May 30 2024: The Kasese Resident Judge, Justice David L. Makumbi today visited Mobuku Prison where he interacted with different justice actors.
Justice Makumbi who was accompanied by Deputy Registrar, Ivan Nkwasibwe, was received at the Prison by the Kasese District Prisons Commander (DPC), Mr Amon Atwine.
The DPC informed The Resident Judge that the capacity for Prison is 241 inmates but currently the number oscillates between 750 and 800 inmates.
During the visit, the prison wardens informed the Judge that most of the prisoners battling capital offences are remanded to Katojo prison in Fort Portal. And that they are only transported back when there are criminal sessions.
Among the challenges cited were overcrowding which makes the spread of red eyes (especially with new inmates); though the same is being managed by isolating the casualties to manage the cases.
It was noted that whereas the meals are adequate, commodities like soap and detergents are still a challenge for the prison authorities.
Managing people who overstay on remand in prison which in return contributes to case backlog was one of the major outcries.
It was noted that some prisoners are brought in bad shape, as victims of torture from police custody. But the prison authorities concentrate on treating them to be in better shape.
Justice Makumbire assured the prison authorities that cases previously handled in Fort Portal will now be held in Kasese since the High Court in Kasese is now operational
The Judge went on to address inmates on different court processes and innovations including Plea Bargaining.
The Resident Judge informed them that Plea Bargaining helps prevent a lengthy trial and promotes reconciliation as well as leniency from court.
One of the convicts appealed to courts to promote negotiations between parties, whenever possible, as a way of promoting reconciliation and improving administration of justice.
A concern was raised by a civil debtor who said he had served two times in civil prison over the execution of the same court decree.
Ms Karungi Najuma, the Community Service Officer, Kasese District said in petty cases, for as long as parties are willing, these are resolved within the communities. Adding that the Courts, depending on circumstances, sentence offenders of such matters to Community Service for as long as they are not repeat offenders.
The RSA for Kasese further informed the inmates that where there is goodwill between the parties ,reconciliation in court is also a way of resolving some of the petty offenses.
The Resident State Attorney Kasese, Mr Oundo Godfrey, explained how reconciliation works in the justice system and community service officer explained how community service works in matters to do with access to justice respectively.
The Resident Judge reassured the inmates currently on trial that their cases will be concluded during the session and they will each know the outcome of their cases.
In regards misconduct of court bailiffs, the Resident Judge informed the inmates that such cases are handled on a case by case basis by the Chief registrar who is represented in the Circuit by the Deputy Registrar.
He further explained the right to apply for bail to the inmates.
The Judge noted that court sessions will follow the principle of first in first out. He also pledged to visit the prison on a quarterly basis.
To crown the visit, the Judge was taken on a guided tour of the facility.
In attendance; HW Michael Kwesiga, Senior Magistrate Grade I Kasese Chief Magistrates Court, Mr Niwarinda Aaron (Research Officer to Resident Judge and Mr Bonyo Eric, the Deputy Officer in Charge of the Prison.)
Posted 30th, May 2024
