Masaka High Court Engages Advocates in A Bid to Enhance Administration of Justice
Participants at the Masaka High Court engagement with lawyers
Masaka High Court on Monday held a Bar-Bench Committee meeting chaired by Resident Judge, Justice Lawrence Tweyanze.
The Judge congratulated the advocates for having successfully gone through the polls that saw the Uganda Law Society get new leadership.
He noted the need to embrace Mediation saying it saves on time and resources for litigants and ensures reconciliation.
It was proposed that the meetings sit on a quarterly basis to improve relations between the Court and advocates.
The Chief Magistrate, HW Aloysius Natwijuka stated that as case management practice for capital offences, when the matters clock six months and legible for mandatory bail, he forwards those files to the High Court. He urged all magistrates to ensure the same is done.
The Resident judge stated that he has always balanced the law and justice in regard to mandatory bail. He advised both lawyers to follow up on their cases.
It was noted that staff at court have been encouraged to always put on their identity cards for easy identification by court users.
The Resident Judge encouraged lawyers and judicial officers to keep time so that litigants don't wait for long.
The team from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions led by Mr. Kalinaki Brian shared that due to transfers and movements of prisoners, some files end up missing. It’s against this background that Justice Tweyanze encouraged opening up duplicate files for court, State and the prisons.
Advocates were encouraged to carry their practicing certificates to avoid embarrassment. This, the Judicial Officers said, is intended to protect litigants from bush lawyers.
In attendance; Deputy Registrar HW Loe Karungi, Magistrates Grade I, HW Namudiba Sandra, HW Asiku Swaleh, HW Twongwire Joshua, HW Muhumuza Asuman and HW Lyagoba Frank.
Several Advocates participated in the meeting.
Posted 30th, September 2024
