Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Chairperson of the Small Claims Procedure Implementation Committee, has urged judicial officers to ensure the speedy disposal of Small Claims Procedure (SCP) cases, warning that delays are undermining the programme’s objective of delivering quick, affordable and accessible justice.
Justice Kiryabwire made the remarks during the Judiciary’s 10th Quarterly Small Claims Procedure Review Meeting held on Monday at Cepha’s Inn in Kabale District. The meeting brought together judicial officers and court staff from the Kabale High Court Circuit to assess the implementation of the Small Claims Procedure, share best practices and address operational challenges.
He said the Small Claims Procedure has evolved into a nationwide mechanism that has significantly improved access to justice by enabling the timely and cost-effective resolution of commercial disputes.
Justice Kiryabwire reminded judicial officers that Small Claims cases are intended to be handled expeditiously, noting that a typical matter should take about 40 minutes to conclude.
He expressed concern that some cases are increasingly taking as long as ordinary civil suits, contrary to the programme’s purpose.
He urged judicial officers to preserve the simplicity, efficiency and speed that define the Small Claims Procedure.
The meeting was chaired by Justice Kiryabwire, while HW Jackline Kagoya, the Chief Magistrate of Bwikwe Chief Magistrate’s Court, delivered a presentation virtually on the implementation of the programme.
Representing the Assistant Registrar of Kabale High Court, Kabale Chief Magistrate HW Derrick Byamugisha thanked the Small Claims Procedure Registry for selecting Kabale to host the quarterly review meeting. He encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions and use the forum to strengthen implementation of the programme in their respective stations.
The review meeting was coordinated by HW Mastula Mulondo, Assistant Registrar in charge of the Small Claims Procedure, and attracted judicial officers and court staff from Kabale Chief Magistrate’s Court and courts in Rukiga, Rubanda, Nyarushanje, Kisoro, Bunagana, Kyanika, Kanungu, Rukungiri, Kihihi, Ntungamo, Ruhama, Rwashamaire and Ndeija.
During the meeting, Beatrice Naava from the Judiciary’s Statistics Department trained participants on the standardized reporting tool and the format for submitting Small Claims Procedure statistics.
She emphasized the importance of accurate and timely data in monitoring court performance and informing policy decisions.
Participants also discussed challenges affecting implementation of the programme and shared experiences from their respective stations. Among the key recommendations was a call for the Small Claims Procedure Registry to intensify public awareness campaigns and community barazas to improve public understanding and encourage greater use of the Small Claims Procedure.
Kabale becomes the 10th High Court circuit to host the quarterly Small Claims Procedure review meetings after similar engagements in Masaka, Iganga, Soroti, Arua, Fort Portal, Mpigi, Lira, Mbale and Hoima, reflecting the Judiciary’s continued efforts to strengthen access to justice across the country.
