Case backlog crisis hindering justice for GBV victims

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While survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in Uganda pursue justice, a severe case backlog is standing in the way, delaying their access to timely and effective resolution.

GBV against women remains one of Uganda’s most pressing human rights challenges, obstructing the nation’s economic and social progress. The prevalence of physical violence in Uganda is alarmingly high at 51%, well above the African average of 37.7%.

During the launch of the Justice for Her project, a collaborative initiative between the Judiciary, UN Women, and the Embassy of Austria in Uganda, the outgoing Chief Registrar, Sarah Langa Siu, highlighted the Judiciary’s struggle with the mounting case backlog and the exorbitant costs associated with administering justice.

Outgoing Chief Registrar HW Sarah Langa Siu underscored the Judiciary’s struggle with case backlog and the high cost of justice administration. (Photo by John Musenze)

As of January 2024, Uganda’s caseload stood at 123,628,000 cases, with 43,560 classified as backlog cases. With only 689 judicial officers handling this immense workload, the need for urgent and innovative interventions is clear.

“GBV cases account for a significant portion of this backlog,” she noted. “Beyond statistics, these numbers represent real people—survivors who need support during and after trial.”

She also stressed that the backlog is not just a number; it reflects the broader societal implications. "These figures, my Lord, could mean that there are several victims who need support during and post-trial, but also that holding facilities are bursting at the seams due to the influx of prisoners," she added.

Natasha Butorac, representing UN Women, condemned Uganda’s high prevalence of physical violence, which stands at 51%, surpassing the African average of 37.7%.

Natasha Butorac who represented the UN Women Country representative said the prevalence of physical violence in Uganda stands at 51% surpassing Africa’s 37.7%. (Photo by John Musenze)

According to the 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS), the rates of sexual violence are also disturbing. The survey revealed that nearly one in five women (17%) and one in 17 men (6%) aged 15-49 had experienced sexual violence in the preceding year. Additionally, 11% of women and 4% of men reported experiencing sexual violence at some point in their lives.

“Trends in the Uganda Police Annual Crime Reports from 2021 to 2024 show a consistent increase in cases of defilement, rape, and domestic violence, with some fluctuations in reporting. Although the 2024 report shows a slight decline in sex-related crimes—from 14,846 in 2023 to 12,424 in 2024—the statistics remain alarming. In 2024 alone, 1,667 women were raped, and 12,317 children were defiled, with females accounting for 12,009 of these cases and males 308,” she explained.

“Special sessions and daily hearings have been crucial in reducing the backlog and have generated best practices for handling GBV cases, which have also informed the project we are launching today,” Butorac added.

Dr Katja Kerschbaumer, the Austrian Ambassador to Uganda, reaffirmed that the Justice for Her project would strengthen criminal justice responses to GBV in Uganda. She also emphasised that Austrian Development Cooperation would continue supporting Uganda’s sustainable development.

Dr. Katja Kerschbaumer, the Austrian Ambassador to Uganda said addressing GBV is not just a moral obligation but essential for sustainable development. (Photo by John Musenze)

“With more frequent hearings, survivors can navigate the court process more easily and with less disruption to their lives. This is a timely and much-needed intervention,” Dr. Kerschbaumer said.

Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, the Principal Judge and Deputy Chief Justice designate labelled GBV against women as a dire issue. 

“In Uganda, as in many parts of the world, a significant number of women and girls have suffered in silence,” he remarked at a recent judicial conference. “Trapped by social norms and economic barriers, many feel they have no choice but to endure.”

Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, the Principal Judge and Deputy Chief Justice Designate, called the GBV against women as a dire situation. (Photo by John Musenze)

He stressed that the project must succeed in implementing all its goals to alleviate the burden on women. He also called for investments in better trial preparation and enhanced use of technology during trials, particularly when victims have to face their abusers in court.

The success of the project will rely on coordinated efforts from the Judiciary, police, prosecutors, legal aid providers, and civil society to ensure accessibility, fairness, and transparency in legal proceedings—ultimately restoring survivors' confidence in the justice system.

Officials from the Judiciary, UN Women and Embassy of Austria pose for a photo after launching Justice for Her project at the supreme court on 24 February 2025. (Photo by John Musenze)

Sexual violence in Uganda remains a grave concern. Data from the 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey reveals that 17% of women and 6% of men aged 15-49 experienced sexual violence in the past year. Despite a slight decrease in sex-related crimes from 2023 to 2024, the numbers remain troubling: 1,667 women were raped, and 12,009 female juveniles were defiled in 2024.

Systemic obstacles, including lengthy procedures, stigma, corruption, and societal pressures, hinder women's access to justice. The protracted resolution process, which averages 900 days for GBV cases, only serves to exacerbate survivors' trauma.