Earlier, the Principal Judge, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, presided over Kalangala Chief Magistrate's Court's first Open Day held under the theme: "A People-Centered Approach to Justice."
The Principal Judge assured the public that plans are underway to establish regional offices of the Inspectorate of Courts. He said these offices will enhance monitoring and supervision of court staff while addressing complaints from court users and the general public.
Justice Dr Zeija emphasized the need for increased accessibility to justice, stating that Magistrates' Courts are the most reachable by the people. He noted that to expedite case resolution, the Judiciary is working on increasing the pecuniary jurisdiction of Magistrates. This change will allow Magistrates' Courts to handle cases that currently fall under the High Court, ensuring faster delivery of justice.
The Principal Judge also encouraged the public to embrace technology in the justice system. He highlighted the implementation of the Electronic Court Case Management and Information System(ECCMIS), which allows some court proceedings to be conducted remotely. "Technology is revolutionizing justice delivery. With ECCMIS, we are eliminating unnecessary delays and bringing the courts closer to the people," he stated. This System eliminates the need for accused persons to be physically present in court for hearings, reducing delays and improving efficiency.
Additionally, he announced that the Judiciary is planning to provide vehicles for all Judicial Officers. These vehicles will enable them to conduct their duties effectively, including visiting remote areas where access to justice remains a challenge. "Judicial officers must be facilitated to serve efficiently. Providing them with vehicles will ensure that even the most remote areas receive timely justice," he remarked.
He concluded by commending the Kalangala judicial officers for their dedication. "I am pleased to hear only positive feedback from the people about the judicial officers here. Your efforts in ensuring justice is accessible and fair are truly commendable."
Justice Lawrence Tweyanze, the Resident Judge of Masaka, expressed gratitude to the Principal Judge for presiding over the Open Day and congratulated him on his appointment as Deputy Chief Justice. "Justice delivery is not a one-person affair. It takes the commitment of all stakeholders to build a system that is accessible, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the people," he noted.
He commended the stakeholders of Kalangala for actively participating in the event, emphasizing that their engagement strengthens justice delivery in the district. He also lauded the Principal Judge for the gazetting of the Rakai High Court and requested its operationalization to enhance judicial services in the region.
Justice Tweyanze also announced that starting tomorrow, Masaka Court will begin daily hearings of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases as part of the Justice 4 Her project. He noted that this initiative aims to recalibrate Uganda's justice system by ensuring timely and quality justice for victims of violence. He invited the public to attend the official launch of the project at Masaka High Court, emphasizing its significance in protecting vulnerable groups.
Deputy Registrar ADR, HW Zulaika Nanteza, representing the Ag. Chief Registrar, appreciated the people of Kalangala for attending the event, recognizing their commitment to learning about the justice system. "A justice system that embraces ADR is one that values time, cost-effectiveness, and amicable settlements. I encourage you to take advantage of these mechanisms," she stated.
She encouraged them to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms such as Small Claims Procedures and Mediation to settle disputes amicably and reduce case backlog. She emphasized that ADR provides faster and cost-effective solutions to legal disputes.
She also urged the public to trust the Judiciary, assuring them that efforts are continuously being made to enhance transparency and efficiency. "The Judiciary is committed to upholding justice without fear or favor. We encourage you to report any concerns and trust in the system to deliver fair outcomes."
In addition, she commended the judicial officers in Kalangala for their dedication. "Your zeal in ensuring quick and fair justice is admirable. The people recognize and appreciate your efforts in making the courts more accessible and responsive to their needs."
The Chief Magistrate Kalangala, HW Glory Alleluya, welcomed attendees, emphasizing that the Open Day serves as an opportunity for public engagement and reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to ensuring access to justice for all.
She highlighted the vast jurisdiction of Kalangala Chief Magistrate's Court, covering 84 islands, with the furthest, Mazinga Island, bordering Uganda and Tanzania. Due to the high population across these islands, the demand for judicial services remains critical.
HW Alleluya noted that through ADR mechanisms and efficient case management strategies, the court has significantly reduced its backlog, with only 156 pending criminal cases and 74pending civil cases, most of which are land-related. She cited common offenses in the area, including cattle theft, shop breaking, assault, and obtaining money by false pretenses.
To expedite case resolution, she stated that the court has actively promoted Mediation, Small Claims Procedure, Plea Bargaining, and Reconciliation, benefiting from the efforts of trained mediators. She reassured the public of the court's zero tolerance for corruption, encouraging them to report any misconduct through established complaint mechanisms.
Among the challenges she outlined were limited and expensive water transport options, which hinder both judicial officers and court users from attending proceedings. She shared a recent experience where a team conducting a locus visit to Bunyama Island had to travel in an open boat, only to later learn that large crocodiles were spotted at the same landing site. She emphasized that such challenges make it difficult for witnesses to attend court, affecting case progress.
The Chief Magistrate also noted the urgent need for upgrading the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions(ODPP) field office to Resident State Attorney status to enhance prosecution efficiency.
To address these issues, she stated that the Judiciary has secured a commitment to provide a boat for court operations, and efforts are underway to construct a guardhouse at the court premises for security enhancement. Additionally, capital cases are now being mentioned directly at Masaka Prison to ease transportation difficulties.
On a positive note, she revealed that two new courts have been gazetted in Kalangala - one at Kyamuswa Island and another at Bwendero on the main island. "The gazetting of Kyamuswa and Bwendero courts is a significant step in bringing justice closer to the people. We look forward to their operationalization to further improve access to judicial services," she said.
The Kalangala Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Fred Badda, commended the Principal Judge's leadership and noted that his appointment as Deputy Chief Justice was a wise decision by the President. He assured continued collaboration with the Judiciary in promoting mediation, referencing Matthew 5:25 to encourage peaceful resolution of disputes.
The Criminal Investigations Directorate Officer, Mr. Stephen Ibwarat Johnker, commended the Judiciary for organizing the event, noting that it fosters transparency, accountability, and public engagement. "Events like this build public trust in the Judiciary. When people understand how justice is administered, confidence in the system grows," he stated.
The Assistant Superintendent of Prisons and also District Police Commander, Mr. Ivan Sseremba, noted that Kalangala Prisons currently houses 129 inmates under the care of 40 officers. He highlighted congestion and fuel shortages as major challenges but thanked district leaders for allocating land for the construction of a new prison with officer housing. "We are grateful for the allocation of land for a new prison. This will help address congestion and improve living conditions for inmates and officers alike," he said.
The LCI Chairman, Mr. John Bosco Mubiru, urged attendees to feel free to engage with judicial officers, stating," Justice thrives in an environment where people are informed and empowered." He also promised to keep working hand in hand with the judicial officers in Kalangala.
The event concluded with a Question and Answer session, where attendees raised concerns and received responses from judicial officials, reinforcing the Judiciary's commitment to a people-centered approach to justice.
The event was moderated by Mr. Deo Akugizibwe, Communications Officer, Judiciary.
Posted 11th, March 2025
