This morning, the Public Relations and Communications Registry, led by Senior Client Service Officer Ms. Halimah Kaggwa, conducted a public awareness drive at Mukono Chief Magistrate's Court. The sensitization forms part of the Judiciary's ongoing efforts to bring court services closer to the people by promoting awareness of court procedures and new justice innovations.
The Chief Magistrate in charge of Mukono, HW Paul Matyama, welcomed litigants and members of the public and emphasized the importance of strengthening trust and collaboration between the Judiciary and the community. He noted that such engagements help the public understand how courts operate, how judicial officers handle matters, and what is expected of court users when they bring cases before the court.
He further advised court users to understand the nature of the cases they present, stressing the importance of distinguishing between civil and criminal matters and being aware of the appropriate procedures involved.
The second Chief Magistrate at the Court, HW Rehema Nassozi Sebowa, explained that many of the court users present were handling criminal matters. She guided participants through the various stages of a criminal trial, outlining how cases progress from police investigations to prosecution and finally to court hearing and determination. She also clarified bail procedures, helping court users understand the requirements and responsibilities involved, including the role of sureties.
Magistrate Grade One, HW William Muwonge, educated the public on the Small Claims Procedure, describing it as a simplified and expedited mechanism for resolving civil disputes involving claims of up to UGX10 million. He informed court users that the process takes a maximum of one month and urged litigants to embrace it as a cost-effective and timely option. He also encouraged them to follow up on their matters through official court channels.
HW Praise Ahurira, Magistrate Grade I sensitized court users on Plea Bargaining and Mediation as part of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms aimed at reducing case backlog and improving access to justice. She explained that plea bargaining is particularly significant in criminal matters, as it can expedite case disposal and help reduce prison congestion. On mediation, she noted that the mediator's role is to guide the parties through the process, while the final decision rests with the disputing parties.
She encouraged court users with family-related disputes to consider mediation, noting that it is quicker, less costly, and enables parties to resolve disagreements amicably without undergoing lengthy and exhausting court proceedings that may disrupt their daily responsibilities.
Ms. Halimah Kaggwa, who moderated the day's interactions, advised court users to seek accurate information from official sources and to utilize the Judiciary Call Centre's toll-free lines for inquiries or complaints. She also cautioned the public against fraudsters and impersonators posing as court staff, emphasizing that court users should only engage personnel who wear Judiciary identification cards.
She further clarified that court services do not involve cash payments at court premises, urging court users to make payments only through authorized banks to avoid fraud.
Ms.Kaggwa also reminded the public of the Judiciary's open-door policy, encouraging them to approach magistrates and court officials directly to inquire about their matters whenever they have concerns, rather than relying on unofficial sources.
During the interactive session, court users raised several questions seeking clarification on the requirements and responsibilities of sureties in bail applications. Judicial officers responded to these concerns, demonstrating the Judiciary's commitment to transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery.
Posted 17th, February 2026
