Kasese judicial officers are concerned by the troubling trend of capital offense cases being dismissed on technical grounds, citing systemic failures within police investigations as the primary cause. Kasese Senior Grade 1 Magistrate AIsha Alinda, His Worship Isha Alinda, expressed worry that many offenders are walking free because of file mishandling of case files at the initial investigative stages. He says such gaps create public discontent with the courts which are pillars in dispensing justice.
Alinda also noted that juveniles are presented in court as suspects who are above 18-years of age but when well observed they are minors the case files are sent back for a second examination. Senior lawyer Geoffrey Chan Masereka echoed these sentiments, questioning the professionalism of some investigating officers and highlighting how mishandling of exhibits hampers thorough investigations capable of withstanding court scrutiny.
James Kawuka, a Senior State Attorney from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, pointed out that police often rush to arrest suspects before gathering sufficient evidence, leading to cases being dismissed as soon as they reach court.
In response to these challenges, Justice Lawrence Tweyanze led a strategic meeting at Kasese High Court involving CID officers aimed at improving the police investigative skills of in the district. The forum provided a platform for judicial officers and prosecutors to give feedback on recurring flaws in police files, with police leadership acknowledging the issues and pledging to strengthen investigative processes’.
SSP Kalungi Fredrick Jonathan, Head of the Criminal Identification Department in Forensic Science, assured that the police’s ultimate goal is to produce quality evidence that ensures accountability. Regional Police Commander SSP Denis Odok also committed to overseeing more rigorous investigations, with the aim of reducing case dismissals and ensuring justice for victims--URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
