Justice Gaswaga Presides Over Otuke SGBV Pre-Session Meeting
Hon. Justice Gaswaga (standing - middle) with other stakeholders at the opening of the Otuke SGBV pre-session meeting
On Tuesday October 26 , 2021, the Lira High Court held a pre-session meeting ahead of a Sexual and Gender Based Violence session where50 cases arising from Otuke District are set to be handled.
The session which will be presided over by Hon. Justice Duncan Gaswaga, thein-coming Resident Judge, Lira High Court Circuit.
As part of the opening ceremonies, the Session Judge inspected a guard of honour mounted by officers of the Uganda Police Force with its band in place to play the Anthems.
Speaking to the stakeholders at Lira High Court, Hon. Justice Gaswaga urged them to complement Judiciary’s efforts in the administration of justice. He added that leaders need to help in mediating disputes in order to maintain peace in the community.
He explained that due to inadequate infrastructure in Otuke District, the session will be held in Lira.
Out of the 50 cases cause-listed, 34 are Aggravated Defilement offences, 14cases of Murder and two cases of Rape.
Mr Nuwagaba Peter, the OC Lira Main Prison, reported that the other four accused persons who had been cause-listed died while on remand. It was therefore agreed that the Court’s Assistant Registrar, HW Ssalaamu Godfrey Ngobi amend the cause list accordingly.
According to his report, Lira Government Prison has 805 inmates of which 105are convicts while 620 are on remand. Among those on remand, 147 have been committed to the High Court for trial.
Alebtong District LC V Chairperson, Mr David Kennedy Odongo attributed the high crime rate in Otuke and Alebtong districts to the high levels of poverty.
He appealed to the Judiciary to consider creating another High Court circuit to serve the districts of Otuke, Alebtong and Dokolo.
Hon. Justice Gaswaga urged the stakeholders present to assist in the communication and assembling of witnesses since most victims and witnesses are delicate and require a lot of psycho-social support.
He also disclosed that the Judiciary plans to hold more criminal sessions including those for Plea Bargaining to reduce the high number of criminal cases.
On his part, the Ag. Regional Police Commander for North Kyoga, Joab Wabwire pledged maximum support and cooperation to the team in ensuring the successful completion of the session.
Posted 26th, October 2021
