The Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court held its first court users committee on November 22, 2017. This is the Court's first major stakeholder engagement since its launch in May.
The Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court (Standards Court) is one of the newest additions to the Courts of Judicature. It is a specialized Court intended to provide an organized, timely and customized adjudication mechanism for cases that promote investment in critical areas of the economy. These include protection of the environment, preservation and conservation of wildlife,utilities (water and electricity), public health and ethical trade.
The Court's Chief Magistrate, HW James Ereemye Mawanda presided over the meeting was attended representatives from UMEME, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, Uganda Communications Commission, Uganda National Bureau of Statistics among other stakeholders.
In his remarks, CM Ereemye emphasized the Court’s role in maintaining standards.
"For a long time, there has been no organized mechanism to enhance the observance of standards in utilities, environment and wildlife conservation,telecommunications, public health and related services. The Standards Court is enhancing enforcement of standards in goods and specialized services; thefts and tampering with installations of water, electricity and telecommunications;computer misuse and cyber crime; environmental crime; illegal trade in wildlife;counterfeits; adulteration of consumer products and other related vices."
Some of the stakeholders asked the court to hold trainings so that all stakeholders can acquire skills on how to handle the matters raised in court.
The CM promised to channel the request to the Judicial Training Institute.
Ms. Annett Tuheisomwe from Uganda Wildlife Authority suggested that committee meetings be held outside court such as national parks for people to have a practical experience of cases tried by the courts.
Court Users Committee
The court has a court user's committee which meets once every three months so as to enhance cooperation, coordination and communication among stakeholders.
Posted 24th, November 2017
