Nabweru, Wakiso– The Judiciary in its plans of extending services closer to the people , has officially opened up Wakiso High Court.
While officiating the official opening ceremony held at the Court premises in Nabweru, on Friday, Deputy Chief Justice, Dr.Flavian Zeija asked the Court staff to prioritize effective service to people…
“Shun absenteeism , ensure that you keep time keeping, these people don’t come to you because they don’t have something to do, they come to get justice. Wherever they come and you’re not around, it discourages them.” remarked Zeija
He pointed out that during the times when he was the Principal judge and Lady Justice Sarah Langa (the head of Wakiso High court circuit) was still a Chief Registrar, they used not to tolerate absenteeism from work to the extent that they interdicted whoever they found not performing to the expectation.
Zeija also encouraged all stakeholders to embrace various forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution so as to reduce on the case backlog in courts of law.
“Religious leaders and politicians especially the LC.1 Chairpersons can help in handling of some cases. When I was a circuit judge , I used to divert matters to Bishops, if I got a family matter I would just write to the bishop informing him that I have sent these people to you, if they fail before God , then they want to solve the matter before Satan.”
He further revealed that they already submitted to the Attorney General the bill on increasing Chief Magistrates’ jurisdiction from handling cases of 50 million shillings and below to 200 million shillings.
Dr Pius Bigirimana, the Secretary to Judiciary (Permanent Secretary), promised that Wakiso High Court will soon get its permanent premises as soon as they are done with the Construction.
Lady Justice Sarah Langa , the head of Wakiso Court in her speech, thanked the senior administrators of Judiciary, resident Chief Magistrate and other stakeholders for the warm welcome and support they have rendered to them ever since they started their operations in that place
“My Lord I want to single out that as we came , we hit the road running, we said we are not going to waste any time , we received cases from Criminal Division right from 2020 onwards and we said we must immediately start a session, my sister Rachael didn’t hesitate to pull out the forces she had in her region and we started.”
Langa committed to the people that during her tenure at that Court , she will enforce zero tolerance to corruption, work hard for excellence, good customer care and promote all forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Her worship Pamela Lamunu Ocaya, the Chief Registrar, described the launch of Wakiso Court as a memorable event in fulfillment of Judiciary’s promise of making physical access a reality.
“This High Court circuit will support the Judiciary operation capacity , efficient performance, maximum convenience to court staff, Judicial officers and court users. I will further support to all administration of justice institutions that will aid the overall improvement of justice delivery.”
Dorothy Nankya Musoke , one of the Chairpersons from Nabweru, warmly welcomed the establishment of this court which she said that will save them from trekking longer distances on matters that are not handled by the Magistrates court.
Wakiso High Court has Lady Justice Sarah Langa and Lady Justice Grace Flavia Lamunu as the resident judges.
The court is backed up by four divisions i.e Civil, Commercial, Land and Criminal Division. It has received files from three High court circuits i.e Mukono, Luweero and Mpigi.
The inauguration ceremony was held under a theme ” Enhancing Judicial Accountability and Access to Justice.”
The event officials from the Judiciary top management, justices of Appeal, High Court, Registrars, Chief Magistrates, Grade one Magistrate from all over Wakiso district, Lawyers, students, politicians and members of the general public.
