KAMPALA – At least 20 cases will be handled during a month-long Juveniles session that will be held at the Naguru Remand Home.
This was communicated on Tuesday during a pre-session meeting, chaired by the Head of the Criminal Division, Justice Wilson Kwesiga at the Judiciary headquarters in Kampala.
Justice Kwesiga said the Division had arrived at this decision in order to fit the interests of the children, adding that this intervention will reduce congestion in remand homes.
“Many Juveniles cannot be brought to court because of the COVID-19 management guidelines and we don’t want them to fall sick on their way to or from court, so we have improvised,” he said.
Justice Kwesiga, who will preside over the session, said the session will kick off on July 6 because they cannot wait for the normal court business to resume as this was unpredictable.
About using Zoom technology to conduct the session, the Judge said this could not work because of the need for confidentiality and the right of interaction between lawyers and their clients plus caretakers of the juveniles.
Ms Kyomugisha Mary, the probation and welfare officer at Naguru Remand Home welcomed the idea and said they are ready for the session. She said the parents and probation officers had already been contacted. “A spacious hall which can seat about 40 people is available to ensure all those involved observe COVID-19 guidelines,” she said.
It was agreed that the state attorneys and probation officers use the remaining time to get all the necessary information for the session to kick off.
The Deputy Registrar, Mary Kaitesi, clarified that during the session, the Court will handle one file at a time where only parties involved will be allowed in the hall to ensure social distancing.
