http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=57025
A case in which some members of the Tooro Kingdom clan council sued the
King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV for making
unconstitutional decisions has failed to take off at Fort Portal High
Court.
Early this year, Tooro clan leaders led by George Kusemererwa dragged
the King to court challenging his decisions which include the suspension
of the kingdom constitution and illegal appointment of Steven Kaliba as
the Kingdom premier.
King Oyo suspended the Kingdom’s 1999 constitution and subsquently
appointed an eight-member committee to amend some of its sections. this
move was rejected by a section of clan leaders
However the case has dragged on since April, when the date for the first hearing was fixed.
On Tuesday morning, Kusemererwa and his lawyer, Johnson Musana appeared
at Fort Portal High Court for hearing of the case. However King Oyo’s
legal team wasn’t at the court.
Kusemererwa and his lawyer held a meeting with the Grade II magistrate,
Nathan Mulindwa who said that the case can’t proceed, because Justice
Dan Akiiki Kiiza, the Fort Portal resident judge was presiding over High
Court sessions in other districts in the region.
Mulindwa told Musana and his client that the case will be adjourned to November 4th for the next hearing.
This is the third time that the case has been adjourned. The first was
in April when it was adjourned to June 14th. However the then resident
judge, Justice Mike Chibita failed to turn up and it was adjourned to
October 10th. Chibita was later appointed the Director of Public
Prosecutions (DPP).
However one of King Oyo’s lawyers in Fort Portal who preferred anonymity
told Uganda Radio Network that there are plans to have the case settled
out of courts of law.
In a telephone interview, Kusemererwa confirmed that he has been
approached by some members of King Oyo’s legal team to settle the case
amicably. He however said that he will not adhere to their demands,
unless they are promises of reforms in the kingdom.
Kusemererwa says that he doesn’t want a repeat of 2011, when members of
the clan council sued King Oyo, but later withdrew the case out of court
after the King promised to adhere to their demands like proper
management of kingdom resources and interference in kingdom
administration by palace officials, but have never been addressed.
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Thursday, 3 October 2013
Empaako Tradition Submitted To UNESCO For Inscription
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=56864
The proposal to have the Empaako tradition inscribed as an intangible heritage has been submitted to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The UNESCO committee in-charge of intangible heritage will meet in Azerbaijan in December to consider the proposal.
Empaako or pet-name is a local practice of giving a special name which is specifically used for greeting, praising, honouring and pleading for a favour. It is shared by communities in Tooro, Bunyoro, Busongora, Butuku, Kitagwenda and Bunyaruguru.
Steven Rwagweri, the Executive Director of Engabu Za Tooro (EZT), a local cultural organisation in the region which initiated the idea of having the tradition inscribed, says the proposal was submitted on Monday to the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. EZT collected views from several personalities, institutions and organizations in areas where the tradition is shared. Rwagweri says that consultations were also made with the King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV and his Bunyoro counterpart, Solomon Gafabuza Iguru. Ivan Rutakirwa Bwebale, the self-styled cultural leader of the Basongora and clan heads from Tooro and Bunyoro also shared their views.
Once it has been inscribed as an intangible heritage, the pet-name tradition will be listed among the important cultural intangible heritages in need of safe guarding.
UNESCO will provide funds for four years meant to implement the programme of safeguarding the tradition through activities such as sensitization.
Last year, EZT received a boost when the government endorsed the request by the Batooro to have the pet-name tradition recognized by UNESCO, as an intangible heritage.
Rev. Richard Baguma, an elder in Tooro Kingdom who has been part of the team seeking peoples' views, says he is eagerly waiting for the outcome of the Azerbaijan meeting. Baguma says the demand to have the Empaako tradition inscribed by UNESCO is overdue because it is currently under threat. Baguma cites some religious groups such as the Bisaka cult of the Faith of Unity, who have distorted the meaning of the pet-name tradition and encouraged their followers to abandon Empaako. Baguma says such cults have associated the pet names with the demi-gods and yet the pet name is used to praise, greet and adore.
He says such misconceptions will be fought once the tradition has been inscribed.
The Intangible Cultural Heritage was established in 2008 by UNESCO aiming to ensure the better protection of important intangible cultural heritages worldwide and the awareness of their significance.
