By: Melanie Aanyu

The judiciary has sworn-in a total of 50 prisons officers at the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Prisons(ASP) who will act as justices of the peace in the various prisons around the country.

A justice of the peace has the same powers and duties as a magistrate to administer oaths and affirmations, to release on bail, to remand in custody and to take affidavits among others.

Today (Friday), Justice Alexandra Nkonge Rugadya who represented the Principal Judge presided over the ceremony noting that they have the power to commission affidavits for prisoners seeking to apply for bail especially in offences bailable by the High Court .

Milton Tiyo, the acting director correctional services who represented the Commissioner General of Prisons said the newly sworn in justices of the peace will also help adjudicate disciplinary cases among prisons officers.