On Thursday, the Soroti High Court Circuit held a hybrid Bar-Bench meeting, both physical and virtual, designed to enhance collaboration, refocus justice delivery efforts, and encourage open, constructive dialogue among key stakeholders in the legal system.
The meeting was chaired by Resident Judge, Hon. Justice Boniface Wamala, and moderated by Deputy Registrar HW Emmy Geoffrey Sayekwo, with HW Waiswa Painento, Magistrate Grade I Research attached to the Judge, serving as Minute Secretary.
Participants included Judicial Officers from across the Circuit, State Attorneys from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Attorney General’s Chambers, representatives of the Uganda Prisons Service, and advocates practicing within the Circuit.
In his opening remarks, Justice Wamala encouraged honest engagement, constructive criticism, and mutual accountability.
He emphasized the importance of all actors in the justice sector striving for excellence in their respective roles.
Justice Wamala commended recent efforts to reduce the criminal case backlog, citing the successful conclusion of two plea bargain sessions and three criminal sessions since December 2024.
Despite the operationalization of Kumi High Court, he noted that the case load continues to rise, and called on legal practitioners to adopt Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) where applicable.
Responding to concerns about perceived rigidity in granting bail for capital offences, Justice Wamala clarified that each application is considered on its own merit, taking into account the safety of victims, witnesses, and the accused.
Chief Magistrates from Soroti, Katakwi, and Kaberamaido, along with Grade One Magistrates from Serere and Amuria, presented updates from their respective courts, highlighting achievements and persistent challenges.
A representative from the Attorney General’s Chambers applauded the court’s consistent communication but raised concern over staffing shortages, pointing out that only two state attorneys are handling a workload meant for four.
He called for continued coordination and understanding to manage the caseload effectively.
The Regional Assistant DPP commended the concluded criminal and plea bargain sessions but acknowledged the pressures caused by limited prosecutorial personnel, especially where temporary absences affected service delivery.
She also encouraged formal submission of complaints and emphasized respectful communication.
Edmund Nangulu, Uganda Law Society (ULS) Eastern Regional Representative, praised the Soroti Bench for upholding professionalism and integrity, noting the absence of complaints regarding corruption or mistreatment of advocates.
He outlined ULS initiatives to reform the criminal justice system and called for Bench support.
Nangulu also highlighted ULS-led training for Local Council Courts and urged the Bar to channel internal complaints through proper mechanisms.
