Bugembe Magistrate's Court has taken a proactive step toward improving service delivery by sensitizing both its staff and court users on judicial procedures and innovations. The initiative, spearheaded by the Judiciary's public awareness programs and organized by the Communications and Public Relations Registry, is aimed at enhancing public understanding of court processes and services.
HW Zako Dorcas, the Magistrate Grade One in charge of the Court, guided participants through various Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, including Plea Bargaining, Mediation, and the Small Claims Procedure. She highlighted their benefits of being cost-effective, time-saving, and accessible, particularly for grassroots communities. The participants who included inmates from Bugembe prison were guided on Plea Bargaining and Mediation and how these can ease prison congestion, promote restorative justice, and ensure faster case resolution.
She further reassured the public of the Court's open-door policy and urged them to seek accurate information directly from court staff. At the same time, she cautioned court users against being misled by individuals, including some legal actors, who may exploit the system or give false information for personal gain.
Mr. Akugizibwe Deo, a Communications Officer, complemented the sessions by explaining the distinctions between civil and criminal cases. He also broke down the stages of a criminal trial, outlining the roles of the Police, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the Courts.
On bail and refund procedures, Mr. Akugizibwe clarified common challenges faced by court users, stressing that names on bail payment slips must match those on the charge sheet to avoid delays. He urged users to safeguard original receipts. He further cautioned against paying money to individuals posing as court staff, reminding the public that all payments are strictly made through banks.
"Avoid losing money to people you don’t know," he cautioned, while encouraging the public to use the Judiciary Call Centre’s toll-free lines to seek accurate information and report grievances.
Participants warmly welcomed the sensitization campaign and called for its expansion to rural communities, where court users often lack awareness of judicial processes and services.
Posted 27th, August 2025
