Calls for swift justice dominate national court open day
The Principle Judge Jane Frances Abodo explained that the National Court Open Day is designed to ensure that the justice system can earn the confidence of the people it serves.
The 3rd National Court Open Day started today (September 10) at Kololo Ceremonial grounds. The program begun with a procession from the High Court to Kololo. (Photos by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
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Calls for swift access to justice dominated the national court open day at Kololo ceremonial grounds on Thursday, September 10, as some of the court users expressed frustrations over delayed access to justice.
Aisha Bukenya, a court user and one of the founders of Mavid Pharmacy, said her case has been pending in court for over 18 years, and it is hurting their business.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi said the judiciary is committed to deliver justice in a timely manner.
“We are ready to deliver justice fairly and in a timely manner. However, you should also know that we operate with a limited resource envelope, yet the demand for judicial services is increasing,” Kawumi said.
Kawumi commended the court users for turning out in big numbers to air out their concerns, saying the court open day is very important to obtain information about its services.
He explained that the national court open day is a special occasion that gives the judiciary an opportunity to come out of courtrooms and interact directly with the people whom it serves.
Kawumi implored the court users to embrace alternative dispute resolution (ADR) with an open mind, saying it is well rooted in culture.
Citing the procurement of a boat, the ongoing construction of the regional Court of Appeal in Mbarara and Gulu and the expansion of the Electronic Court Case Management and Information System (ECCMIS) to various courts, Kawumi said the judiciary is determined to ensure justice is inclusive and accessible to everyone and without delay.
The Principle Judge Jane Frances Abodo explained that the National Court Open Day is designed to ensure that the justice system can earn the confidence of the people it serves.
Beate Farukuoye, the deputy head of Austrian Development Cooperation, commended the judiciary for institutionalising the National Court Open Day because it serves as an important platform for public engagement, information sharing and strengthening the relationship between the judiciary and the communities it serves.
“We look forward to continued collaboration in promoting an inclusive, accessible, and effective justice system for all,” Farukuoye said. All justice institutions embraced the event.
