By Jazeerah Mirembe
Court business in Kampala will be temporarily be halted on Thursday as judicial officers leave their chambers to participate in the third National Court Open Day at Kololo Independence Grounds.
The Judiciary has, however, clarified that courts will not completely close, with registries remaining open to receive new cases and handle other administrative matters.
Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo said judicial work would continue, albeit at a slower pace, as judges and magistrates attend the public engagement event.
“We shall not close completely. Work will be slow, but we shall not have an adjustment. Courts will not close completely. If you are looking for the Principal Judge, I will be in court,” Justice Abodo told journalists in Kampala on Wednesday ahead of the event.
The arrangement means litigants and lawyers with matters requiring judicial attention will have to wait until judicial officers return to their respective duty stations later in the course of the day, or the following day.
This year’s National Court Open Day is being held under the theme, “Delivering Inclusive, Efficient and Effective Justice.”
The Judiciary says the event is intended to bring the justice system closer to the public by allowing court users to understand court processes, raise concerns and obtain guidance on accessing justice.
Justice Abodo said the initiative gives practical effect to the Judiciary’s constitutional obligation to remain accountable to the people.
“The National Court Open Day gives practical meaning to the responsibility given to us by the Constitution. It creates a direct avenue through which the Judiciary can listen to the people that we serve. Otherwise, we shall be talking to ourselves,” she said.
She cited Article 126 of the Constitution, which provides that judicial power is derived from the people and is exercised by courts established under the Constitution.
“The Judiciary exercises judicial power on behalf of the people and remains accountable to them in how we discharge that constitutional mandate. This initiative gives us an opportunity to explain how the Judiciary works, how the system works, receive feedback and respond to some of the concerns that are going to be raised,” Justice Abodo said.
She said public confidence is critical to the effectiveness of the Judiciary and urged judicial officers to treat court users with professionalism.
“Public confidence in the Judiciary should be our biggest asset as an institution. If we lose it, then we have almost lost everything, because we need the public to have confidence in us, in the way we do our things and in the services that we offer,” she said.
The Open Day will bring together judicial officers, justice-sector institutions, lawyers, civil society organisations, students and members of the public.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Law Society and Judicial Service Commission are among the institutions expected to participate.
Members of the public will receive guidance on filing and management of cases, bail and bail refunds, court fees, access to judgments and rulings, appeals and execution of court decisions.
They will also be able to learn how to lodge complaints and provide feedback on services offered by judicial and non-judicial staff. Further, the court users will be given an opportunity to ask questions on the administration of justice.
Likewise, the Judiciary is expected to showcase reforms aimed at improving access to justice and reducing delays in disposing of cases.
Justice Abodo further warned members of the public against giving money to individuals claiming to have influence over judicial officers or the outcome of cases.
“Do not give money to anyone who tells you that they have the ability to influence a judicial officer or to determine the outcome of a case. Any suspected act of corruption, fraud or misconduct should be reported through the appropriate Judiciary channels,” she cautioned.