Summary:
- Hon. Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, the Principal Judge, expressed satisfaction with the operationalization of Kasese High Court Circuit, emphasizing that it would reduce the hardships residents faced when seeking judicial services in Fort-portal.
KASESE: The Principal Judge, Hon. Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, launched the Kasese High Court on Tuesday, bringing Justice closer to the public.
Kasese High Court is among the first four new circuits, including Bushenyi, Kiboga, and Kitgum, out of 18 across the country that were made operational just a year after being gazetted.
Initially, Kasese High Court Circuit began operations at Fort-portal High Court in September 2023 while preparations were underway to relocate its services to Kasese District. In April 2024, the Registry was moved from Fort-portal to Kasese, and High Court sessions commenced at the Chief Magistrate’s Court premises in Rukoki.
Hon. Justice Emmy Vincent Mugabo, the Senior Resident Judge of Fort-portal High Court, noted that after receiving petitions from the Kasese District Chairperson demanding local access to High Court services, he convinced the Principal Judge of the need to extend services closer to the people of Kasese.
Justice Mugabo highlighted that many residents faced challenges in accessing judicial services due to geographical barriers and language differences.
Hon. Justice David Samson Makumbi, the Kasese Resident Judge, reported that since the circuit’s establishment, he has completed two criminal cases, with a third still ongoing.
Officiating at the launch, Hon. Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, the Principal Judge, expressed satisfaction with the operationalization of Kasese High Court Circuit, emphasizing that it would reduce the hardships residents faced when seeking judicial services in Fort-portal.
He also revealed plans to extend Courts of Appeal to regional levels to minimize travel to Kampala.
The Principal Judge urged judicial officers to serve the public with integrity and uphold zero tolerance for corruption.
He encouraged the adoption of alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation through clan and cultural leaders.
Kasese District Chairperson, Mr. Eliphazi Muhindi Bukombi, stated that the establishment of the High Court fulfills the National Resistance Movement (NRM) manifesto, which prioritizes access to justice.
