By Ezrah Kashumbusha.
MUKONO, December 4, 2023 | In a move towards justice reform, the High Court in Mukono has inaugurated its first-ever plea bargaining camp for inmates, hosted at the Jinja Main Prison. The three-day camp, under the auspices of Mukono High Court’s Resident Judge, Justice David Matovu, aims to address the burgeoning challenges of case backlog and congestion within the prison system.
During the opening ceremony, Justice Matovu passionately expressed his commitment to enhancing criminal justice dispensation while addressing the critical issue of overpopulation. “It was reported that Jinja Main Prison, designed for 370 inmates, currently houses a staggering 2865 individuals, with 502 of them awaiting trial,” he stated. The prevalence of over congestion and prolonged trials emerged as the chief concerns voiced by the inmates.
Matovu highlighted the pressing need for a swift and effective resolution to these challenges, acknowledging the impact on both the incarcerated individuals and the justice system as a whole. In response, the camp has registered a total of ninety-six cases for disposal, reflecting a proactive step towards alleviating the burden on Mukono High Court Circuit.
The heart of the initiative lies in reducing the number of individuals on remand, a figure that currently stands at 203 in the Mukono High Court Circuit. With the disposal of these cases, the camp aspires to alleviate the strain on the prison facilities and provide a glimmer of hope for those awaiting their day in court.
In his address, Justice Matovu empathetically acknowledged the plight of the inmates, recognizing that their concerns go beyond the legal complexities of their cases. The camp, he believes, marks a significant stride towards restoring faith in the justice system and offering a tangible solution to the challenges faced by both the incarcerated and the judiciary.
The endeavor not only exemplifies the commitment of Mukono High Court to transformative justice but also stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the legal system. As the camp unfolds, it is anticipated that this innovative approach will not only expedite legal proceedings but also foster a sense of justice, fairness, and compassion within the Mukono High Court Circuit.
In a related storythe Mbarara High Court convened its quarterly Bar-Benching meeting on Thursday, acknowledging and praising the outstanding service of its officers within the court.
The Mbarara High Court on Thursday 30th November held its quarterly Bar- benching meeting where officers were commended for improved service at court. Present at the meeting, were the circuit’s three judges, Lady Justice Joyce Kavuma, Justice Amos Kwizera. Three Registrars of the Court; HW zulaika Nanteza( Deputy Registrar), HW Goretti Arinaitwe and HW Naluyima Rania were in attendance. Judicial officers from the magisterial areas under the circuit as well as the advocates took part in the meeting.
