The Acting Principal Judge, Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga, has reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to promoting the rights and welfare of children in conflict with the law.
Justice Kajuga made the remarks during her visit to Mbale Remand Home, where she interacted with the children and management to understand their living conditions and challenges.
She was received by the Resident Judge of Mbale, Justice Faroug Lubega, and Sarah Amunyir, the Officer-in-Charge of the facility.
Justice Kajuga said her visit was inspired by concerns raised during the recent National Juvenile Symposium, emphasizing the importance of gaining firsthand insight into the realities faced by both children and caregivers.
“This visit is a reflection of my personal commitment, and that of the Judiciary, to steer a cause that advances the rights of children in conflict with the law,” she said.
She also commended Justice Lubega and his team for maintaining an open-door policy that ensures juveniles have access to justice.
Amunyir briefed the acting Principal Judge that the facility, established in 1959, currently houses 105 juveniles, 94 boys and 11 girls, drawn from 44 districts across six High Court circuits in Eastern Uganda. She said rehabilitation remains central to the remand home’s work.
Despite these efforts, Amunyir highlighted persistent operational challenges, including lack of courtroom furniture, limited sureties leading to prolonged remand periods, and transport difficulties due to a broken-down vehicle.
She added that while plans are underway to strengthen access to justice and resettlement efforts, resource constraints continue to hinder progress.
It was also noted that following the gazetting of remand homes as Magistrates’ Courts, land has already been secured for the construction of a permanent court within the facility.