Only those countries that have ratified the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritages can present elements for inscription on the lists. Currently, there are 146 countries that have ratified the Convention, which was adopted by UNESCO’s General Conference in 2003.
The committee on intangible heritage meets annually to evaluate nominations proposed and decide whether or not to inscribe those cultural practices and expressions.
In 2012, the Bigwala, gourd trumpet music and dance of the Basoga was inscribed by UNESCO on the list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding.
The proposal to have the Empaako tradition inscribed as an intangible heritage has been submitted to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The UNESCO committee in-charge of intangible heritage will meet in Azerbaijan in December to consider the proposal.
Empaako or pet-name is a local practice of giving a special name which is specifically used for greeting, praising, honouring and pleading for a favour. It is shared by communities in Tooro, Bunyoro, Busongora, Butuku, Kitagwenda and Bunyaruguru.
Steven Rwagweri, the Executive Director of Engabu Za Tooro (EZT), a local cultural organisation in the region which initiated the idea of having the tradition inscribed, says the proposal was submitted on Monday to the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. EZT collected views from several personalities, institutions and organizations in areas where the tradition is shared. Rwagweri says that consultations were also made with the King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV and his Bunyoro counterpart, Solomon Gafabuza Iguru. Ivan Rutakirwa Bwebale, the self-styled cultural leader of the Basongora and clan heads from Tooro and Bunyoro also shared their views.
Once it has been inscribed as an intangible heritage, the pet-name tradition will be listed among the important cultural intangible heritages in need of safe guarding.
UNESCO will provide funds for four years meant to implement the programme of safeguarding the tradition through activities such as sensitization.
Last year, EZT received a boost when the government endorsed the request by the Batooro to have the pet-name tradition recognized by UNESCO, as an intangible heritage.
Rev. Richard Baguma, an elder in Tooro Kingdom who has been part of the team seeking peoples' views, says he is eagerly waiting for the outcome of the Azerbaijan meeting. Baguma says the demand to have the Empaako tradition inscribed by UNESCO is overdue because it is currently under threat. Baguma cites some religious groups such as the Bisaka cult of the Faith of Unity, who have distorted the meaning of the pet-name tradition and encouraged their followers to abandon Empaako. Baguma says such cults have associated the pet names with the demi-gods and yet the pet name is used to praise, greet and adore.
He says such misconceptions will be fought once the tradition has been inscribed.
The Intangible Cultural Heritage was established in 2008 by UNESCO aiming to ensure the better protection of important intangible cultural heritages worldwide and the awareness of their significance.
Only those countries that have ratified the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritages can present elements for inscription on the lists. Currently, there are 146 countries that have ratified the Convention, which was adopted by UNESCO’s General Conference in 2003.
The committee on intangible heritage meets annually to evaluate nominations proposed and decide whether or not to inscribe those cultural practices and expressions.
In 2012, the Bigwala, gourd trumpet music and dance of the Basoga was inscribed by UNESCO on the list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding.
Monday, 30 September 2013
Govt, Tooro In Talks Over Return Of Kingdom Property
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=56778
The Uganda government and Tooro have started negotiations on the return of the Kingdom property currently under the government.
Tooro Kingdom is demanding for more than 150 properties which include buildings and large chucks of land that are currently being occupied by squatters especially in Bunyangabu County in Kabarole district and in the counties of Mwenge and Kyaka in Kyenjojo and Kyegegwa districts respectively.
The Kingdom also has assets in Kasese and Bundibugyo districts, which were formerly under Tooro Kingdom.
In a telephone interview, Dr Steven Kaliba, the Omuhikirwa of Tooro, told Uganda Radio Network that the talks started last week. Kaliba says the Tooro Kingdom Committee that was appointed by Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV met with officials from the office of the Attorney General and a legal team from State House.
Dr Kaliba, however, refused to divulge details of the negotiations, saying it would jeopardize the the talks which are still at an early stage.
The three member committee which met the government side includes Kaliba, Edgar Tabaro, the Kingdom Minister for Justice and legal advisor to Omukama Oyo and David Mpaka, who is a member of the kingdom legal team.
However, a source at the Kingdom who preferred anonymity because he isn’t authorized to speak to the media, told Uganda Radio Network that the two meetings were held at the Kingdom palace. The source further said that the kingdom will this week receive a draft agreement which will be presented to the kingdom parliament, the Orukurato for debate.
