RONALDO N
Traffic in Kanungu District on Wednesday came to a standstill as residents gathered on the streets to welcome the Chief Justice of Uganda, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, on his maiden visit to the district. The function, which was held at the Kanungu Chief Magistrate Court premises, was attended by district leaders and other dignitaries from across the district and the country at large.
During the function, local leaders in Kanungu, through the District LC5 Chairperson, Eng. Sam Kajojo, raised concerns over what they described as delays in the delivery of justice in the district. According to the leaders, Kanungu has one Chief Magistrate Court that does not have a Chief Magistrate, which forces residents with serious cases to travel many kilometers to Rukungiri Chief Magistrate Court to seek justice.
Leaders therefore demanded at least a Chief Magistrate who resides in the district to reduce the costs and time wasted traveling to Rukungiri to handle cases that could be managed within the district.
In response, the Chief Justice acknowledged that the government has plans to have a Grade One Magistrate Court in every constituency. Moreover, he unveiled a program of mobile courts operating in different areas of the district, with the capacity to handle cases below 100 million Ugandan shillings.
The Chief Justice stressed that with these programs, he is optimistic that justice will be brought closer to the people, as cases will be handled in time within local communities.
On the issue of the lack of a Chief Magistrate in Kanungu, the Chief Justice revealed that the deployment program was delayed by elections and therefore called for patience.
While authorities were demanding more magistrate courts, including a High Court in the district, the Chief Justice noted that this can only be possible if district authorities reserve land where more courts can be constructed.
Currently, Kanungu District has a Chief Magistrate Court in Kanungu Town Council without a Chief Magistrate, as well as one Grade One Magistrate Court in Kihihi Town Council, raising questions about access to justice in the district.
