The Kabale High Court Resident Judge, Justice Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere, yesterday visited Kabale Regional Remand Home, where he spent time with juveniles and shared the spirit of Easter through a message of hope, reform, and second chances.
The visit brought together justice sector actors and stakeholders committed to juvenile justice. The Judge engaged the children and staff on the importance of transformation and personal growth.
He encouraged the juveniles to embrace the opportunity for reform, reminding them that their current circumstances do not define their future. He likened their journey to restoration, noting that "something that does not need repair is often thrown away," and urged them to allow themselves to be rebuilt into responsible members of society.
He emphasized that the remand home provides a supportive environment for change and encouraged the children to emerge as positive agents of transformation upon reintegration into their communities. In the spirit of Easter, the Judge shared refreshments with the juveniles, symbolizing care, compassion, and renewed hope.
The visit also highlighted key operational challenges at the facility, including security concerns and the need for a nearby police station, the desire to expand IT training for juveniles given the availability of computers, and the need to install security cameras to enhance safety.
The Uganda Police Force Kigezi Region Spokesperson, ASP Elly Maate, urged the juveniles to stay away from crime and make use of the opportunity for reform. He emphasized that their youth places them in a strong position to rebuild their lives, noting that future leaders, including pastors and public officials, can emerge from among them.
The Resident Judge was accompanied by a multi-sectoral team including ASP Arnold Ndagijje, Legal Officer with the Uganda Police Force; Ms Julie Najjunju fromthe Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; Ms Monica Muhumuza, Probation Officer; Ms Penelope Natamba, Community Service Officer; Mr Jonathan Anguzu, Justice for Children Coordinator; representatives from civil society organisations including Grace Villa; and officers from the Child and Family Protection Unit and CID.
The Officer in Charge of the Home, Mr. Mwanjja Hussein, alongside staff members, thanked the Judge and his entourage for the thoughtful gesture.
Mr. Mwanjja highlighted notable achievements at the facility, including a significant reduction in repeat offending rates from 50 percent to 1 percent, improved coordination among stakeholders, and strengthened management of the remand home despite limited resources.
He, however, noted that child offending in the region continues to be driven by factors such as neglect, poverty, abuse by step-parents, strained extended family structures, peer pressure, and negative influence from criminally inclined adults.
Posted 2nd, April 2026
