Chief Magistrate Standards, Utilities and Wildlife, HW Kamasanyu Gladys Musenze, presided over a Court Users meeting with its various stakeholders
On Wednesday April 5, 2023, the Chief Magistrate Standards, Utilities and Wildlife, HW Kamasanyu Gladys Musenze, presided over a Court Users meeting with its various stakeholders.
The meeting which took place at Buganda Road CM Court, where the Court is housed, deliberated on the Court's performance, challenges and solutions.
HW Kamasanyu said the main purposes of the quarterly engagements was to ensure that stakeholders are updated on the operations of the Court as well as improve interaction of stakeholders.
Among the concerns she raised was the need for independent premises for the court.
She noted that since the last meeting, many changes have taken place including the fact that the Court now has three Judicial Officers, a signpost for the court and a numbering system for all court files.
The Chief Magistrate emphasized the need to publicize, increase awareness as well as share information about the Court to ensure that its work and purpose are appreciated.
On performance, she reported that the Court had completed a total of 208 cases between January and March.
Members discussed a raft of issues in the handling of the cases in the court. These included; bulky charge sheets, confiscation of suspects' property, missing files since cases being handled come from all over the country, challenges of transportation of exhibits such as heavy engines, transmission wires, fresh fish and meats to courts, facilitation of witnesses, and the need for interpreters for different languages.
It was agreed that pictures of the hard to transport exhibits can be taken and brought to court, and in turn, Judicial Officers will go on the ground and inspect. It was also agreed that more sensitization for the public should be done and plea bargains in Utility cases be respected.
Present at the meeting was Chief Magistrate Buganda Road Court, HW Sarah Tusiime, and Magistrates Grade Ones; HW Kyoshabire Caroline and HW Sanula Nambozo.
The meeting also drew representation from different entities such as Uganda Prisons Services, Ministry of Labour, Gender and Social Development, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Fish Protection Unit, Electricity Regulatory Authority, National Forestry Authority, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, Uganda Communication Commission, Uganda Registration Services Bureau, National Environment Management Authority, Uganda National Bureau of Standards as well private legal practitioners.
Posted 5th, April 2023
