Masindi Court process server interdicted for hiding court files

The Masindi high court process server, Florence Kaahwa has been interdicted for allegedly hiding court files and soliciting for bribes, and asked to hand over office.

"After considering the gravity of the allegations and your response, this is to inform you that disciplinary proceedings are being taken against you for acts or omissions against public interest, that brings the Service into disrepute, and, involving turpitude," Kagole Kivumbi, the Judiciary's Permanent Secretary, said in his interdiction letter dated June 23, 2017.

"Consequently, effective June 23, 2017, you are hereby interdicted from exercising the powers and functions of a process server in the courts of Judicature," he added.

The letter which was addressed to Kaahwa, was copied to the Chief Justice, Resident Judge Masindi High court, Secretary Public Service Commission, Chief Registrar, the Commissioner human resource management, Judiciary and the Masindi High Court deputy Registrar.

A court process server delivers and serves legal documents such as summons to parties to a case.

According to Solomon Muyita, the communications officer Judiciary, Kaahwa's interdiction was prompted by over five complaints filed by members of the public regarding missing files. When a search was conducted in the court's registry, the files were indeed missing and on further inquiries, they were found in her possession.

"This was rather irregular because court files are supposed to be kept in the court's registry and can only be moved to court when there is a hearing and then returned back to the registry. When people take files without express permission, they have to explain why," he said.

He stated that currently Judiciary receives so many complaints of missing files that have made it to be accused of corruption.

Muyita noted that they have started acting on the complaints and whoever is found guilty will have to face sanctions, stating that it will act as a wakeup call for the Judiciary staff who engage in such acts.

According to the letter, Kaahwa will no longer exercise the functions of her post, receive half pay of her monthly salary during the interdiction period and is not allowed to appear anywhere near her work place.

She has also been stopped from leaving the country without express authority from Kivumbi, until investigations into the matter are complete.

Muyita also revealed that Kaahwa is also being investigated for her over stay in one station, spanning over 15 years, which is contrary to the institution's policy which involves change of station after every 3 years.

Since January this year, several Judicial officers and staff have been interdicted for bribery and causing the disappearance of files. Key among these is the Chief Magistrate Bushenyi court, Moses Katorogo, who was accused of soliciting for bribes in his chambers and also using court bailiffs to solicit for bribes.

Others include the family court accounts assistant, Paul Mwemeke, Nakasongola court accounts assistant, Vincent Paul Katamba and Nakawa Court process server, Fabian Sendagi.