By Kenneth Wamatoyi
IGANGA
The resident judge of Iganga High court circuit Hon. Justice David Batema has wondered how police investigations are done which has led to some suspects being remanded yet the real culprits are left walking free.
This followed a plea bargain session of a one Fedede Ali, a resident of Luuka district who was arrested in 2023 and charged with trafficking in persons of his own daughters.
Investigations were done by police and Fedede was remanded to Kirinya prison where he has spent 2years on remand. Fedede’s daughters were defiled but police did not arrest the defilers, instead police prosecuted the father accusing him of asking for money in exchange for his daughters.
Here, the judge ordered for amendment of Fedede charge sheet, the DPP sanctioned the file and charges were dropped and he was released.
His Lordship Justice Batema recommended that police officers should be taken for refresher courses in law so that they acquaint themselves with knowledge on how to collect evidence warning that if this is not done, many innocent people will be arrested and convicted on false charges.
While concluding the plea bargain criminal session at Kirinya where over 44 remandees were convicted and 2 released and 1 sent back to family and children, the judge noticed that some case files lack enough evidence which may hinder court’s prosecutions.
The Iganga High Court circuit covers districts like Iganga, Luuka, Mayuge, Kaliro, Bugweri, Namayingo, and Namutumba.