Two weeks ago, the Kingdom started compiling a list of assets it’s demanding from the government.
The demand for Tooro Kingdom property gained momentum during the 18th coronation anniversary of Omukama Oyo at the Karuzika in Fort Portal, when he his Prime Minister Dr Stephen Kaliba and several spoke of the need for government to return the assets commonly referred to as Ebyaitu.
The demand by Tooro Kingdom comes after the government signed a memorandum of understanding with Buganda to return the kingdom assets.
The Uganda government and Tooro have started negotiations on the return of the Kingdom property currently under the government.
Tooro Kingdom is demanding for more than 150 properties which include buildings and large chucks of land that are currently being occupied by squatters especially in Bunyangabu County in Kabarole district and in the counties of Mwenge and Kyaka in Kyenjojo and Kyegegwa districts respectively.
The Kingdom also has assets in Kasese and Bundibugyo districts, which were formerly under Tooro Kingdom.
In a telephone interview, Dr Steven Kaliba, the Omuhikirwa of Tooro, told Uganda Radio Network that the talks started last week. Kaliba says the Tooro Kingdom Committee that was appointed by Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV met with officials from the office of the Attorney General and a legal team from State House.
Dr Kaliba, however, refused to divulge details of the negotiations, saying it would jeopardize the the talks which are still at an early stage.
The three member committee which met the government side includes Kaliba, Edgar Tabaro, the Kingdom Minister for Justice and legal advisor to Omukama Oyo and David Mpaka, who is a member of the kingdom legal team.
However, a source at the Kingdom who preferred anonymity because he isn’t authorized to speak to the media, told Uganda Radio Network that the two meetings were held at the Kingdom palace. The source further said that the kingdom will this week receive a draft agreement which will be presented to the kingdom parliament, the Orukurato for debate.
Two weeks ago, the Kingdom started compiling a list of assets it’s demanding from the government.
The demand for Tooro Kingdom property gained momentum during the 18th coronation anniversary of Omukama Oyo at the Karuzika in Fort Portal, when he his Prime Minister Dr Stephen Kaliba and several spoke of the need for government to return the assets commonly referred to as Ebyaitu.
The demand by Tooro Kingdom comes after the government signed a memorandum of understanding with Buganda to return the kingdom assets.
Sunday, 29 September 2013
Safe Water Eludes Rural Communities In Kabarole
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=55848
Rural areas in Kabarole district have not had access to safe and clean water for two years, despite huge sums of money allocated to the water sector.
In an audit report released by Kabarole District Public Accounts Committee, more than 1.6 billion shillings allocated to the water sector for the two financial years 2011/2012 and 2012/2013, was diverted to other sectors or mismanaged, depriving communities of clean water.
The report also states that in the villages in Kisomoro, Karambi, Busoro and Kibiito sub counties, boreholes, water springs and gravity water schemes broke down two months after being constructed and have never been repaired.
When Uganda Radio Network visited some of the areas named in the report, residents accused the district authorities of neglecting them.
In Burungu village, Karambi Sub County, five boreholes broke down last year, but have never been repaired. Patrick Ahurra, a resident of Burungu says they have requested the district water department to repair the water sources in vain. Ahurra says the lack of access to clean water could worsen the occurrence of water-borne diseases since most of the residents fetch water from the river and nearby swamps.
//Cue in: “The problem is water…
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In Busoro Sub County, Nsoro well is the only water point serving the villages of Kijungu, Nsoro, Kateera and Mugurusi.
Resty Baguma, a resident of Kateera says that some residents take water from hand-dug wells which are contaminated with human and animal waste.
Baguma says that although some families boil the water for drinking, she expresses fear that they could contract waterborne diseases if no solution is provided to the water problem. She also says children always drink the contaminated water on their way from school.
She wants the district authorities to construct more water sources in the area and save the community from the water problem.
When contacted, Patrick Ochakara, the Kabarole district Chief Administrative Officer declined to comment on the matter.
But Steven Businge, the district water officer, told Uganda Radio Network that some of the money was diverted to the administration sector, while the other funds were used to construct the water sources, but blamed the contractors for doing substandard work and failing to complete some of the water sources. He says the contractors have been dragged to the courts of law for breach of contract.
