The Kasese High Court Circuit was officially launched today at the Court's grounds amidst a celebratory atmosphere.
The Principal Judge, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, presided over the launch which was held under the theme; "A People-Centered Approach to Justice."
This momentous occasion marked a significant milestone for the sub-region, as the new court is expected to enhance access to justice for the people of Kasese and surrounding areas.
Justice Zeija emphasized the importance of the new Circuit in ensuring that justice is delivered promptly and efficiently, closer to the communities it serves.
He stressed Judiciary's commitment to making the High Court more accessible to people across Uganda, by establishing High Court circuits in various regions, such as Kasese, and setting up regional courts of appeal and ensuring that every district has a Magisterial area and a designated Magistrate Grade One Court.
Justice Vincent Emmy Mugabo, the Head Fort Portal High Court Circuit congratulated the people of Kasese, and expressed gratitude to Principal Judge's commitment to a people-centered approach to justice. He also thanked local leaders for providing land for the Court, and promised to support the new Court.
Kasese High Court Resident Judge, Justice Makumbi David Samson Lwokya, pointed out that since September 2023, the High Court Circuit initially operated within the Fort Portal High Court Circuit awaiting logistics to be finalized, and April2024, the Circuit became fully operational in Kasese with its own registry.
Justice Makumbi stated that the Circuit has already handled two criminal sessions (one in Fort Portal and one ongoing in Kasese). He also highlighted the increase in civil matters being filed, an indication that the public is already utilizing the more accessible court services.
The Registrar Inspector of Courts, HW Pamella Lamunu Ocaya, who represented the Chief Registrar, HW Sarah Langa Siu, thanked the Fort Portal High Court team for hosting Kasese Court during its initial stages.
She reiterated the Judiciary's dedication to taking justice closer to the people. And encouraged the residents of Kasese to take advantage of the newly established High Court Circuit to access legal services more conveniently.
The Acting Deputy Registrar of the Court, HW Nkwasibwe Ivan expressed gratitude to the Judiciary for making legal services more accessible to the public. He commended the head of Fort Portal High Court, the Resident Judge of Kasese High Court, and the Chief Registrar for their guidance and mentorship, and pledged to provide outstanding service to the people of Kasese.
The MP for Busongora North, Hon Sowedi Kitanywa expressed his appreciation to the Government and the Judiciary for establishing the Kasese High Court Circuit. He emphasized this achievement as a significant milestone for the region." I want to congratulate the government of Uganda, in particular the Judiciary for this milestone of launching the Kasese High Court Circuit," he said.
The launch was attended by Judicial Officers from Fort Portal and Kasese Circuits, these included; the Deputy Registrar, HW Matenga Dawa Francis (Fort Portal High Court), Chief Magistrates; HW Ajok Betty (Kasese), HW Ociba Gloria (Kyenjojo),Magistrates Grade I within the Circuits, various justice actors including advocates, political leaders, local leaders and religious leaders.
The Judiciary Public Relations Officer, HW James Ereemye Jumire Mawanda moderated the launch.
Posted 3rd, September 2024
