Mpigi High Court today held a Court Open Day, providing a platform for judicial officers, community members, and key stakeholders to discuss ways to improve justice delivery and enhance judicial accountability.
Themed: "Enhancing Judicial Accountability and Access to Justice" the Day was presided over by the Principal Judge, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, who emphasized transparency, public participation, and technology in streamlining judicial processes. He commended the Resident Judge, Justice Oyuko Anthony Ojok and all stakeholders for organizing the event and acknowledged the community's active participation.
Justice Dr. Zeija underscored the significance of Court Open Days in strengthening justice service delivery. He noted that such events: Provide a platform for public engagement and feedback, promote legal awareness by educating people about their rights and court procedures and Foster transparency and accountability by allowing direct interaction between the public and judicial officers.
He also announced plans to establish regional Court of Appeal circuits, starting with Mbarara and Gulu, to bring justice closer to the people. Additionally, he reaffirmed the Judiciary's commitment to leveraging technology, highlighting the success of the Electronic Court Case Management and Information System (ECCMIS) in improving efficiency. Through ECCMIS, cases can now be filed electronically from any location, reducing the need for long-distance travel while allowing court users to access digital case files anytime.
The Principal Judge urged Judicial Officers to maintain high service standards, including: Zero tolerance for corruption, delivering judgments and rulings within 60 days, providing timely certified copies of court records, engaging stakeholders and sensitizing the public about judicial services and Encouraging Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms such as Mediation and Plea Bargaining to expedite case resolution.
Justice Oyuko expressed gratitude to the Principal Judge for presiding over the event and congratulated him on his appointment as Deputy Chief Justice. He emphasized that Open Days enhance judicial accountability, stating, "Today, we listen to you, the people, to understand how we can improve the administration of justice." He reassured the public of his open-door policy, noting that his office operates from Monday to Saturday, with Fridays dedicated to locus visits.
HW Zulaika Nanteza, Deputy Registrar in charge of ADR, representing the Acting Chief Registrar, commended the people of Mpigi for their interest in judicial services. She stressed that "justice is most effective when people understand their rights and know how to access available mechanisms for dispute resolution."
She elaborated on the benefits of ADR, including Mediation and the Small Claims Procedure, as cost-effective alternatives to litigation. She also emphasized the importance of proper documentation in agreements and transactions to avoid disputes. Additionally, she hailed Deputy Registrar HW Justine Atukwasa for her professionalism, noting, "I have only heard positive feedback about HW Atukwasa’s commitment to court users."
HW Justine Atukwasa highlighted Mpigi High Court Circuit's achievements, including: Improved court visibility through clearer signage, Installation of full-time solar power to prevent disruptions, Enhanced inspections within the circuit, Establishment of a new court at Butambala and adoption of an open-door policy to improve access to justice.
However, she noted challenges, including the need for an additional judge to manage the growing workload. Currently, Mpigi High Court has 673 pending criminal cases, with 365classified as backlog. To address this, she requested funding for six additional criminal sessions. She also called for improved infrastructure, confirming that the District had allocated land for constructing new court premises.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner Mr. Francis Kabuye congratulated the Principal Judge on his appointment and highlighted the growing need for more judicial officers due to Mpigi's rising population. He cited an increase in criminal cases, land disputes, and domestic violence, contributing to case backlog. He urged the public to embrace Mediation at the Local Council level before resorting to court.
Ms. Racheal Bikhole, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, reaffirmed the ODPP's commitment to ensuring justice through effective prosecution. She commended the strong collaboration between the prosecution, police, and courts, which has facilitated efficient case handling and timely summoning of witnesses.
District Police Commander Mr. Julius Tugumenawe commended the collaboration between the police and judicial officers in Mpigi, emphasizing that the establishment of more magistrate courts in various towns has significantly alleviated prisoner transportation challenges and improved case processing times. "The creation of more magistrate courts in different towns across Mpigi district has streamlined operations, ensuring that justice is delivered more efficiently," he remarked.
The Mpigi LCV Chairperson, Mr. Ronald Kaggwa pledged continued support in educating the public on court procedures, stating, "We are ready to be ambassadors of the court, helping to inform the public about judicial processes."
The Open Day concluded with an interactive session, allowing attendees to voice concerns, seek clarifications, and provide feedback on judicial services. Judicial officers responded to various questions, demonstrating the Judiciary’s commitment to public engagement and service improvement.
The event was moderated by Mr. Deo Akugizibwe, a Communications Officer at the Judiciary.
Posted 10th, March 2025
