CJ Engages Kitgum District Justice Actors
Hon. Justice Owiny -Dollo CJ with District Justice Actors at Kitgum Chief Magistrate Court
On Monday November 1, 2021, the Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny -Dollo, made an impromptu visit to Kitgum Chief Magistrates where he engaged stakeholders in the justice system. These included district leaders led by the LCV Chairperson, Mr. Christopher Arwai, and Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Martin Jacan Gwokto as well as representatives from frontline justice institutions.
The Chief Justice informed the stakeholders of the innovations the Judiciary has put in place to improve the court experience for all its users which were appreciated by the stakeholders.
He called for popularizing of Mediation as a quick way of resolving disputes. He urged Judicial Officers to embark on case backlog clearance and expedite trial and disposal of cases.
The district leaders and justice actors applauded the CJ for the great administration and the strides taken to address staffing gaps in the Judiciary.
The CJ was informed that the District Council by resolution, had given Judiciary land for construction of a High Court and Mediation center. They (district leaders) also committed themselves to quickly formalize the land acquisition and additionally provide land for construction of residences for judicial officers.
The officials commended the Kitgum Chief Magistrate, HW Elizabeth Akullo, for commitment, diligence and satisfactory performance in the area despite her wide jurisdiction. It was then resolved that Chief Magistrates be deployed in Pader and Lamwo districts and Magistrates Grade One be stationed in Atanga, Atiak, Kalongo and other distant places which bar litigants from accessing the current courts. Currently, the Kitgum CM oversees operations in all these courts.
The stakeholder district officials urged theJudiciary to expedite the deployment of support staff such as clerks in Pader and Lamwo courts as well as a stenographer at Kitgum CM Court. It was recommended the construction of Judiciary structures be closely supervised by district technocrats to ensure shoddy work is eliminated and guarantee value for money.
The stakeholders agreed to construct a rehabilitation centre and or a Remand Home in Kitgum. The district officials committed to ensure that sub-counties provide Judiciary with land for the construction of the proposed court premises.
It was further agreed that the more than 300inmates willing to Plea Bargain be given due attention so that the cases are disposed of.
At the end of the meeting, the CJ was taken on a guided tour of the land allocated by the District for the construction of the High Court. He expressed his gratitude to the district for allocating land for the construction of a temple of justice.
Posted 1st, November 2021
