Chief Justice Dr Zeija Inaugurates Health Rights Committee for the Criminal Justice System of Uganda

Today marks a significant milestone in advancing equitable access to healthcare and upholding human rights within the Criminal Justice System, with the official inauguration of the Health Rights Committee for the Criminal Justice System and the launch of its Terms of Reference by the Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, at Protea Skyz Hotel, Kampala.

The newly established Committee includes leaders of the Criminal Justice institutions: The Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Inspector General of Police, and the Commissioner General of Prisons. Its formation underscores a shared commitment to addressing systemic health challenges faced by individuals within the Criminal Justice System, especially those in detention, remand, and correctional facilities, as well as police officers, prosecutors, and judicial officers.

According to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Lino Anguzu, who presented the Terms of Reference at the meeting today, the Committee’s core mandate is to provide leadership, oversight, technical guidance, and support to ensure that health services within the Criminal Justice System are accessible, equitable, and aligned with national and international human rights standards.

The Committee will also serve as a platform for coordination among key actors, fostering a holistic and rights-based approach to health service delivery.

In his address, the Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, emphasized how disease is a silent disruptor of justice. He remarked that, “When a suspect is too ill to stand trial, when an investigator is sidelined by malaria or any other disease, or when a prison ward becomes a TB or HIV hotspot, the wheels of justice grind to a halt. We must therefore intentionally target the triple threat of HIV, TB, and Malaria – diseases that can thrive in the congested environments of our holding cells, remand homes, and prisons.”

The Chief Justice advised the police to ensure that medical emergencies of suspects in custody are addressed with the urgency they require. He urged the prosecution to prioritize cases involving vulnerable persons. He committed to ensuring that judicial officers act as gatekeepers of fairness and are attentive to the well-being of the accused individuals appearing before them.

Additionally, he advised the Uganda Prisons Service to utilize the programme to support their efforts in screening, treatment, and nutrition for those in conflict with the law. The launch of the Terms of Reference provides a clear framework for the Committee’s operations, outlining its purpose, roles, responsibilities, and governance structure. Key focus areas include: Promote equity in access to HIV, TB, and Malaria services within their institutions. · Promote access to quality healthcare services in custodial settings. Strengthen health systems within the Criminal Justice framework. Monitor compliance with human rights standards. · Guide on policy reforms and resource allocation. The Committee is expected to play a pivotal role in identifying gaps, recommending reforms, and supporting the implementation of sustainable solutions that improve health outcomes for affected people in the Criminal Justice System.

Ms. Agnes Kainza Nzogi, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), provided background on the Global Fund Programme supporting the health rights initiative, noting that it started in 2017.

Its goal is to reduce or eliminate human rights barriers to HIV, TB, and Malaria services within the Criminal Justice System under the Breaking Down Barriers initiative, with the ODPP serving as the coordinator. She mentioned that the program is managed through the Programme Management Unit, which includes two representatives from each Criminal Justice institution.

The leader is Ms. Barbra Masinde, Chief State Attorney. Dr. Stavia Turyahabwe, the Commissioner of Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of collaboration for good health, noting that health cannot be provided by the Ministry of Health alone.

Finally, Dr. Damian Rutazaana assured the Health Rights Committee members of the Global Fund’s support in fulfilling its mandate.