The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, through Minister B. Barugahara, has a clear message for the people of Uganda: justice for the tragic loss of children at Gaba Community School will be carried out openly and transparently. The fast-tracked trial of the suspect involved comes after diligent investigations by the Joint Security Forces, including the Criminal Investigations Department, the Joint Anti-Terrorism Unit, Crime Intelligence, and other agencies, whose swift action has been widely praised.
The trial will begin on Monday, 13th April, and continue for a full week, with daily court sessions from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend, though courtroom seating is limited to 1,000 individuals on a first-come, first-served basis, and entry will close once proceedings begin. To ensure broader access, large screens and audio systems will be set up for live viewing, and the trial will also be aired on major television networks.
In an extraordinary step to involve the community directly, the trial will also be held at the crime scene itself—the Gaba Community School grounds—allowing citizens to witness justice where the tragedy occurred. Attendees are advised to avoid carrying bags or unnecessary items for safety and ease of movement. Minister Barugahara emphasized that parents and the general public play a vital role in supporting the justice system and standing together to protect Uganda’s children.
This trial is more than a legal proceeding; it is a statement of national resilience, transparency, and the collective commitment to ensuring justice is seen and felt by all. Uganda is showing that the voices of its citizens matter and that justice for its most vulnerable will not be delayed.
