Reported by Kerry Howard Mwesigwa
In a move to improve access to justice, the Judiciary has launched a High Court Circuit in Moroto. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s judicial system, as the High Court now has a decentralized service that brings its services closer to the people. The launch ceremony was held on May 8th, 2023, under the theme, “Strategies and Mechanisms for Improving Physical Access to Justice.”
The Principal Judge, Dr. Flavian Zeija, presided over the ceremony and was received by the Director of Public Prosecutions Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo and the Moroto Resident Judge, Lady Justice Mary Ikit. The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Registrar Magistrates Affairs & Data Management His Worship Ereemye James Mawanda, the Chief Magistrate, Her Worship Emmy Sayekwo, and other Judicial officers from the area. Also present at the launch were the Minister for State and Minerals, Hon. Peter Lokeris, Members of Parliament, Mayor Moroto Municipality Ismail Muhammad, and other district leaders.
The High Court of Uganda is the third court of record in order of hierarchy, with unlimited original jurisdiction to try any case of value or crime of any magnitude. Before the establishment of High Court circuits, most of the court’s business was conducted at its headquarters in Kampala. However, with the introduction High Court circuit, judicial services are now available across the country, including Arua, Fort Portal, Gulu, Hoima, Iganga, Jinja, Kabale, Lira, Luwero, Masaka, Masindi, Mbarara, Mbale, Moroto, Mpigi, Mubende, Mukono, Rukungiri, Soroti, Moroto and Tororo.
The launch of the Moroto High Court circuit is expected to improve access to justice in the region, as litigants will no longer have to travel long distances to access High Court services. This move aligns with the Ugandan government’s commitment to decentralizing public services to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
