(L-R): Hon. Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga, Hon. Justice Lawrence Gidudu and Hon. Lady Justice Margaret Tibulya at the Anti - Corruption
On Friday February 10, 2023, the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) of the High Court held a Court Users Committee meeting at the Court's premises in Kololo and was by the Court's head, Hon. Justice Lawrence Gidudu.
Flanked by the Deputy Head of the Division, Hon. Lady Justice Margaret Tibulya and Hon.Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga, Hon. Justice Gidudu commended the efforts of all the Judicial Officers that saw the Court recognized for its good performance at the 27th JLOS Annual Review and at the recent 24th Annual Judges Conference.
He commended the Judicial Officers, the prosecutors, and defense counsel for the work well done.
Hon. Justice Gidudu noted that due to scarcity of funds, the Court was unable to accomplish some activities such as training on Plea Bargaining Rules and the Case Management Rules.
He thanked the USAID for donating a Heavy Duty Copier/Printer, one 70 Inch TV Set, a 3KVA power stabilizer and nine conference chairs. These items, he said, are critical to the operations of the Court.
The Judge reiterated his commitment and that of the Court to administer justice without ill will or favor. "My pledge is that we shall continue to punish convicted criminals once there is proof beyond reasonable doubt. And no amount of intimidation by the gutter press will save the corrupt in this court."
The meeting noted that fines provided in the anti-corruption Act were small at the moment due to inflation and do not punish the convict. A subcommittee comprising prosecutors from Inspectorate of Government, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Uganda Revenue Authority plus defense counsel was set up to review provisions relating to fines and recommend changes to be escalated through the legislative process.
The meeting was attended by among others, the Court's Deputy Registrar, HW Pamela Lamunu Ocaya, and the other Judicial Officers attached to the Court.
Also present were different representatives of the different prosecuting agencies at the Court as well as defense counsel and members of the public.
Posted 10th, February 2023
