two hundred thousand shillings, but her son was still remanded to Luzira Prison on charges she disputes.
A female cleric also attempted to raise concerns about alleged bribery involving police officers but was advised to submit her complaint in writing. In another account, the chairperson of women in Kagugube Village alleged she was asked for money before police could grant bond to individuals she had gone to assist at Kagugube Police Station.
Other attendees claimed that some police officers routinely demand payments before making arrests, endorsing case files, or offering basic services.
The allegations sparked a tense exchange with Wandegeya Division Police Commander SP David Ndaula, who dismissed claims that corruption is institutionalised within the police force. His remarks were met with loud protests from sections of the audience, who insisted that bribery remains a persistent problem.
At one point, Ndaula challenged anyone who had ever been asked for a bribe while seeking police services to stand up. In response, several participants rose and moved toward the microphone, drawing applause from the crowd.
Due to time limitations, only two members of the public were allowed to formally address the meeting. SP Ndaula later shared his contact details and encouraged anyone with credible evidence of corruption to report directly to him for investigation and possible disciplinary action.
Earlier, Chief Registrar Agnes Alum commended the LDC Court for organising the Open Day, noting that the strong turnout reflected growing public engagement with the justice system. She reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsive service delivery.
Alum reminded participants that Article 126 of the Constitution requires courts to administer justice fairly, without undue delay or excessive technical barriers, while also encouraging reconciliation where appropriate. She pointed to ongoing reforms such as mediation and the Small Claims Procedure, which are intended to reduce case backlog and speed up dispute resolution.
She also highlighted recent amendments to the Magistrates Courts Act, which have expanded the jurisdiction of Chief Magistrates and Grade One Magistrates, bringing services closer to communities and easing pressure on higher courts.
Members of the public were urged to report any misconduct through the Inspectorate of Courts and to make use of protections outlined in the Judiciary Client Charter, including the right to fair hearings, access to court records, and the right to lodge complaints against judicial officers.
LDC Court Chief Magistrate His Worship Timothy Lumunye described the court as both a judicial body and a training ground for law students. He reported that since January, the court has registered 754 cases, disposed of 581, and currently has 641 pending matters, including a backlog of 58 cases.
He attributed improved case disposal to increased reliance on Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms such as mediation and reconciliation, which he said have helped reduce delays.
The Manager of the LDC Legal Aid Clinic, Lydia Namuli, explained that the court operates through a partnership between the Judiciary and the Law Development Centre, established in 2008. She noted that law students gain practical experience in litigation, legal drafting, negotiation, and mediation while providing supervised free legal services.
Namuli cautioned the public against paying any fees for services offered under the clinic, stressing that all student legal work is provided free of charge. She further encouraged wider use of Alternative Dispute Resolution, saying it helps restore relationships, reduces backlog, and often produces more sustainable outcomes than prolonged court battles.
Participants also appealed for transport support during future public engagements, saying some attendees had travelled long distances from districts such as Kalangala, Kiboga, and Mukono to raise concerns about delayed cases and access to justice challenges.
The session was moderated by Deputy Registrar in charge of Mediation, Zulaika Nanteza, alongside other judicial officers who responded to questions from members of the public.
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