The Acting Principal Judge Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga yesterday led a high-level delegation to Luzira Upper Prison to assess conditions and address justice delays.
The group, including representatives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Uganda Human Rights Commission, Uganda Police Force, Avocats Sans Frontières and Penal Reform International, was supported by the Austrian Development Cooperation.
The team was received by the Senior Superintendent of Prisons Officer in C charge of Upper Prison Bryan Mbaziira and they learned that the facility houses over 3,000 inmates, including 93 on death row.
During the meeting, the Inmates raised concerns about missing case files, delayed judgments, and the psychological toll of prolonged incarceration.
Lady Justice Kajuga highlighted the Judiciary efforts like the Daily Hearings project, Justice for Her, Plea bargaining, and Alternative Dispute Resolution to reduce case backlogs and urged inmates to consider plea bargaining and calling for more legal aid support.
Uganda Human Rights Commission Chairperson Hon Mariam Wangadya advocated reviewing the Condemned Section’s conditions and name to align with human rights standards and the stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to justice reforms.
The Director of Public Prosecutions George William Byansi promised streamlined prosecutions, while ADC’s Bernd Brünner and Dr. Katja Yvonne Kerschhaumer pledged continued support and the visit ended with a tour and direct inmate engagement, with inmates expressing hope for swift action.
