Examining the Admissibility and Efficacy of Confessions in Uganda: Emerging Trends and Practical Challenges                                                  

Oburu Peter

School of Law Kampala International University, Uganda

ABSTRACT

This article examines the admissibility and efficacy of confessions in Uganda, focusing on the legal framework governing their procurement, recording, and admission in court. Section 23 of the Evidence Act of Uganda does not stipulate that only a police officer above the rank of Assistant Inspector of Police can procure and record a confession from a suspect. Instead, it allows any officer to record a confession as long as they are in the immediate presence of an Assistant Inspector of Police or a magistrate. This ambiguity in the law leaves much to be desired, despite the requirement for corroboration before confession evidence is admitted in court. The article advocates for the proper training of officers involved in evidence extraction to ensure professional conduct. It also calls for state protection of officers from unscrupulous individuals who may attempt to induce, force, or threaten suspects into making false confessions. Furthermore, there is a need for proper sensitization of the populace about the rights of suspects and accused persons. Suspects should be informed about when, how, and to whom they should confess, ensuring that confessions are made voluntarily without inducement, promises, threats, violence, force, undue influence, or duress.

Keywords: Admissibility, Confession, Emerging trends, Evidence, Suspects

CITE AS: Oburu Peter (2024). Examining the Admissibility and Efficacy of Confessions in Uganda: Emerging Trends and Practical Challenges. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF LAW, COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGES 3(3):24-29.