DPP calls for a law to protect witnesses

By Simon Masaba

The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has called for enactment of a law aimed at protecting witnesses who testify against suspects in court.

Deputy DPP, Amos Ngolobe, who conducted the closure of the Counter Terrorism Scene of Crime workshop, made the remarks Wednesday at Silver Springs Hotel Bugolobi, a city suburb.

He stressed that it extremely important to the justice system to have the law in place.

 “Nobody wants to commit suicide because they are giving evidence. The suspects will kill the witnesses to protect themselves,” Ngolobe said.

He said witnesses who need protection are those who testify against suspected criminals in organized gang crimes that include terrorism, money laundering, trafficking in drugs and humans and the big fraud cases.

“We know the situation in Uganda has been somehow different but it’s crucial for the prosecution sector and the police to have the programme put in place, for justice to prevail,” Ngolobe explained.

Ngolobe noted that more training sessions should be moved to other parts of the country and not only in Kampala.

“Terrorists are unpredictable, so such skills are required elsewhere not only in Kampala. Then invite other stake holders like the UPDF,” he said.

The Eastern Africa police Chiefs Co-operation Organisation (EAPCCO) in partnership with the Institute of Security Studies (ISS) trained police detectives on how to investigate bomb blasts at scenes of crime   and learn how to work alongside prosecution in gathering evidence to have culprits arraigned in court.

The workshop and training lasted for three weeks, headed by the ISS boss, Allen Botha a native of South Africa. The Anti- terrorism programme was sponsored by Netherlands, Canada, United States of America and the Norway government.