Kawempe-In a bid to improve delivery of justice to the people of Uganda, Judiciary has introduced Small claims Procedure at Kawempe Chief Magistrates Court.
Small Claims Procedure (SCP) is a simplified process for resolving civil disputes where the amount claimed does not exceed ten million Uganda Shillings.
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At the launch held at Kawempe chief Magistrates Court, on Thursday, Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, the Chairperson of Small Claims procedure implementation committee and the Chief guest at the event, advised business people around the area to embrace this initiative in solving their financial disputes because it’s cheap and takes little time compared to other methods.
“Like on my side, I am a poor man who don’t want to lose any coin. If I demand you my money and you fail to pay, I will turn to small claims procedure to recover the money, not the other system which involves imprisonment as a punishment.”
He pointed out that Greater Kawempe being a busy business area (with still developing business es) , there is a need to ensure at least businessmen are not cheated in order to expand their businesses, which directly impact on the development of the community and whole country at large. “We can’t develop when we still have unresolved financial disputes among our selves.”
Kiryabwire pointed out that it’s unfair for cases which can be resolved with in the community where they happened , but instead, they are being taken to Police and later referred to Court where they end up contributing to backlog.
“We are going to train Religious leaders and Political leaders, to support the community members in resolving cases involving financial transactions below ten million shillings. The leaders must always advise the people to resolve their civil matters through negotiations before engaging Police and Courts of law.”
Hajji Noor Njuki, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Kawempe, applauded the Judiciary for having brought justice closer to people, through establishment of this court which has saved them from trekking longer distances following up on their cases.
“We are so grateful for the Chief Magistrate of this court, she has been vibrant in engaging and sensitizing of the community members about how the justice system works.” remarked Njuki
He further called upon all the local council leaders to spread the Small claims gospel to people in their communities through holding regular village meetings.
Her Worship Zulaika Nanteza, the Registrar incharge of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the Judiciary, commended the people of Kawempe for having turned up on the event in large numbers at the launching ceremony.
In her comment about Small Claims Procedure, Nanteza described it as one of the initiatives which was introduced by the Judiciary to provide timely justice to the people of Uganda.
“If you go to court, even if you don’t understand English, always ask the Judicial officer or the Clerk what has transpired and what will be required in the next sitting. You ask some one to come back with a witness or some other crucial documents for the case , but at times many don’t ask and end up coming back with nothing, thus prompting you to adjourn the matter which could have been meant for further hearing.”
Her Worship, Roseline Nsenge, the Kawempe Court Chief Magistrate, revealed that before the official launch of Small claims procedure at this five months old court , they have successfully held a good number of cases on the same.
“This court commenced it’s operations in January 2025 , the Registrars told us that even though you’re babies , you can start small claims. We agreed, so far we have had 98 registered cases, out of which 45 have been settled, 27 cases were opened officially with out demand notices and 10 of these have been already solved.” remarked Nsenge
She also pointed out, that as Kawempe Court, they have trained a number of area local council leadership in their jurisdiction about several Alternativ Dispute Resolution mechanism including mediation and she thinks that with time many people will be embracing these initiatives for timely justice.
The event attracted Judiciary staff,local leaders, lawyers, members of Civil society organizations, Academia, Representatives from Uganda Police and Uganda Prisons , as well as the general public.
Small claims are handled in Chief Magistrate’s Courts within the local limits where the cause of action arose or where the defendant resides.
Before filing a claim, the claimant must issue a written notice of demand to the intended defendant, giving them 14 days to settle the claim.
If the dispute remains unresolved after the notice period, the claimant can file a claim form with the court, attaching the notice of demand, proof of service, and any relevant documentation.
The court will schedule a hearing where both parties can present their case. The judicial officer will make a judgment, either immediately or within 14 days of the hearing.
Under this initiative, there is no lawyer required, this making it cheaper compared to other forms.