David Mugenyi, the chairman of the district public accounts committee, says the report will be tabled before the district council and will decide if there is any action that needs to be taken.
Rural areas in Kabarole district have not had access to safe and clean water for two years, despite huge sums of money allocated to the water sector.
In an audit report released by Kabarole District Public Accounts Committee, more than 1.6 billion shillings allocated to the water sector for the two financial years 2011/2012 and 2012/2013, was diverted to other sectors or mismanaged, depriving communities of clean water.
The report also states that in the villages in Kisomoro, Karambi, Busoro and Kibiito sub counties, boreholes, water springs and gravity water schemes broke down two months after being constructed and have never been repaired.
When Uganda Radio Network visited some of the areas named in the report, residents accused the district authorities of neglecting them.
In Burungu village, Karambi Sub County, five boreholes broke down last year, but have never been repaired. Patrick Ahurra, a resident of Burungu says they have requested the district water department to repair the water sources in vain. Ahurra says the lack of access to clean water could worsen the occurrence of water-borne diseases since most of the residents fetch water from the river and nearby swamps.
//Cue in: “The problem is water…
Cue out:…to clean water.”//
In Busoro Sub County, Nsoro well is the only water point serving the villages of Kijungu, Nsoro, Kateera and Mugurusi.
Resty Baguma, a resident of Kateera says that some residents take water from hand-dug wells which are contaminated with human and animal waste.
Baguma says that although some families boil the water for drinking, she expresses fear that they could contract waterborne diseases if no solution is provided to the water problem. She also says children always drink the contaminated water on their way from school.
She wants the district authorities to construct more water sources in the area and save the community from the water problem.
When contacted, Patrick Ochakara, the Kabarole district Chief Administrative Officer declined to comment on the matter.
But Steven Businge, the district water officer, told Uganda Radio Network that some of the money was diverted to the administration sector, while the other funds were used to construct the water sources, but blamed the contractors for doing substandard work and failing to complete some of the water sources. He says the contractors have been dragged to the courts of law for breach of contract.
David Mugenyi, the chairman of the district public accounts committee, says the report will be tabled before the district council and will decide if there is any action that needs to be taken.
Saturday, 28 September 2013
Poor Roads Affecting Tourism Sector
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=56716
The poor road network in Rwenzori region could hurt the tourism industry there if nothing is done to repair them. The Rwenzori region is home to several tourist attractions such as National parks and crater lakes. However, the roads that lead to the tourist’s sites are in a very poor state, which hinders access to areas rich in wildlife.
Some of the affected roads are the Fort Portal-Kamwenge road, which tourists use to access Kibaale National Park and the Karugutu- Rwebisengo road in Ntoroko district, which leads to the main gate Tooro-Semuliki game reserve. Edward Asilu, the Kibaale conservation area manager, which includes Kibaale and Semuliki national parks, says some of the activities affected by the poor roads include chimpanzee tracking.
Asilu says during the rainy seasons in the morning and afternoon, when tourists are going to Kibaale national park the roads are slippery which makes it difficult to access areas where the chimpanzees are found.
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Richard Tooro, the executive director Kabarole Tours and Travel says the deteriorating state of the roads in the region will reduce the number of visitors to the park.
Tooro says during the rainy season, local and international tourists are reluctant to book with tour operators in the region, because they may not access the national park. He says on several occasions, cars carrying tourists have broken down and left the tourists stranded.
According to Tooro, the tour operators spend huge sums of money to take their cars for repair in order to keep them roadworthy. Maria Mutagamba, the Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities admits that the poor infrastructure is one of the challenges facing the tourism industry. She however says government will embark on rehabilitating roads in Kanugu and Rwenzori region to ease access to tourism destinations.
//Cue in: “government has identified…
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Mutagamba also says that Kasese and Chobe airstrips will be renovated to fly tourists to destinations in the Rwenzori region and wildlife rich areas in the country.
//Cue in: “gov’t has embarked on…
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This World Tourism Day Celebrations for Uganda were held in Fort Portal under the theme ‘Tourism and Water, protecting our common future’.
The poor road network in Rwenzori region could hurt the tourism industry there if nothing is done to repair them. The Rwenzori region is home to several tourist attractions such as National parks and crater lakes. However, the roads that lead to the tourist’s sites are in a very poor state, which hinders access to areas rich in wildlife.
