The District Chain-Linked Committee (DCC) for Lukaya was held yesterday at Lukaya Magistrates Court, bringing together key stakeholders in the justice, law and order sector to review performance, address emerging challenges, and strengthen coordination in service delivery.
The meeting, chairedby HW Timothy Kalende, Magistrate Grade I at Lukaya, opened with prayers led by ASP Nabirye Ronah Bamwite. In his remarks, HW Kalende underscored the importance of stakeholder meetings in assessing regional performance and addressing institutional targets. He highlighted persistent challenges, including poor management of juvenile cases where Probation and Social Welfare Officers(PSWOs) are not engaged early enough, drug abuse among youth fueling criminality, improper handling of exhibits by Police, and the negative influence of self-styled "court brokers."
Stakeholder Reflections
The Officer in Charge(OC) Lukaya Police Station emphasized the need for greater community sensitization on the distinction between civil and criminal cases, and requested that juveniles be remanded to proper homes with PSWO guidance rather than being left on police bail. He also stressed the importance of educating the public during the upcoming election period to promote peace and good conduct.
The OC CID Lukaya commended the Judiciary's collaboration with Police and noted the contribution of social worker, Ms Grace Namara, in handling cases. She encouraged stakeholders to take advantage of the free airtime on Cheza Radio every Wednesday to extend services and raise public legal awareness.
The OC Prison Lukaya commended the Judiciary's use of plea bargaining, which he said had reduced the remand population and strengthened relations between prisons and the courts. However, he noted challenges caused by witness absenteeism and urged the Judiciary and prosecution to spearhead plea bargaining sessions to build public confidence.
The State Prosecutor for Kalungu District raised concerns about delays caused by Police summoning witnesses late, and cautioned against the use of torture in extracting confessions. Other stakeholders stressed the importance of community awareness on rights and responsibilities, with calls for courts to be fully engaged in community policing meetings.
Way Forward
The meeting resolved that all stakeholders must be actively involved in community barazas organized by Town Councils, with greater engagement in the Cheza Radio sensitization programme. Police and prisons pledged to enhance protection of suspects in custody, while PSWOs were tasked to work with Police to address the growing problem of street children in Lukaya town.
The Court and stakeholders also agreed to plan for the utilization of land donated by the UPDF for court premises and related government installations. Police committed to improving exhibit storage facilities, while concerns over recording charge and caution statements in local languages would be taken up with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The meeting closed with prayers led by Deputy Mayor Haji Kigozi Edirisa, with the Chairperson urging participants to implement the agreed resolutions for improved service delivery in the community.
Posted 1st, October 2025
