Judge decries increase in defilement, robbery cases
Justice Duncan Gaswaga (R) is ushered by security officials to Bushenyi Magistrate’s Court on Monday. photo BY ZADOCK AMANYISA
What you need to know:
Justice. Judge calls for more action to reduce the cases despite sentencing the guilty
Bushenyi.
Justice Duncan Gaswaga, a senior resident judge in Mbarara District, has decried the increasing rate of defilement and robbery cases in greater Bushenyi districts.
Justice Gaswaga, who is in the region for more than a month to preside over High Court cases, said most are of defilement and aggravated robbery.
“In Bushenyi greater region, defilement and robbery cases top the list and most offenders are in advanced ages who are abusing their babies,” said Justice Gaswaga.
“I understand these offenders are either relatives or friends of the victims. We shall play our role as the Judiciary by removing the guilty and enabling them to repent but something else should be done,” he added.
Justice Gaswaga was speaking at the opening of the High Court session at Bushenyi Magistrate’s Court in Bushenyi Town on Monday.
He said most cases date back to 2010 and the suspects need speedy trial and the first in-first out principle will be applied.
The judge asked stakeholders in the region to protect children from defilers and prepare them for a good future.
The district vice chairperson, Mr Mathias Kakoni, asked the judge to help the leaders champion the expansion of Nyamushekyera prison to reduce congestion.
The numbers
20
Number of robbery cases have been reported in the Bushenyi greater region since January according to police.
79
Number of cases Justice Gaswaga said he will handle this month yet he is supposed to handle 40 cases following the alarming congestion at Nyamushekyera prison.
