The Resident Judge of the Kabale High Court, Justice Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere, has cautioned court officials to handle sensitive case files, especially those involving juveniles, with utmost care and to ensure that minors are not wrongly remanded in adult detention facilities.
Justice Ssemogerere issued the warning last Monday during a visit to Rubanda Magistrate’s Court to assess its operations and engage with justice stakeholders in the district. He was accompanied by the Assistant Registrar of the High Court, Kenneth Tumwebaze, and members of the Regional Chain-Linked Committee (RCC), including Jonathan Anguzu, the Regional Justice for Children Coordinator.
During the meeting, Justice Ssemogerere urged the Magistrate Grade I at Rubanda, Isaac Rukundo, to exercise diligence in handling case files and managing court records. He noted that proper file management is critical for the effective administration of justice.
He also encouraged Rukundo to maintain strong working relationships with district leaders, emphasizing that collaboration with local leadership is essential for strengthening justice delivery and improving coordination among justice sector actors.
Justice Ssemogerere further urged the state prosecutor to remain professional and focused on his prosecutorial duties, stressing the importance of integrity and fairness in the administration of justice.
In addition, he encouraged the Rubanda court staff to actively participate in High Court activities whenever possible, noting that such engagements, though occasional, are important for strengthening institutional coordination within the Judiciary.
However, Rukundo highlighted several operational challenges affecting the court, including staffing gaps such as the absence of a secretary, limited access to the Court Case Administration System (CASS), sanitation challenges due to inadequate toilet facilities, and a non-functional computer that has hindered administrative work.
During the meeting, Rukundo also informed the Resident Judge that Rubanda District has already allocated land for the construction of a Chief Magistrate’s Court. He noted that the gazetted courts in the district include Bubaare, Rubanda Town Council, the Chief Magistrate’s Court, and the Magistrate Grade I Court at Rubanda.
The Rubanda Magistrate’s Court has been operational for two years and serves a large district covering nine sub-counties. Since its establishment, the court has registered more than 300 cases.
The district is also known for its tourism attractions and agricultural activities, which present unique legal and administrative challenges.
The visit formed part of ongoing efforts by the Judiciary of Uganda through the Kabale High Court Circuit and the Regional Chain-Linked Committee to strengthen coordination among justice sector institutions and enhance access to justice in the region.
