Justice Amos Kwizera, the newly appointed resident judge of Bushenyi High Court, has called upon regional leaders to actively involve the youth in constructive activities as a measure to curb rising crime rates. The plea comes in the wake of the opening of the criminal plea-taking session for the newly established High Court circuit serving the districts of Bushenyi, Mitooma, Buhweju, Sheema, and Rubirizi.
During the session, Justice Kwizera highlighted that a significant majority of the forty cases to be handled involved youth. Mrs. Faith Amanya Betega, the Bushenyi district probation officer, echoed this concern, noting that youth engagement is crucial to address issues such as domestic theft, fighting, defilement, and murders, often committed alongside older individuals.
Attributing the surge in crime to poverty, Justice Kwizera urged leaders in the region to find immediate solutions to tackle this challenge. He emphasized the need to address the root cause of crime, stating, “We should all work hard to address poverty, which is the main reason many youths are getting involved in crime.”
To combat idleness among the youth, Justice Kwizera urged Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) to mobilize the youth, provide financial support, and monitor their activities. This, he believes, will contribute significantly to reducing crime rates among young people.
Mrs. Faith Amanya Betega, the district probation officer, emphasized the persistence of the problem since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many young individuals, after working and earning money during that period, have become societal challenges. Stakeholders, she urged, have a duty to help these individuals stay busy and productive to address the crime rate effectively.
However, Mr. Jafari Basajabalaba, the Bushenyi district chairperson, highlighted a significant challenge in dispensing justice for young offenders. He noted the absence of a remand home for juveniles in the region, forcing authorities to transport young offenders to Kabale or Fort Portal, incurring additional expenses.
Furthermore, Basajabalaba highlighted the lack of sufficient facilitation for police investigations, citing inadequate pay and allowances for police officers as factors contributing to delays in justice. He emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to ensure an efficient and effective judicial system in the region.
During the meeting at Bushenyi High Court premises, a blame game unfolded between politicians and lawyers. Mrs. Pulkeria Muhindo, the Sheema Resident District Commissioner, accused advocates of sabotaging the court processes through excessive powers and threatening language. In response, Mr. Kenneth Oine, an advocate, argued that leaders often interfere with legal processes due to a lack of legal knowledge.
