Fort Portal High Court, Advocates Meet to Discuss How to Improve Service Delivery
Head of Circuit, Hon. Justice Vincent Emmy Mugabo
Fort Portal High Court Circuit held its Bar-Bench meeting presided over by the Head of Circuit, Hon. Justice Vincent Emmy Mugabo with Resident Judge, Hon. Justice Vincent Wagona attending the meeting online.
Hon. Justice Mugabo thanked the participants for the excellent collegiality and improved professionalism.
He informed the meeting that he is a commissioned mediator and encouraged everyone to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution.
The Judge informed the meeting that Kasese High Court is fully operational and that all Kasese cases have been transferred there.
He asked members to make efforts to work on reducing case backlog, but more especially on land and criminal justice. It was reported that 1,672 cases are people on remand in prison are pending and that sessions were being organized.
Further, Hon. Justice Mugabo cautioned the members to avoid forum shopping of judicial officers.
Hon. Judge Justice Wagona, asked members to acquaint themselves with the new rules, especially on summons for directions and follow-up on appeals filed to avoid delay of justice.
The Advocates appreciated improved service delivery but asked the court to be accommodative when fixing cases.
It was agreed that Advocates will have to work on the issue of having a single partner of the law firm and proper management of diaries.
Regarding cause lists, it was agreed that the these will be shared every Thursday of the week.
Further, Advocates were reminded that holding brief meant to appear and proceed.
Not to call judicial offices to adjourn cases. In addition, they were encouraged to file well researched submissions.
Other resolutions of the meeting were to sensitize the public on benefits of ADR, adopt to the new technologies, streamline usage of WhatsApp forum and licensing of clerks of advocates before they carry out process service.
Hon. Justice Mugabo committed to having these engagements on a quarterly basis and ensure cases are heard fairly and in a speedy manner.
In attendance; the Deputy Registrar HW Matenga Dawa Francis, Chief Magistrate HW Nabende Moses; Magistrates Grade I, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Representative Ms Adubango Harriet, Representative of the Attorney General's Chambers, Ms Ann Tusiime and all Advocates and civil society lawyers practicing within the Circuit.
Posted 30th, May 2024
