Judiciary Takes Awareness Campaign On Court Services to Mukono Communities Ahead of the National Court Open Day
The Judiciary has taken its public awareness campaign deeper into communities in Mukono District, equipping residents with practical information on court processes and justice services while responding directly to concerns about corruption, court brokers, missing files and access to justice.
The community sensitisation, conducted through the Public Relations and Communications Registry at Bamutakudde Community Park, brought together residents of Bamutakudde and the surrounding villages of Kiryamuli, Kalagala, Kyampisi and Kyabakadde.
The engagement formed part of the Judiciary’s broader public awareness efforts to take information on justice services beyond court premises, address misconceptions about the justice system and create opportunities for communities to engage directly with Judiciary officials.
HW Paul Matyama, Chief Magistrate, Mukono, guided residents through the hierarchy and jurisdiction of courts in Uganda, from the Supreme Court to Magistrates’ Courts. He also explained the role and jurisdiction of Local Council Courts at village, parish and sub-county levels.
He explained that Local Council Courts operate under the supervision of the Chief Magistrate and handle specified disputes, including simple land matters and claims for recovery of debts of up to Shs2 million.
HW Matyama also explained the process of appealing decisions of LCI Courts and encouraged residents to seek clarification from the Chief Magistrate whenever they are uncertain about the functioning or decisions of Local Council Courts.
On bail refunds, the Chief Magistrate advised residents to ensure that bail payments are made through banks and to safely keep their payment receipts, which are required when processing refunds. He also emphasised the importance of making payments in the correct name and providing accurate information.
Responding to concerns about corruption and court brokers, HW Matyama stressed that no member of the public should be required to pay a bribe to obtain justice.
He urged residents to report Judicial Officers suspected of corruption to their supervisors or through the Judiciary’s official channels, from where complaints can be referred to the Inspectorate of Courts for appropriate action.
The Chief Magistrate also cautioned residents against court brokers and individuals who solicit money while claiming to have influence over court processes or the outcome of cases. He advised the public to verify the identity of persons claiming to work for the Judiciary, noting that Judicial and non-Judicial Officers are required to carry official identification.
Responding to a concern about a file reportedly missing at a Police station, HW Matyama explained how criminal case files move through the justice system. He clarified that Police and court files are separate, with Police opening its own file upon receiving a complaint and court opening a separate case file once the matter is brought before it.
He highlighted the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) as one of the initiatives being implemented by the Judiciary to strengthen case management and improve service delivery.
Mr Deo Akugizibwe, Communications Officer, Judiciary, sensitised residents on the mandate of the Judiciary, the distinction between civil and criminal matters and the processes through which cases move through the courts.
He also highlighted several Judiciary initiatives intended to make justice more accessible, efficient and affordable.
Among them was the Small Claims Procedure, which provides a simplified mechanism for resolving monetary claims of up to Shs10 million without requiring a lawyer.
Mr Akugizibwe also explained plea bargaining as one of the mechanisms being used to facilitate the efficient and timely disposal of criminal cases.
He further sensitised residents about the Performance Enhancement Tool (PET), which provides court users with an avenue to give feedback on the performance of Judicial Officers.
On digital justice, he explained that ECCMIS enables court users to access a number of services electronically, including filing matters remotely, receiving notifications and tracking cases, reducing the need for repeated physical visits to court.
Community Welcomes Direct Engagement
The outreach generated an interactive discussion, with residents using the opportunity to seek practical guidance on issues affecting them in their daily interactions with the justice system.
They sought clarification on land and property disputes, election petitions, bail refunds, plea bargaining, the jurisdiction of Local Council Courts and the movement of criminal case files from Police to court.
Residents also openly raised concerns about court brokers, alleged corruption, missing files at Police stations and perceptions that people with greater financial means have an advantage in court.
The Judiciary team responded to the concerns and guided residents on the appropriate avenues for seeking information, lodging complaints and reporting suspected misconduct.
The Bamutakudde LCI Chairperson, Mr Solomon Sserwanjja, welcomed the Judiciary’s decision to engage residents within their community, noting that the sensitisation had improved their understanding of the law, court processes and the roles of different actors within the justice system.
He said the engagement had particularly helped residents understand how cases are handled and concluded, the disputes that can be handled by Local Council Courts and where members of the public can seek assistance when they encounter challenges.
Mr Sserwanjja encouraged residents to use the information acquired during the sensitisation and to continue engaging the Judiciary whenever they require clarification on court processes and services.
Judiciary Invites Communities to National Court Open Day
Residents were also informed about the 3rd National Court Open Day scheduled for 10 September 2026 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds and encouraged to attend.
Mr Sserwanjja urged residents to attend the Open Day, noting that direct interaction with justice institutions would further deepen their understanding of the justice system and available services.
Posted 2nd, September 2026
