Rukiga, Rubanda Leaders Want Construction of Courts Expedited.
Written by admin on July 21, 2022
URN:The two districts are yet to receive judicial services due to the lack of a Chief Magistrate, Grade One Magistrate, and the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo greeting kigezi district officials at High Court Kabale (Photo Credit Samuel Amanya)
Rubanda district started operations in 2016 and Rukiga in 2017, after they were curved from Kabale. But, to date, the two districts are yet to receive judicial services due to the lack of a Chief Magistrate, Grade One Magistrate, and office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).
In Rukiga district, grade two magistrates who once in a while visit the area use the old Rwamucucu sub-county council hall, while in Rubanda, the court session is held in one of the small houses at the district headquarters.
Speaking during a meeting with Judicial officials on Wednesday led by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo at Kabale High Court, Robert Mbabazi Kakwerere, the LCV Chairperson Rukiga said that due to the absence of chief magistrates’ courts in the two districts, residents have no option, but to travel to Kabale.
Kakwerere also says that due to the absence of the office of the DPP, the police face difficulties while transporting case files to Kabale for perusal.
According to Kakwerere even though Rukiga and Kabale district local governments gave the Judiciary 1.5 acres of land early last year for the construction of DPP offices and Grade One Magistrates court, construction is yet to commence.
Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, the Rubanda LCV Chairperson says that the structure housing the Grade One Magistrate’s court is in a dilapidated state.
Fred Kyamuzigita, the Rukiga Resident District Commissioner says that at least a permanent grade one magistrate’s court and office of the DPP should be established in Rukiga district.
Kyamuzigita says that many people flock to his office asking for transport to travel to Kabale to attend court sessions.
Pius Bigirimana, Permanent Secretary to the Judiciary says that construction of the court will not kick off soon due to financial constraints.
Owiny-Dollo said that Judiciary plans to establish a Grade One Magistrate’s court at the county level, and a Chief Magistrate court at the district to ensure judicial services are nearer to the public. He added that the judiciary is planning to construct the regional court of Appeal in cities starting with Mbarara in order to save people from traveling long distances to Kampala.
Owiny-Dollo also ordered the expansion of the prison at Kabale High Court premises. This was after he visited the Prison and realized that it accommodates less than 15 inmates.
Justice Moses Kawumi Kazibwe, Kabale High Court judge, and Kigezi-based lawyer Justus Muhangi asked the government to tarmac the road leading to the court.
