The role of Uganda police in the realization of the right to fair trial of youth suspects of drug abuse : a case study of Nakawa Division, Kampala

Abstract

This study examined the role of the Uganda Police Force (UPF) in ensuring the realization of the right to a fair trial for youth suspects of drug abuse in Nakawa Division, Kampala, between 2018 and 2023. It focused on the UPF’s efforts to protect youths' rights during arrest and detention, ensure access to legal representation, and address challenges associated with facilitating fair trials. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The study involved 62 respondents selected through purposive sampling, snow balling and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using the Microsoft excel tool pack 2016. The findings revealed some progress but highlighted significant challenges. Detention facilities were often substandard, case processing was delayed, and healthcare services for detained youth were inadequate. Access to legal representation was constrained by issues such as homelessness, lack of sureties, corruption, and limited resources. Youth suspects also faced barriers like inadequate family support, language difficulties, and lack of awareness of their legal rights. The study findings suggest recommendations for improving detention facilities, expediting case processing, enhancing healthcare provision, addressing homelessness, increasing resources for legal aid, and implementing anti-corruption measures. Additional recommendations included establishing follow-up mechanisms, providing language interpretation services, and introducing educational programs to inform youth about their rights. Finally, the study also suggests areas for further research, including the impact of legal representation on case outcomes for youth, the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures, and the role of social services in supporting youth suspects.