GULU CITY: The Uganda’s Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, on March 17th visited the Gulu Court of Appeal construction site, inspected Omoro Magistrates Court and paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Gulu Regional Office as part of her ongoing tour of the Gulu High Court Circuit.
The Principal Judge inspected the Gulu Court of Appeal construction site to assess the progress of works. She was taken on a guided tour by the Project Manager, Mr. Samuel Okello, who reported that the project is on course. Adding that the project remains on course for handover within the projected 18 months.
The Principal Judge paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Gulu Regional Office, where she commended the dedication and service of the five State Attorneys serving 21 districts within the region.
She was received by Ms. Nyakwebera Elizabeth, Principal State Attorney in charge of the station, who congratulated the Principal Judge upon her appointment and expressed confidence in her leadership, particularly in advancing staff welfare and promoting the well-being of justice sector.
During the visit at Omoro Court, the Principal Judge engaged Judicial officers and key stakeholders and emphasised the importance of involving them in the promotion and implementation of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
She encouraged the court to prioritise the hearing of cases originating from within the district in order to promote community participation and enhance public confidence in the justice system.
“When we deploy judicial officers, we encourage them to reside within the communities they serve and to familiarise themselves with how those communities perceive justice. Hearing cases from Gulu would defeat the purpose of taking the court closer to the people,” she noted.
The Principal Judge commended the Deputy Registrar, HW Ebong George, for his strong presence on the ground and for fostering constructive relationships with stakeholders across the Circuit, observing that his impact is widely felt. He was encouraged to follow up on the processing of the land title.
She further appreciated stakeholders for their continued support to the court, particularly through the provision of land, and urged them to extend similar support to other justice sector institutions, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Uganda Prisons Service, in order to strengthen the justice system.
HW Akol Bonny the Magistrate Grade One at Omoro informed the Principal Judge that Omoro Magistrate’s Court, located in Laroji Sub-county, Omoro District, has a caseload of 181 cases and is supported by three staff members.
He further explained that the Court handles all criminal matters from Gulu Chief Magistrate’s Court due to the absence of State Attorneys and a prison facility within Omoro District. Civil matters are handled partly in Gulu and partly in Omoro, depending on the sub-county of origin, in consideration of the district’s geographical coverage.
The Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Okot Emmanuel, welcomed the Principal Judge and reaffirmed the district’s commitment to supporting the Judiciary.
He pledged to engage local leadership to secure office space for justice sector actors to ensure the effective functioning of the justice chain.
The Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Oola Danito, informed the Principal Judge that 2.3 acres of land have been allocated for the court and later led her on a guided visit to the proposed site.
SOURCE: Judiciary Press Team
