KAMPALA: Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has cautioned magistrates against hearing a case for more than 6 months without judgment.
He says an explanation in writing shall be required- noting that it shall be punishable to have a case backlog.
“If I can have magistrates grade one and chief magistrates in every district , we are going to lower the 2 years cap of backlog, a case should be completed at least within 12 months and upon failure you need to explain in writing why you have delayed,” Justice Dollo said.
“We are creating a robust Inspectorate of Courts which will investigate from the Chief Justice to the lower judicial officer to solve the problem of delay,” he added.
He was speaking during the launch of the Judiciary Annual Performance Report at the High Court in Kampala on Wednesday, August 31, 2022.
During FY 2021/22, courts disposed of a total of 205,967 cases out of a total caseload of 373,974.
Justice Owiny-Dollo also announced that there is a plan to have 2000 magistrates as a measure to reduce case backlog.
“We intend to make access to the users of justice real, physically littering the country with judicial officers to the most remote places,” he said.
“Justice must be within the walking distance. We believe this can be achieved and we have started on this journey,” he added.
A total of 258 Judicial officers were appointed in the Judiciary service to bridge the staffing gaps and improve service delivery for the FY 2021/22. 16 judges were appointed which also led to the operationalization of High Court Circuits of Moroto, Tororo, Iganga, Luwero, Hoima and Rukungiri.
According to the performance report, small claims procedure has so far been rolled out in 154 courts. The report also says 14,648 cases were registered and a total of 11,675 cases were disposed of at demand notice level.
The report adds that 15 plea- bargain sessions were conducted resulting in the disposal of 2,144 cases. A total of 1851 cases were completed through mediation across court levels and 1051 were successful.