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Commissioner General of Prisons Andrew Byabashaija emphasized how the severe overcrowding negatively impacts essential services such as housing, sanitation, healthcare, and the timely transportation of prisoners to court appearances.
Despite the challenging circumstances within Uganda prison system, there are signs of improvement within the broader justice framework. Remand rates have seen a slight decline, while the number of court cases has surged, even as the overall crime rate has shown a decrease.
The uptick in cases can be attributed to the effective deployment of enhanced surveillance tools like CCTV cameras, motorized patrols, and community policing, a sentiment echoed by Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) Director Tom Magambo.
Enhancements in case disposal
Efforts to streamline case resolution processes have yielded positive outcomes, with an increase in case disposal rates and a notable role played by plea bargaining in expediting case closures and reducing backlogs.
Director of Public Prosecutions Jane Frances Abodo commended the efficacy of plea bargaining in accelerating case resolutions. Additionally, the decrease in reoffending rates and the rise in public trust towards the justice system serve as encouraging markers of progress.
While noteworthy advancements have been made, persistent challenges loom that could potentially hinder further progress. Issues such as resource constraints, delayed funding, and the increasing operational demands in new districts present significant obstacles.
Moreover, staffing shortages in justice institutions pose a threat to the hard-earned improvements thus far. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao stressed the imperative of continuous efforts to safeguard institutional progress, address weaknesses, and empower the citizenry.
The report also shed light on the strides made in combating corruption, with a notable increase in conviction rates resulting from diligent prosecution-led investigations. Anti-corruption agencies have made considerable headway in promoting transparency and accountability within the justice system.
Permanent Secretary Robert Kasande emphasized the report’s pivotal role as a benchmark for evaluating progress, identifying areas for enhancement, and guiding strategic investments in the justice sector.
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![[dropcap]A[/dropcap] section of women in Bugongo parish and Nawangaiza parish in Nawandala Sub County, Iganga District have decried the near-impossible terms set for them to access GROW funds. They have now petitioned their woman member of parliament for Iganga Hon. Kauma Sauda Alibaawo to ask the government for revised terms and conditions. This is to enable them to benefit from the program. The disgruntled women accuse the implementers of the program of charging the money. They are also asking for their land titles and land agreements. They said that such properties are governed by their husbands. These, therefore want the government through their woman MP to intervene and revise the requirements for one to benefit. The women were on Wednesday at Namabwere primary school in Nawandala Sub County. They had gathered in their respective groups to receive over 300 chickens from Hon Alibaawo in her campaign to improve the livelihood of women in Iganga district. Each group was given 50 chicken as start-up capital in their journey to prosperity. Read what some leaders said; Ms Naigambi Lydia from Nawandala Trading Centre says, “They solicited money from us through opening bank accounts and depositing Shs80,000. They also asked for land titles and land agreements from us yet we don’t have such things. I was informed that I needed to have a business with a capital of Shs4m yet my capital was very small.” The chairperson Kisoboka Saving Group in Nawandala Ms. Nakagolo Faith said they were not able to join the program. This is given the many conditions attached. She also asked their woman MP to raise their concerns to the relevant offices. The MP condemned the mode of implementation of the program. She cited that it has turned to benefit the well-off class of women other than the intended group. She further asked the government to intervene saying the current strings attached to the programme are very tight to accommodate a common woman. GROW project is a Government of Uganda initiative that arose out of the need to respond to the needs of women entrepreneurs. This is especially those who want to grow their businesses, sustain their self-employment and create more jobs. Check Also; Iganga District NRM Leaders Urge Museveni To Fulfill Election Promises Of 2021 International Women's Day: Celebrating Progress Towards Equality](https://i0.wp.com/newslexpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Iganga-women-decry-tough-terms-to-access-GROW-funds-e1731738339732.jpg?resize=300%2C160&ssl=1)
