Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Local Government has initiated a training program for local council courts aimed at improving conflict resolution and management to help reduce the rising crime rates stemming from resolvable issues.
Presiding over the training for Local Council I and II courts in Rushenyi County, Ntungamo District, on Wednesday, Commissioner for Local Councils Development, Mr. Swizin Kinga Mugyema, noted that many crimes, including murders, domestic violence, and land conflicts, start as minor disputes that local leaders could potentially resolve.
Mr. Mugyema emphasized the need to train local courts on jurisdiction, legal interpretation, and the connections between police, courts, and local councils to ensure proper handling of these issues.
Rushenyi County MP Naome Kabasharira, who invited the Ministry to conduct the training, mentioned that complaints from local leaders regarding court operations, such as court fines and application fees, need to be addressed through these training sessions.
Mr. Mugyema added that similar training sessions are being conducted across the country, particularly in areas that have reported an increase in crime rates in recent years.
Ministry trainers Ms. Ketty Gafa and Ms. Naome Natukunda covered topics including constitutional law, the judicial referral system, the operations of local council courts, and the relationship between crime and conflict.
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