Kisoro Courts Launch Small Claims Program to Tackle Backlogs and Expedite Justice

KISORO: A total of 95 cases are pending at Kyanika Magistrate Court in Kisoro District, according to Grade One Magistrate, His Worship Dismus Muchelule.

Among these cases, 9 pertain to land disputes, 3 are civil, 3 involve family matters, and a staggering 80 are criminal in nature. These statistics were made public yesterday during the launch of the Small Claims Procedure Program at both Kyanika and Bunagana Courts in Kisoro District, presided over by the Resident Judge of Kabale High Court, Honorable Justice Samuel Emokor.

During the launch, Kyanika Magistrate Grade One Dismas Muchelule, alongside Bob Asiimwe magistrate at Bunagana, urged the residents of Kisoro to take advantage of the Small Claims Procedure Program for expediting case resolutions, particularly since many of the reported cases fall under this program.

CUE IN HIS WORSHIP MUCHELULE AND BOB…ON RESIDENTS…….ENG//

Mulondo Mastula, Assistant Registrar of the Small Claims Procedure Program in Uganda said that in utilizing the Small Claims Procedure Program, residents will find swift resolutions to their legal matters and dispel the misconception that the court is solely for the affluent. She stressed that this program aims to provide accessible services to the public and dispel the notion that the court system primarily serves the wealthy, clarifying that individuals only need to pay a registration fee to initiate proceedings.

CUE IN MULONDO….ON PROGRAM…….ENG//

Justice Emokor echoed the sentiment, stating that the introduction of the Small Claims Procedure Program is pivotal in addressing case backlogs, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the judicial process.

CUE IN JUSTICE EMOKOR……ON PROGRAM……ENG//

According to the 2022/2023 annual report, a staggering 156,349 cases were recorded across the country.