Jinja RCC Deliberates On How to Improve Justice Delivery Within the Circuit
Members of Regional Chain - linked Committee at the meeting in Jinja
On Wednesday June 22,2022, the Jinja Senior Resident Judge, Hon. Lady Dr Winifred Nabisinde, chaired a Regional Chain-linked Committee meeting attended by justice actors with a regional mandate within the Circuit.
Among issues discussed was the need for the staff of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution to draw a work plan or schedule indicating dates of their availability given the fact that they are fewer than judicial officers. Yet DPP prosecutors have a range of duties with prosecution being one.
The meeting noted the need for more State Attorneys in the region.
It was noted there was need for a remand home in the region. Its absence has led to the practice of upgrading of juveniles’ age in order to be remanded to prisons.
A concern was raised on the need for criminal appeals sessions as a lot of attention is paid on fresh cases leaving appeals unattended.
In relation to this, it was agreed that movement of files to Court of Appeal to be done on certified copies and original files be kept at station.
As a way of minimizing granting bail to habitual offenders, plea hearing of such cases will be done.
It was further agreed that there was need to adhere to the law where accused persons on remand qualify for mandatory bail. It was recommended that Judicial officers must apply the law rather than pretending to massage the problem which ends up promoting illegalities.
Posted 22nd, June 2022
