NICHOLAS A
Residents in Rukungiri district have raised concerns about challenges within the judicial system.
During a meeting with officials from the Judicial Service Commission, local leaders, civil servants, and stakeholders, residents expressed that they often face issues but remain silent due to a lack of understanding of the system.
The meeting focused on causes of corruption in the judiciary, its impact, and ways to fight it.
James Turyamubona, Rukungiri district speaker, said delays in court cases may be linked to corruption, with officials siphoning money from justice seekers. He called on the Judicial Service Commission to address the issue.
Albert Rwamugaata, LC V councillor for Buyanja, said Ugandans now fear going to court due to corruption, with officials prioritizing money over justice.
He added that they struggle to get justice due to high corruption levels in courts.
Byaruhanga Chrysostom Rwakaana, chairperson of Rukungiri district business community, noted a problem with money-oriented lawyers who sometimes work with both sides of a case.
Anita Mirembe, an official from the Judicial Service Commission, identified corruption causes such as lack of supervision, greed, and poor coordination between courts, police, and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
She emphasized that corruption leads to poverty, mob justice, and the violation of human rights, with people forced to pay for services that should be free.
Mirembe shared strategies to address corruption, such as creating public awareness through local leaders and media. She also stressed the need for strengthening the transfer policy to prevent judicial officials from becoming too familiar with residents and promoting corruption.
The commission is working on improving relationships between judicial institutions and enhancing the discipline of judicial officials by dismissing corrupt ones and improving their working conditions, such as better salaries and resources.
