The Principal Judge, Dr. Flavian Zeija, today met with members of the National Community Service Committee at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala.
They were led by Justice Tadeo Asiimwe (Chairperson of the Committee and Deputy Head Land Division).
Other members included Mr. Kintu Paul (From the Directorate of Community Service, Ministry of Internal Affairs), Mr. Fred Ngabirano (Commissioner Youth and Children Affairs, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development), Mr.Swizin Kinga Mugyema (Commissioner Local Government, Ministry of Local Government).
Also present were Ms. Makune Margret and Mr. Batale Fredrick, the Committee's Technical staff as well as HW Mwesigye Julius (Personal Assistant to the PJ).
During the meeting, the PJ stressed the need to allocate space for community service officers in courts despite limited resources, emphasizing the role of Community Service in reducing prison overcrowding and aiding in offender rehabilitation.
"Community service is a core aspect in the administration of justice. We have over crowding in prisons; the only thing that can help us solve that problem is Community Service," he said.
He also highlighted the importance of sensitizing judicial officers to aid Community Service Programs as well as support the expansion of community service projects.
Justice Asiimwe updated the PJ on the Community Service program, highlighting the Judiciary's role. He explained that the Judiciary chairs the National Community Service Committee (NCSC), which leads the program's policy implementation as well as District Community Service Committees (DCSC), chaired by Chief Magistrates or Heads of Stations.
The Judiciary is also responsible for issuing Community Service Orders as sentencing options, reviewing the orders when needed, and monitoring implementation at the National and District levels.
He noted that the program aims to ease prison congestion, rehabilitate offenders, and promote reconciliation through restorative justice.
Justice Asiimwe reported that over the past five years, the Directorate of Community Service has successfully diverted 62,129 offenders from imprisonment. The Directorate has also promoted restorative justice programs through counseling, home visits, and reconciliatory meetings to enable offenders to be accountable, take responsibility and make amends for harm caused by the crimes committed. It also focuses on skilling offenders in areas such as tree nursery preparation, liquid soap making, and briquette production.
He noted several challenges faced by the Directorate, including the Judiciary's arrangements outpacing Community Service. Currently present in only 75courts/districts, the Directorate faces challenges in service delivery.
Other issues discussed include the need for more trainings for newly recruited judicial officers on Community Service implementation, as well as space shortages for Community Service staff.
Posted 29th, August 2024
