The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | GODFREY SSALI | The Judicial Officers strike entered day two as accused persons who are on bail turned up in court Monday, but the clerks in the registry infomed them that they did not have any instrutions to extend their bail, leaving them with an option of not coming back to court.
Those who turned up with their lawyers had to meet the prosecutors and agree among themselves on the next date of mention for the case.
As for the prisons, they did not bother to bring suspects who are on remand to court, since the magistrates and judges resolved to keep away.
Key among the cases that had been scheduled today for hearing is the Corruption case against State Minister for Labour Hebert Kabafunzaki and two others, who turned up at the Anti-Corruption court with his lawyers.
They met with Principal State Attorney Babra Kauma and agreed that he reports on September 11, 2017.
Also the case where Senior Officials of a private company Infratech PVT Ltd, who are accused of causing Government a 3 billion shilling financial loss in the Karuma Hydro Power Project was affected.
However, cases could be joepardised since no concrete date of reporting was given for some of the accused persons who are free on bail.
One of the Prosecutors explained that it may be difficult to get these accused persons served with criminal summons, as they could change their stated places of aboard, making it difficult to trace them for court proceedings.
Last Friday, Judicial Officers went on strike protesting low pay, lack of security, medical, housing and transport allowances.
According to the chairperson of Uganda Judicial Officer’s association also Iganga Chief Magistrate Godfrey Kaweesa, President Yoweri Museveni has agreed to meet the striking judicial staff at state house at the beginning of September to chat a way forward regarding their grievances.
