Justice sector leaders in the Tororo High Court Circuit on Monday held their Regional Coordination Committee (RCC) meeting at Morukatipe Government Prison, using the unique setting to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of prison operations and strengthen collaboration in the administration of justice.
The meeting, held on Monday brought together representatives from the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Police Force, local government and other justice institutions.
Proceedings began with an inspection of Morukatipe Government Prison, where stakeholders toured ongoing renovation works on four prison wards intended to ease congestion. Prison authorities informed members that skilled inmates are actively participating in the construction works and are remunerated for their labour.
The delegation also visited the prison’s rehabilitation programmes, including adult education classes, where inmates are enrolled from Primary One to Primary Seven. Prison officials reported that 13 inmates have registered to sit the Primary Leaving Examinations this year, marking the first cohort under the programme to reach Primary Seven.
Members further inspected the prison’s carpentry workshop, which currently trains 12 inmates. While applauding the initiative, stakeholders noted the need for additional machinery and instructors to expand vocational skills training and better prepare inmates for reintegration into society.
Following the tour, the Committee held its meeting, chaired by the Assistant Registrar of the High Court, HW Hellen Edimu.
HW Edimu thanked stakeholders for attending and noted that holding the meeting at the prison had given many members their first opportunity to appreciate the realities of prison operations. She emphasized that the Regional Coordination Committee remains an important platform for strengthening cooperation among justice sector institutions.
She briefed members on the recent amendments to the Magistrates Courts Act, explaining that the reforms increased the pecuniary jurisdiction of Magistrates from UGX 20 million to UGX 100 million and that of Chief Magistrates from UGX 50 million to UGX 200 million. She noted that the changes will enable more civil matters to be handled by Magistrates’ Courts, thereby reducing the High Court’s caseload and improving access to justice.
The Assistant Registrar also updated stakeholders on the upcoming criminal session, noting that priority would be given to older cases as part of efforts to reduce case backlog. She informed members that the pre-session meeting had been scheduled for June 30, 2026.
During the deliberations, stakeholders commended the Judiciary for the significant reduction in complaints relating to prolonged remand, observing that inmates were no longer reporting excessive delays before trial.
The Resident District Commissioner urged justice sector institutions to strengthen communication and coordination to sustain improvements in service delivery.
Several agencies also shared progress made within the Circuit. In Busia, stakeholders reported that the challenge of transporting juveniles has been resolved after the Municipal Council and District Local Government assumed responsibility for transportation. The Municipality has also allocated land measuring 100 by 100 feet for the construction of a Municipal Court, pending formal council approval.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions highlighted staffing shortages in Mulanda, Nagongera, Kisoko and Mukuju Magistrates’ Courts but noted that the gaps are currently being managed through the deployment of Police Prosecutors. The office also announced that land has been secured for the construction of a regional ODPP office.
The Lands Office commended the Court for promptly verifying Letters of Administration, noting that the timely responses have accelerated land administration processes.
The Mbale Regional Remand Home also commended stakeholders for improvements in juvenile justice, reporting that no juvenile cases are pending before the High Court. The facility currently houses 74 children, down from 124 during the previous quarter.
Posted 29th, June 2026
