PJ Carries Out Monitoring and Evaluation Exercises in Select SGBV-Implementing Courts
Hon. Justice Jesse Byaruhanga Rugyema, Resident Judge Hoima High Court (L), Hon. Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, Principal Judge (seated)
The Principal Judge, Hon. Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, was in Masindi and Nakasongola Courts to monitor the progress of ongoing Sexual and Gender Based Violence court sessions.
The Principal Judge, who was accompanied by officials from the Governance and Security Programme, made his first stopover at Masindi High Court.
The Principal Judge was received by the Resident Judge, Hon. Justice Isah Serunkuma and Hon. Justice Jesse Byaruhanga Rugyema, who is handling the SGBV Session.
The Principal Judge commended the concerted efforts of the different stakeholders in ensuring that the sessions run smoothly. He stressed the need for probation officers to avail courts with impact statements and for investigations officers summoning witnesses and being control centres of forms filled by medical workers.
Hon. Justice Serunkuma thanked the Principal Judge for the visit and appealed to him to ensure that more criminal sessions are held at the Court as a means to curb case backlog.
On his part, Hon. Justice Byaruhanga reported that out of the 50 cases cause-listed in the ongoing SGBV session, so far 37 cases have been completed. He explained that the session had been moved to Masindi at the request of Uganda Prisons Services due to the fact that there was no near prison facility with capacity to contain inmates charged with capital offences.
The Judge noted a concern of delayed receipt of forensic reports from the Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory which was delaying the conclusion of some cases.
He also called upon investigating officers to do more quality assurance especially on the filling of medical forms. Hon. Justice Byaruhanga noted that some forms bear contradicting information which at times leads to acquittal of accused persons or dismissal of cases.
On the issue of the limited number of state attorneys, the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms Florence Akello Owinji, said they will soon be getting more manpower.
From Masindi, the Principal Judge proceeded to Nakasongola where he alongside Hon. Lady Justice Henrietta Wolayo interacted with justice actors.
Low turn up of witnesses, lack of access to prosecution witnesses and delay in handling SGBV offences were cited as some of the reasons frustrating the session.
One of the defense advocates reassured the Principal Judge that as officers of court, they are obligated to ensure that courts reach a just decision.
Mr Sam Wairalagala, who led the team from the Governance, Peace and Security Programme thanked both teams for their efforts in ensuring the success of the sessions. He noted that they will organize capacity building sessions for medical officers to improve outcomes of similar sessions.
At both courts, stakeholders decried power fluctuations which affects court hearings. The lack of witness protection facilities which affects the quality of testimony of witnesses or victims.
Stakeholders decried the delayed trial of SGBV offences causes victims, witnesses to lose interest in the cases.
On the issue of witness protection, Mr Wairagala recommended the use of online hearings as well as facilities of other justice institutions such as ODPP and prisons.
He also called for continued communication, coordination and cooperation of justice actors in the administration of justice.
Posted 27th, September 2023
