Hon. Justice Dr. Zeija(Principal Judge) presiding over the launch of Small Claims Procedure
At the close of business on Friday, February 26, 2021 there were a total of 118 Courts that were utilizing the Small Claims Procedure (SCP), fast access to justice initiative that targets low-income earners.
The new courts where the Procedure is being utilized are Buliisa, Bundibugyo and Nansana where the Principal Judge, Hon. Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, presided over launches. Another launch at Njeru Magistrates Court was flagged off by Mukono Resident Judge, Hon. Justice David Batema.
In Buliisa, the Principal Judge emphasized that the Procedure has helped reduce the backlog in civil matters whose subject matter is below Shs10m.
He observed that judicial understaffing has led to the bulk of unsettled cases in courts. The PJ pointed out that although Buliisa deserves a Chief Magistrate, none can be deployed there as yet as there is only half of the required 84.
At Bundibugyo Chief Magistrate's Court, the Principal Judge was received by the Fort Portal Resident Judge, Hon. Justice Vincent Emmy Mugabo, Chief Registrar, HW Sarah Langa Siu, Ag. Assistant Register SCP, HW Lillian Bucyana, Chief Magistrate HW Kule Moses Lubangula. The others were civic leaders from the district who turned up to witness the launch.
The Bundibugyo Resident District Commissioner thanked Judiciary for considering the District in the rollout of the exercise. "We are glad that this Procedure is going to help the several complaints arising out of cross-border transactions."
At Njeru Court, Justice Batema emphasized that the Initiative was targeting low-income earners. "Most of us cannot afford lawyers, thank God this Procedure doesn't need that extra cost," he said.
He encouraged members of the public to go to court as opposed to engaging in acts of corruption. "Courts are here to help everyone but don't try to bribe our staff hoping for any favors. If caught, you will face the consequences," he cautioned members of the public.
Magistrate Grade One, HW Jackline Kagoya, who represented the Ag Assistant Registrar SCP in Njeru and Nansana appealed to the people to embrace the innovation because it saves time and resources.
The climax of the week was on Friday during the launch in Nansana where Hon. Justice Dr Zeija was received by Deputy Inspector, HW Lawrence Tweyanze, Wakiso Chief Magistrate, HW Esther Nakadama, and Chief Magistrate Office of Chief Registrar, HW Patricia Amoko among others.
The PJ toured the court premises and officially launched the Court.
The Chief Registrar advised the people to ensure that their transactions are documented. Noting that this will ease the recovery process.
Religious and local leaders thanked the Magistrate Grade One, HW Natwijuka Aloysius, for the diligent service so far. "The only thing I can say is the Court and its Officer have been a blessing for us and Nansana is going to greatly change in character and behaviour," Pastor Wilson Bugembe stated.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairperson LC V, Matia Lwanga Bwanika, assured the PJ that he will team will work closely with the Judiciary to promote SCP during the District's radio programmes.
Posted 26th, February 2021
