Uganda’s principal judge, Hon. Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, has emphasized the importance of implementing strategies to improve access to justice for people in prisons.

Zeija made these remarks during a lecture on May 2, 2024, to 31 senior prison officers undergoing the 2nd Intermediate Command and Staff Course at the Police Training School (PATS) in Luzira.

Zeija said strategies to enhance the capacity of prison officers to support the judiciary should be drawn up so that it can improve access to justice for people in custody.

“The strategies are expected to streamline the justice system, reduce case backlogs, and promote the administration of justice,” Zeija stated.

He further discussed various judicial strategies, including plea bargaining, criminal sessions, special sessions, and the use of audio-visual links in managing cases.

He encouraged prison officers to embrace plea bargaining, which has been successful in de-congesting prisons.

Zeija emphasized the link between the judiciary and Uganda Prison, noting that both mandates aim at improving access to justice.

Zeija also stressed the importance of remission in managing prisoners, emphasizing its role in rehabilitation, discipline, and hard work.

He commended Ugandan prisons for developing their human resources and encouraged continuous learning among prison officers.

The Principal Judge highlighted the importance of continuous training and sensitization, citing recent efforts to educate judicial officers, court clerks, interpreters, and administrative staff on survivor-centered support and the management of Gender Based Violence cases by the judiciary.

Zeija concluded by praising the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including Uganda prisons, Uganda police, ODPP Uganda, advocates, and probation officers, in ensuring the smooth functioning of the justice system.