Hon. Justice Alex Ajiji
As a way of taking services closer to the people, the Small Claims Procedure (SCP) was launched in Apala, Aduku and Aboke courts. This brings the total number of SCP operational courts in the whole country to 144.
The launches were presided over by the Gulu Resident Judge, Hon. Justice Alex Ajiji Mackay who commended the Registry of Small Claims Procedure, headed by the Deputy Registrar, HW Mulondo Mastula for considering the three Magistrates Courts in northern Uganda.
Speaking during the launches, Hon. Justice Ajiji emphasized the vast benefits of SCP such as time-saving, affordability, self-representation and use of local languages in court. He added that the Procedure facilitates amicable resolution of civil disputes which are commercial in nature and promotes reconciliation.
"A good man knows his debts and makes good of his debts," he said while urging the participants to always cooperate with court, especially upon receipt of demand notices. Hon. Justice Ajiji noted that SCP is helping to unlock billions of shillings back to the business communities through quick commercial dispute resolution.
He however cautioned against corruption. "Let us liberate our minds from a tendency of corruption where people come to court with an intention to pay for a service," he said.
On her part, HW Mulondo said the launch of the program in the three stations meant that there are 144 courts countrywide implementing SCP.
She called upon the leaders to embrace and spread the good news about SCP. An informal and simplified court procedure, which she said, enables people to access justice within 30 days in civil matters whose value does not exceed Shs10million without the need of hiring a lawyer.
During the Questions and Answer session, HW Kagoya Jackeline, a member of the SCP team, enlightened the LC1chairpersons who turned up in big numbers about their jurisdiction in civil matters which is limited to matters whose monetary value is belowShs2million.
The Resident District Commissioner Alebtong District, Mr Ediama Ekaju J.R thanked the Judiciary for the initiatives geared towards bringing justice closer to the people. He called for regular District Chain Linked Committee meetings through the area Chief Magistrate as a platform judicial officers can use to educate local leaders on the law and the new innovations in courts.
The launches were witnessed by Lira/Alebtong Chief Magistrate, HW Abiti Samson Loum, and the Resident Magistrates Grade One; HW Aber Irene (Lira), HW Adong Molly (Aduku), and HW Nyakairu Edgar (Aboke). Various district and sub-county local leaders embraced the events as well.
Posted 9th, May 2022
