Sironko magistrate wasn't jailed - Judiciary

The Judiciary has dismissed reports that Sironko Grade II Noah Hasahya was detained by the Police over allegations of bribery. 

"These allegations are not true. The facts are that the magistrate has never been arrested neither has he been detained as alleged," Judiciary's Chief Registrar, Paul Gadenya said.  

In a statement issued on Thursday, Gadenya said that the magistrate was only called to make a statement as head of the station and also to provide to the police some details about a court case.  

According to Gadenya, two low-cadre court support staff identified as Nelson Kume and Ivan Sabiiti allegedly duped a criminal suspect to pay them a bribe so that they could secure him some court favours. 

However, upon securing a court-aided settlement before the Magistrate on April 18, the litigant complained to the Sironko Resident District Commissioner, Kagai Moses Wamoto, that he had paid court staff Shs400,000 so they can assist him get temporary release from prison, which they did not do.  

"Both the police OC CID Sironko Denis Niyikunda and the RDC have confirmed to us that the Magistrate Hasahya only made a statement at the police. He was neither arrested nor detained on any charge," said Gadenya. 

"At this point, our junior staff members are in the hands of the police, so we'll let the police carry out its proper investigations. Once the investigations are concluded and the police have found criminal charges against them, then the Judiciary will interdict them immediately. 

The Judiciary has one of the most robust anti-corruption strategies in this country and has a zero tolerance policy towards corruption and the corrupt.  

"We encourage people to report the errant judicial officers for action," added Mr Gadenya.