Some of the affected roads are the Fort Portal-Kamwenge road, which tourists use to access Kibaale National Park and the Karugutu- Rwebisengo road in Ntoroko district, which leads to the main gate Tooro-Semuliki game reserve. Edward Asilu, the Kibaale conservation area manager, which includes Kibaale and Semuliki national parks, says some of the activities affected by the poor roads include chimpanzee tracking.
Asilu says during the rainy seasons in the morning and afternoon, when tourists are going to Kibaale national park the roads are slippery which makes it difficult to access areas where the chimpanzees are found.
//Cue in: “when visitors come for chimp tracking…
Cue out: “…go for chimp tracking.”//
Richard Tooro, the executive director Kabarole Tours and Travel says the deteriorating state of the roads in the region will reduce the number of visitors to the park.
Tooro says during the rainy season, local and international tourists are reluctant to book with tour operators in the region, because they may not access the national park. He says on several occasions, cars carrying tourists have broken down and left the tourists stranded.
According to Tooro, the tour operators spend huge sums of money to take their cars for repair in order to keep them roadworthy. Maria Mutagamba, the Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities admits that the poor infrastructure is one of the challenges facing the tourism industry. She however says government will embark on rehabilitating roads in Kanugu and Rwenzori region to ease access to tourism destinations.
//Cue in: “government has identified…
Cue out: “…tourists to move on good roads…
Mutagamba also says that Kasese and Chobe airstrips will be renovated to fly tourists to destinations in the Rwenzori region and wildlife rich areas in the country.
//Cue in: “gov’t has embarked on…
Cue out: “…improve transport system.”//
This World Tourism Day Celebrations for Uganda were held in Fort Portal under the theme ‘Tourism and Water, protecting our common future’.
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
UNATU Members Storm School, Demand Its Closure
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=56655
Members of the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) in Fort Portal have stormed Buhinga Primary School demanding for its closure after defying the on-going industrial action.
Buhinga is the largest Universal Primary Education (UPE) School in Fort Portal Municipality. It has an enrolment of 1,773 pupils. Despite the call by the teachers union for all teachers to halt their activities until government grants them a 20% salary increment, the school had opened and classes going on normally.
When Uganda Radio Network reporter visited the school this morning, there were 15 teachers and the population of pupils was 1,770.
During the same time, UNATU members led by Emmanuel Friday, the Chairperson UNATU Fort Portal branch went to the school and demanded that the teachers stop teaching and the pupils be sent back home.
The members held a twenty minutes meeting with one of the school teachers, John Byamukama, persuading him to close the school, since the industrial action by teachers had not been called off. However their discussions yielded no fruit as Byamukama rejected their demand.
Friday accused Byamukama for breaching the agreement of laying down their tools until government increases teachers’ salary. Friday says that Byamukama, who is a member of UNATU, attended the UNATU meeting that agreed to take industrial action, but he is disappointed that he has turned against his fellow teachers.
Friday says Byamukama will face disciplinary action.
//Cue in: “it was unfortunate…
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Byamukama refused to comment when asked by Uganda Radio Network why the school was defying orders by the teachers union. However, a teacher at the school who preferred anonymity told Uganda Radio Network that the decision to reopen the school was made during a weekend meeting with parents.
Members of the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) in Fort Portal have stormed Buhinga Primary School demanding for its closure after defying the on-going industrial action.
Buhinga is the largest Universal Primary Education (UPE) School in Fort Portal Municipality. It has an enrolment of 1,773 pupils. Despite the call by the teachers union for all teachers to halt their activities until government grants them a 20% salary increment, the school had opened and classes going on normally.
When Uganda Radio Network reporter visited the school this morning, there were 15 teachers and the population of pupils was 1,770.
During the same time, UNATU members led by Emmanuel Friday, the Chairperson UNATU Fort Portal branch went to the school and demanded that the teachers stop teaching and the pupils be sent back home.
The members held a twenty minutes meeting with one of the school teachers, John Byamukama, persuading him to close the school, since the industrial action by teachers had not been called off. However their discussions yielded no fruit as Byamukama rejected their demand.
Friday accused Byamukama for breaching the agreement of laying down their tools until government increases teachers’ salary. Friday says that Byamukama, who is a member of UNATU, attended the UNATU meeting that agreed to take industrial action, but he is disappointed that he has turned against his fellow teachers.
