Court Users at Lira and Pader Chief Magistrates Courts Sensitized On Court Processes
As part of the Judiciary's ongoingefforts to deepen public awareness and enhance access to justice, the Registryof Communications and Public Relations today conducted a court-usersensitisation campaign at Lira and Pader Chief Magistrates Courts. The sessionsaimed at equipping court users with practical knowledge on judicial processes,promoting accountability, and reducing barriers to justice.
Sensitizationat Lira Chief Magistrates Court
At Lira, HW Joe Fay Adoko, ChiefMagistrate Lira/Alebtong, guided court users through several key areas of thejustice system. He highlighted the benefits of Plea Bargaining, noting that itsaves time, reduces opportunities for illicit dealings, promotes reconciliation,and restores relationships.
He then broke down the criminaltrial process, explaining the stages from investigations by Police, review andsanctioning by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), trialbefore Court, sentencing, and eventual committal to Prisons.
HW Adoko also elaborated on civilprocedure and the Small Claims Procedure (SCP), which allows quick resolutionof civil disputes involving amounts not exceeding UGX 10 million-without theneed for legal representation.
Responding to questions aboutwitnesses, he urged complainants to work closely with State Attorneys beforepresenting witnesses in court. "It is important to interview witnesses beforethey appear in court. Ensure your lawyer, the State Attorney, is aware and hasprepared them for their duties as witnesses," he advised.
He also addressed common causes ofdelayed court decisions, including manpower gaps, complex cases, and judicialtransfers, and encouraged reconciliation as a fast and harmonious alternativeto litigation.
Ms. Halimah Kaggwa, the JudiciarySenior Client Service Officer, sensitised participants on bail refunds,Judiciary's complaints-handling mechanisms, and the operations of the JudiciaryCall Centre. She emphasised the need for court users to utilise local supportsystems before making long trips to Headquarters.
Mr. Omara Paul, State Prosecutor,guided litigants on the difference between Police files and Court files,explaining their content and how each can be followed up when necessary.
AtPader Chief Magistrates Court
At Pader, the team was warmlyreceived by HW Ongwee Stanslus Okello, Magistrate Grade I, who applauded theinitiative and called for more such sessions.
He explained that the court operatesa Small Claims Registry, urging court users to take full advantage of itbecause it is quick, cost-effective, and allows proceedings in local languageswithout lawyers.
"By law, a Small Claims case shouldbe concluded within one month," he noted.
Ms. Kaggwa sensitised court users onMediation, bail refund procedures, and stressed the importance of keepingproper documentation. She stressed that bail money remains the property of theaccused person and acts only as a commitment to comply with court processes.
She also highlighted the Judiciary'stoll-free lines, encouraging the public to use them responsibly to seekassistance and raise concerns directly with the Judiciary administration.
Court users at Pader raised concernsregarding bail refunds, prolonged remand periods, ex parte hearings, landownership, especially for women, traditional property rights, and successionissues.
HW Ongwee addressed all concerns andurged the community to embrace Judiciary initiatives that expedite justice,including Plea Bargaining, Mediation, Small Claims Procedure, and Arbitration.He reaffirmed the Court's commitment to improved service delivery, enhancedcustomer care, and continuous sensitisation.
Both engagements were moderated byMs. Kaggwa.
Posted 25th, November 2025
