Mbarara City
Catholic priest Fr. Francis Kadidi has sharply criticised Uganda’s judiciary for what he described as unacceptable delays in handling cases, saying the slow pace has condemned many political detainees to “rotting in prisons” without trial.
Delivering a homily on Wednesday at Uganda Martyrs Parish in Mbarara City as Christians marked the beginning of Lent, Fr. Kadidi said he is pained by the silence of “learned people entrusted with authority” who watch citizens suffer without intervention.
“I cry when I see learned people who are entrusted with authority keeping quiet and leaving Ugandans to suffer,” he said. He challenged judicial officers to use the Lenten season as a moment of sacrifice by ensuring that all Ugandans detained without trial are released or given their day in court.
Fr. Kadidi urged the faithful to take personal responsibility in promoting peace, arguing that peace cannot be left solely to political leaders.
“We should not wait for the President to create peace; peace begins with you,” he told the congregation. He encouraged Christians to make meaningful sacrifices during Lent, including supporting or advocating for political prisoners within their communities.
The priest’s remarks come amid growing public concern over prolonged pre‑trial detentions and the slow pace of justice delivery in Uganda’s courts. His call adds a moral voice to ongoing debates about human rights, rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary.
