Courts go hi-tech

By Andante Okanya

The judiciary has embarked on a gradual process to go hi-tech to enable courts fit in the fast-paced world of technology.

The judiciary is currently using electronic boards; 42 inch LG plasma screens, to display information and notices for the various divisions of the High Court in Kampala.

There is one board at the main High Court building in the city centre that houses the Executions and Bailiff Division plus the crime division. Another is at the Commercial Court located on Lumumba Avenue.

The Land, Civil divisions, the Constitutional/Court of Appeal, housed on Twed Towers, Kafu Road, share a board that is positioned at the civil division on the first floor.

The Supreme Court located in in Kololo has boards that display the cause lists of the cases scheduled for the week. They also run a scroll, with the latest court news.

Judiciary spokesperson Erias Kisawuzi told New Vision that the judiciary has long-term plans of making the courts technology compliant.

"We have an IT strategy of equipping courts in terms of computer and record equipment," Kisawuzi said.

He, however, said equipping the upcountry courts with modern technology, would depend on the availability of funds.

The civil division IT systems administrator, Aaron Wandyembe, told New Vision, that the boards, which have been in use since the start of the year, reduce on the tedious paper work.

The electronic notice boards are operating alongside the traditional notice boards.