Fort Portal CM Court DCC Commit to Promote ADR
Participants at the DCC Meeting at Fort Port High Court
The Fort Portal District Coordination Committee has resolved to use their spaces to promote Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms such as Mediation, Plea Bargaining and Small Claims Procedure as a means of enhancing access to justice.
The Thursday November9, 2023 meeting which was held with support from the International Justice Mission (IJM) was chaired by the Chief Magistrate HW Mushebebe Moses Nabende with Resident Judges; Hon. Justice Vincent Emmy Mugabo (Head of Circuit) and Hon. Justice Vincent Wagona (Resident Judge) in attendance.
The Judges were key in responding to most issues raised at the meeting.
Hon. Justice Mugabo allowed advocates to use his court hall as they wait for their files to be called since there is no waiting room for advocates.
The meeting also resolved that plea taking will be done on daily basis since Judicial officers are available.
The meeting commended the Chief Magistrate for successfully holding a Plea Bargaining Camp at Katojo Prison.
As a way of expediting management of cases; it was also agreed that cases involving juveniles should be treated with utmost urgency.
The Uganda Police Force committed to officer more court orderlies.
ODPP to engage Police to ensure files are ready for sanctioning in time to avoid the delay.
On the issue of lack of Resident State Attorneys for Bunyangabu and Ntoroko Courts, the meeting was informed that this was being addressed.
Present at the meeting were Magistrates Grade I; HW Ayebare Daphne; HW Muwonge William and HW Mbabazi Juliet Praise.
In attendance were; the Fort Portal Resident City Commissioner, Regional Police Commander, District and Division Police Commanders; Deputy District Commissioners; Representatives from IJM among other justice actors.
Posted 9th, November 2023
