Sir Simon Muyanga Lutaaya
The death penalty remains on Uganda’s books, but for over 20 years, the country has not carried out a single execution. This long pause has raised questions about the purpose of capital punishment and whether it truly serves justice in modern Uganda.
Historically, serious crimes such as murder, treason, and terrorism could earn the death sentence. At one point, certain crimes even carried mandatory executions, leaving judges with no choice. But major legal shifts over the past decade have given courts more flexibility. In 2009, Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled that automatic death sentences were unconstitutional. Later, in 2021, Parliament passed reforms officially removing mandatory capital punishment, allowing judges to impose life imprisonment or other penalties instead.
Today, the death penalty exists in law, but its use has declined sharply. Fewer people are sentenced to death, and those who are often spend decades on death row without execution. This has sparked debate about who the punishment actually serves.
Supporters say the death penalty deters crime and delivers justice for victims’ families. They see it as a tool to protect society and send a strong warning to would-be criminals. But critics argue it is outdated, inhumane, and risky. Innocent people can be wrongly convicted, and taking a life can never be undone. Human rights organizations, legal experts, and faith leaders say true justice should focus on rehabilitation and addressing the root causes of crime—not only punishment.
Uganda is part of a growing trend in Africa. Countries like Rwanda, Mozambique, and Burundi have abolished the death penalty entirely, while others have simply stopped enforcing it. The question now is whether Uganda will continue along this path or formally end capital punishment.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the conversation about the death penalty is no longer just about the law—it’s about justice, fairness, and what kind of society Uganda wants to be. With reforms already reshaping its use, the country may be closer than ever to saying goodbye to executions for good.
