The Principal Judge, Dr. Flavian Zeija(L) with Hon. Justice Collins Acellam (New Resident Judge, Mubende High Court)
The Principal Judge, Dr. Flavian Zeija, today, presided over a Court Open Day at Mubende High Court and launched the Video Conferencing System at the Court.
The activities of the Day were held with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the theme; "A People-Centered Approach to Justice".
The day began with the launch of a new Video Conferencing System at the Court where Dr. Zeija expressed his gratitude to UNDP and its partners for supporting the Judiciary's automation initiatives aimed at enhancing human rights and improving access to justice.
He highlighted the System's ability to integrate digital solutions, increasing cooperation between legal authorities and improving efficiency and accountability within the justice system.
During the Open Day, Dr. Zeija introduced Justice Collins Acellam as the new Resident Judge of the Mubende High Court Circuit. He encouraged the public to support Justice Acellam, expressing confidence in his commitment to serve the community with the same standards of excellence as his predecessors.
The Principal Judge also shared the plans to establish regional Courts of Appeal to expedite the appeal process, particularly for those in rural areas. "This initiative aims to reduce delays, ease the burden on central courts, and bring justice closer to the people," he said.
Mr. Ian King, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, congratulated the Judiciary for its advancements in utilizing digital tools to enhance performance. He expressed gratitude to UNDP's partners, including Norway, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, and Iceland, for their support in justice reforms. He also outlined key UNDP interventions, such as installing real-time court transcription equipment, supporting the roll-out of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Strategy, and facilitating judicial exchanges between Uganda and Ghana among others.
Justice Karemani Jamson Karemera, the Resident Judge of the Kiboga High Court Circuit who has been caretaking Mubende, expressed his gratitude to Dr. Zeija for hisparticipation at both the launch of the video conferencing system and the OpenDay event.
Justice Karemani also urged the public to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)methods to efficiently resolve cases and alleviate the court backlog. He commended HW Kabugho Byakutaga Caroline, Chief Magistrate of Mubende, for her dedication to educating and guiding court users. "I commend HW Kabugho for her unwavering commitment to justice. Her daily efforts reflect her dedication to ensuring that everyone who comes through our doors understands their rights and the court process. This is the essence of a people-centered Judiciary," he said.
The Judiciary Public Relations Officer, HW James Ereemye Jumire Mawanda, who represented the Chief Registrar, thanked the public for their participation inthe court open day and the launch of the video conferencing system. He said, "Your presence today underscores our commitment to making justice accessible to all. The video conferencing system is a significant step towards modernizing our Judiciary and ensuring that everyone can participate in the legal process, no matter where they are."
HW Rogers Kinobe, thanked the RDC for attending the event, asked for free talk time at the different radio stations so as to sensitize the public further on different court procedures. Adding that the Chief Magistrate has actually been educating the locals every morning before court starts.
Mr. Albania Umar Lule Mawiya, the Resident District Commissioner of Mubende, applauded the Judiciary for the digital system, emphasizing its impact on accessibility and efficiency in the court system.
Mr. David Bakibinga Baxter, the Senior State Attorney of Mubende, also praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of community engagement among justice matters.
The day's events concluded with a tree-planting ceremony by the Principal Judge to commemorate both the launch of the video conferencing system and the court open day.
The Open Day event featured public sensitization on court processes, led by Ms. Rose Namanya, a Communications Officer. She informed the public about various Judiciary initiatives aimed at improving access to justice.
Mr. Tonny Luswata, Systems Administrator moderated the day's events together with Ms Namanya.
Posted 23rd, September 2024
