By Our reporter
24th Aug 2023
Judicial officers in Uganda have been urged to increase their engagement with the community to bridge the gap between the legal system and citizens, and to simplify court processes.
This call was made during the open court day held at the Kitgum Magistrate’s premises, focusing on the theme: “Demystifying Court Processes.”
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo, present at the event, highlighted the need to break down the perceived barriers between judicial officers and the public.
Jimmy Ssegawa Ebil, the Resident District Commissioner of Kitgum district, pointed out that citizens often view judicial officers as distant figures, causing confusion in legal redress procedures.
This lack of understanding can lead to complaints being filed in the wrong offices. Ebil suggested that judicial officers leverage radio broadcasts to educate the public about court processes and alternative justice systems, enabling citizens to navigate legal dilemmas more effectively.
He also appealed for the establishment of more community-based courts to improve access to justice, citing instances where clients must travel over 100 kilometers to reach a court due to limited local options.
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo emphasized the importance of ongoing engagement between the justice sector and the community stressing the need for collaboration among all stakeholders, including judicial officers, police, prison officers, and legal education institutions, to create a more cohesive and approachable legal environment.
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