DETENTION

Judicial officials Wednesday toured detention remand facilities in Mbale and Tororo, led by the deputy registrar of Mbale High Court, Lillian Naula Mwandha.

Mbale High Court resident judge, Godfrey Namundi, was part of the tour.

The exercise was a Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) follow-up inspection of detention facilities during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Typically, a remand detention facility houses detainees who are still awaiting trial, or inmates who have not yet been sentenced.

During the tour, Sarah Amunyir, who is the Mbale remand home probation and welfare officer, said the facility lacks an isolation centre, which puts children at risk.

She said they are forced to ask for a certificate in case more admissions are to be made.

Amunyir added that the detention facility lacks a girls wing. Currently, the remand home houses 27 boys.

Mbale High Court resident judge, Godfrey Namundi, and and deputy registrar Lillian Naula Mwandha were warmly welcomed.

The team toured the accommodation section.

They also checked out the culinary facilities.

After Mbale, the team moved on to Tororo for another inspection.

They were received at Tororo police station detention facility.

The tour is meant to check if the detention facilities meet minimal standards, especially during this unprecedented period.