Mpigi – The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), through the Department of Land Crimes and the Department of Witness Protection and Victim Empowerment, early this week, held a stakeholders’ engagement at the Mpigi Regional Office to enhance the capacity of prosecutors and investigators in the management of land crimes, witness protection and victims’ rights and empowerment.
The engagement brought together prosecutors and investigators from the region to share knowledge, exchange experiences and explore practical solutions to challenges affecting the effective investigation and prosecution of land-related offences, while strengthening the protection of witnesses and the empowerment of victims within the criminal justice system.
In her welcome remarks, the Regional Officer, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Ms. Rachel Bikhole, welcomed the participants and facilitators to the Mpigi Regional Office. She appreciated the Departments of Land Crimes and Witness Protection and Victim Empowerment for collaborating with the Regional Office to equip prosecutors and investigators with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve service delivery.
The Head of the Department of Land Crimes, Mr. Andrew Odiit, noted that the engagement was timely, given that the region has the highest number of registered land cases in Central Uganda. He expressed optimism that the engagement would provide a valuable platform for sharing experiences, addressing existing challenges and identifying practical solutions to improve the management of land crimes.
Participants received presentations from Mr. Atuhaire Godwin, the Registrar of Titles at Mpigi Zonal Office, who took them through land transfers and registration in Uganda. He explained the procedures and requirements for effective land registration, equipping participants with a better understanding of the processes involved in land transactions and documentation.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Dr. Daisy Nabasitu and Deputy Assistant Superintendent of Police (D/ASP) Bernice Aine respectively made presentations on the prosecution and investigation of land crimes. They highlighted the challenges encountered in handling land-related offences and shared best practices to strengthen investigations and prosecutions.
The Head of the Department of Witness Protection and Victim Empowerment, Mr. Charles Kaamuli, sensitised participants on the legal framework governing witness protection, including the circumstances under which a person may qualify for protection under the law. He also emphasised the importance of empowering victims by guiding them through court processes, explaining what is expected of them and keeping them informed about developments in their cases.
Mr. Kaamuli urged prosecutors to make greater use of the Department of Witness Protection and Victim Empowerment, particularly in cases involving vulnerable witnesses who may require protection and support throughout the criminal justice process.
The engagement underscored the importance of collaboration among prosecutors, investigators and other stakeholders in addressing land crimes, protecting vulnerable witnesses and upholding victims’ rights.
Source: ugstandard.com
