Judiciary dismisses magistrate violence claims

The Inspectorate of Courts, has dismissed claims that Masindi Chief Magistrate Agnes Agwero instigated violence when a clinician assaulted and injured her. According to a press statement from Judiciary's public relations office, Fredrick Kyogonza, 33, had no justifiable reason to attack Agwero. The incident occured last year on December 13.

The investigation report on the findings have been submitted to Chief Justice Bart Katureebe.

"Basing on the findings, the allegations against the judicial officers and clerk were baseless, unfounded and arose as a result of losing the matter above (court case)," the report signed by deputy registrar, Agnes Nkonge, read in part.

Kyogonza punched Agwero shortly after she had condemned him to a six-month civil prison term for failure to pay a sh4.8m debt.

Kyogonza said the court failed to handle his complaint and instead read a forged ruling. But the Inspectorate noted that there was only one ruling on the file - the one signed by Judge Rugadya Atwooki.

Kyogonza is currently serving a seven-year jail term for the violent behaviour.

Debt burden

Prior, Kyogonza was ordered to pay costs after losing a civil suit filed by Masindi district local government and Kiganda Abdallah.

The judge subsequently dismissed his application for civil revision of the lower court decision.

The Inspectorate advised Kyogonza to concentrate on seeking redress through the structured court appellate system.

The Inspectorate of Courts, is mandated to investigate and evaluate complaints from the public against both judicial officers and court staff. It recommends appropriate action against the officer found at fault.­