Court Users at Lira and Pader Chief Magistrates Courts Sensitised On Court Processes
As part of the Judiciary's ongoing efforts to deepen public awareness and enhance access to justice, the Registry of Communications and Public Relations today conducted a court-user sensitisation campaign at Lira and Pader Chief Magistrates Courts. The sessions aimed at equipping court users with practical knowledge on judicial processes, promoting accountability, and reducing barriers to justice.
Sensitisation at Lira Chief Magistrates Court
At Lira, HW Joe Fay Adoko, Chief Magistrate Lira/Alebtong, guided court users through several key areas of the justice system. He highlighted the benefits of Plea Bargaining, noting that it saves time, reduces opportunities for illicit dealings, promotes reconciliation, and restores relationships.
He then broke down the criminal trial process, explaining the stages from investigations by Police, review and sanctioning by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), trial before Court, sentencing, and eventual committal to Prisons.
HW Adoko also elaborated on civil procedure and the Small Claims Procedure (SCP), which allows quick resolution of civil disputes involving amounts not exceeding UGX 10 million-without the need for legal representation.
Responding to questions about witnesses, he urged complainants to work closely with State Attorneys before presenting witnesses in court. "It is important to interview witnesses before they appear in court. Ensure your lawyer, the State Attorney, is aware and has prepared them for their duties as witnesses," he advised.
He also addressed common causes of delayed court decisions, including manpower gaps, complex cases, and judicial transfers, and encouraged reconciliation as a fast and harmonious alternative to litigation.
Ms. Halimah Kaggwa, the Judiciary Senior Client Service Officer, sensitised participants on bail refunds, Judiciary's complaints-handling mechanisms, and the operations of the Judiciary Call Centre. She emphasised the need for court users to utilise local support systems 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.
At Pader Chief Magistrates Court
At Pader, the team was warmly received by HW Ongwee Stanslus Okello, Magistrate Grade I, who applauded the initiative and called for more such sessions.
He explained that the court operates a Small Claims Registry, urging court users to take full advantage of it because it is quick, cost-effective, and allows proceedings in local languages without lawyers.
"By law, a Small Claims case should be concluded within one month," he noted.
Ms. Kaggwa sensitised court users on Mediation, bail refund procedures, and stressed the importance of keeping proper documentation. She stressed that bail money remains the property of the accused person and acts only as a commitment to comply with court processes.
She also highlighted the Judiciary's toll-freelines, encouraging the public to use them responsibly to seek assistance and raise concerns directly with the Judiciary administration.
Court users at Pader raised concerns regarding bail refunds, prolonged remand periods, ex parte hearings, land ownership, especially for women, traditional property rights, and succession issues.
HW Ongwee addressed all concerns and urged the community to embrace Judiciary initiatives that expedite justice, including Plea Bargaining, Mediation, Small Claims Procedure, and Arbitration. Here affirmed the Court's commitment to improved service delivery, enhanced customer care, and continuous sensitisation.
Both engagements were moderated by Ms. Kaggwa.
Posted 25th, November 2025