Friday says Byamukama will face disciplinary action.
//Cue in: “it was unfortunate…
Cue out: “…disciplinary action.”//
Byamukama refused to comment when asked by Uganda Radio Network why the school was defying orders by the teachers union. However, a teacher at the school who preferred anonymity told Uganda Radio Network that the decision to reopen the school was made during a weekend meeting with parents.
Monday, 23 September 2013
Community Service Not Reforming Offenders In Kabarole
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=55641
Despite being hailed as a measure to decongest prison facilities in the country, many offenders in Kabarole district are not reforming, even after successfully serving their community service orders.
Community service was introduced in Uganda in 2001 as part of the reforms in the criminal justice system. Under the system, minor offenders are made to perform community services instead of being handed custodial sentences.
Records at the Kabarole district community service office indicate that more than 80 offenders have served community service orders more than three times.
Francis Asiimwe, a member of the district community service committee, which monitors community service, says they expect offenders to reform, but this isn’t the case. Asiimwe blames this on the lack of funds to facilitate volunteers who are supposed to regularly visit the offenders in their homes and counsel them about the dangers of engaging in crime.
Asiimwe says some of the volunteers who were recruited last month later abandoned work because they weren’t paid.
Felix Mugisa, a resident of Fort Portal says there should be a rehabilitation programme for the offenders after completion of their sentence, to discourage them from engaging in crime again.
According to Mugisa, some offenders don’t fear engaging in criminal activities, because they know that they will be given lighter punishment by the courts of law. Mugisa wants the courts to give a heavy punishment to offenders who don’t reform after serving community service.
//Cue in: “People aren’t sensitized…
Cue out: …the rehabilitation programme.”//
Community service has also faced criticism from some members of the public who say that local people are not benefiting from the programme, because the implementers have turned community service into a lucrative money-making venture.
Sam Mugenyi, a resident of Karambi in Fort Portal, explains that it would be of much help to the community if offenders are given such tasks as cleaning up the community roads and not work on the estates of rich district officials.
// Cue in: "They are reaping...
Cue out "...not community service."//
Community service is seen as a viable approach to improve reintegration of offenders into their communities, encourage reconciliation, as well as to reduce the problems of overcrowding in prisons.
According to the Justice Law and Order Sector, prisons would have had more than 8,000 more prisoners if community service order had not been issued by courts.
Despite being hailed as a measure to decongest prison facilities in the country, many offenders in Kabarole district are not reforming, even after successfully serving their community service orders.
Community service was introduced in Uganda in 2001 as part of the reforms in the criminal justice system. Under the system, minor offenders are made to perform community services instead of being handed custodial sentences.
Records at the Kabarole district community service office indicate that more than 80 offenders have served community service orders more than three times.
Francis Asiimwe, a member of the district community service committee, which monitors community service, says they expect offenders to reform, but this isn’t the case. Asiimwe blames this on the lack of funds to facilitate volunteers who are supposed to regularly visit the offenders in their homes and counsel them about the dangers of engaging in crime.
Asiimwe says some of the volunteers who were recruited last month later abandoned work because they weren’t paid.
Felix Mugisa, a resident of Fort Portal says there should be a rehabilitation programme for the offenders after completion of their sentence, to discourage them from engaging in crime again.
According to Mugisa, some offenders don’t fear engaging in criminal activities, because they know that they will be given lighter punishment by the courts of law. Mugisa wants the courts to give a heavy punishment to offenders who don’t reform after serving community service.
//Cue in: “People aren’t sensitized…
Cue out: …the rehabilitation programme.”//
Community service has also faced criticism from some members of the public who say that local people are not benefiting from the programme, because the implementers have turned community service into a lucrative money-making venture.
Sam Mugenyi, a resident of Karambi in Fort Portal, explains that it would be of much help to the community if offenders are given such tasks as cleaning up the community roads and not work on the estates of rich district officials.
// Cue in: "They are reaping...
Cue out "...not community service."//
Community service is seen as a viable approach to improve reintegration of offenders into their communities, encourage reconciliation, as well as to reduce the problems of overcrowding in prisons.
According to the Justice Law and Order Sector, prisons would have had more than 8,000 more prisoners if community service order had not been issued by courts.
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