(L-R): Kenyan Judiciary,Principal Judge, Justice Eric Ogola and Deputy Chief Justice, Richard Buteera
Earlier, a three-member delegation from the Kenyan Judiciary, led by the Principal Judge, Justice Eric Ogola, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Chief Justice, Richard Buteera, at the Court of Appeal, Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala. The other members of the delegation were the Registrar Magistrate Courts, HW Caroline Kabucho, and Registrar High Court, HW Clara Otieno Omondi.
The purpose of the visit is to benchmark and enhance backlog reduction strategies, with the Kenyan Judiciary. The delegation is seeking to gain insights into the strategies and interventions implemented by the Uganda Judiciary to reduce case backlog. They also aim to identify best practices, lessons learned, and explore opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing between the Uganda Judiciary and the High Court of Kenya.
The DCJ highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the Judiciary in Uganda to reduce case backlog. Among the initiatives, the DCJ mentioned the establishment of the Case Backlog Committee, which developed strategies for backlog reduction, increasing the number of judicial officers across all courts, regionalizing the Court of Appeal, and increasing the number of Magistrate's Courts and High Court Circuits.
He also informed the delegation about the Judiciary's efforts to increase the jurisdiction of Magistrate’s Courts from UGX20 million to UGX50million, which he explained would help reduce the backlog at the High Courts.
Automation through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) was another key initiative mentioned by the DCJ. This system, he explained, allows lawyers to file cases electronically and aids in making data-driven administrative decisions, enhancing both data management and research.
Further, he discussed the development of a Performance Enhancement Tool and the intention to improve manpower within the Inspectorate, extending its regional presence to ensure fair operations at all court stations. The Law Reform Committee's work in identifying and reducing delays in legal procedures was also highlighted.
Justice Buteera noted that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR),such as Mediation, has been successful in reducing backlog and promoting peace and harmony. He informed the delegation that the Judiciary has trained mediators, including retired judges and lawyers, who facilitate Mediation. Initiatives such as Small Claims Procedure and the involvement of cultural and religious leaders in ADR were highlighted. He also informed them about the Judiciary's initiative of a Mediation Week before court vacation, which aims to maximize the benefits of ADR.
He informed them about plea bargain camps, which he said have also played a significant role in addressing case backlog. And emphasized the importance of stakeholder involvement in these efforts.
Justice Ogola appreciated the judicial infrastructure of the Uganda Judiciary, adding that it is vital in enhancing Judiciary output. He acknowledged the shared mission of serving the people of Kenya and Uganda, and the value of experiences in managing backlog and conducting matters online.
He mentioned Kenya's initiatives in fighting case backlog, including Service Weeks, where judges assist each other in handling overwhelming caseloads. He also mentioned that Kenya has Rapid Results Initiatives (RRI), Court Annexed Mediation, and Alternative Justice Systems(AJS) initiatives to fight case backlog.
Additionally, that Kenya has specialized courts for land and environment, employment, and labor issues, Mahakama Popote, a Magistrates' Court initiative aimed at fighting case backlog.
Lady Justice Damalie N Lwanga, the Executive Director Judicial Training Institute (JTI), emphasized the importance of the collaborative relationship between Uganda and Kenya. She acknowledged the mutual benefits of learning from each other's experiences and addressing shared challenges, aiming to improve efforts in combating case backlogs.
In attendance were; Justice Ocaya Thomas Ojele Rubanga(Commercial Court), Judiciary Public Relations Officer, HW James Ereemye Jumire Mawanda, HW Katushabe Prossy (Ag. Registrar JTI), HW Rukundo Allen Owembabazi(Ag. Registrar Court of Appeal), HW Dr. Mushabe Alex Karocho (Private LegalSecretary to DCJ), HW Mulalira Faisal Umar (Ag Deputy Registrar JTI), and HW Gakyaro Mpirwe Allan (Personal Assistant to DCJ) among others.
The delegation presented the DCJ with a gift.
Summary of Day I
The visiting team will be taken through a presentation on Plea Bargaining and its Application in Uganda by Justice Gadenya Paul Wolimbwa(Judge at the Criminal Division), and a panel discussion on the integration of Plea Bargaining in the Magistrates' Court; From entry into the criminal justice system. Additionally, there will be a presentation on Optimum Management of Resources as a Case Backlog Strategy by the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary, Dr. Pius Bigirimana, who will later take the delegation on a guided tour of the Appellate Court Building.
Posted 11th, June 2024
