Kikonyogo Flags Off Communal Penalty

By Nicholas Kajoba THE Deputy chief Justice, Laetitia Kikonyogo, has launched the national community service programme in Mukono district, with three petty offenders sentenced to 100 hours of community work. Mariam Zalwango was convicted of assault and sentenced to 100 hours of service at Kateeta primary school, where she will cook food for two hours per day. Betty Nabiwemba was sentenced to 80 hours, four hours per day, to clean a road at Nakasaka because of assault. Ben Mugalu, convicted of theft, was sentenced to 100 hours to clean Katosi landing site in Mukono for two hours daily. The three pleaded guilty to the offences before Mukono chief magistrate Elizabeth Alividza. “You are the pioneer of our programme of community service in the country and if you fail to oblidge to instructions as stipulated in the community service act, we shall revise the order and take you back to prison,” Alividza said. During the launch at ridar hotel, Seeta, Kikonyogo said limited resources in the country cannot cater for the growing number of prisoners. The function was attended by the Minister of state for internal affairs, Sarah Kiyingi, the Director of Public Prosecution, Richard Buteera, magistrates, donors and residents of the area. The 18-months pilot programme will cover Mukono, Mpigi, Masaka and Masindi districts. The law on community service provides that a person who has committed a minor offence may be sentenced to community service instead of being imprisoned. Kikonyogo said the programme will help decongest prisons and improve the rule of law. Ends