HW Timothy Lumunye addressing the DCC members
The meeting was chaired by the Court’s in-charge Magistrate Grade One, HW Timothy Lumunye, who commended the actors' efforts in justice delivery.
The Court last held aDCC meeting in March 2020. "It is no secret that the pandemic has affected JLOS institutions. As a result, accused persons on remand are unable to attend court sessions," said HW Lumunye.
To mitigate the impact of Covid, he said the Court had embraced Plea Bargaining, identifying sureties in the absence of the accused person, encouraging reconciliation, videoconferencing and zoom links as some of the measures to enhance access justice at the Court.
HW Lumunye emphasized that the Judicial Officers at the Court have an open-door policy.
Mr Byamugisha Cyprian, the CID Nateete Police Station, expressed concern over the increased crime in his area. He urged the Committee members to continue with the JLOS spirit of cooperation to ensure speedy delivery of justice, not to strain their facilities.
"Criminals are on the increase, and our facilities are not adequate since we also keep some of those on remand. Even transportation from the police to court is a challenge," he observed.
The other concern raised was the ripple effect arising out of short eviction notices that landlords give to tenants, which they said had fueled misunderstandings in the community.
It was agreed that the Police reinforces security at court to support court orderlies who man cells in the absence of prison wardens.
