The absence of a state prosecutor at Rukiga Magistrate Grade One Court has led to frequent adjournments of cases in Rukiga District, court officials have revealed.
The court, currently headed by His Worship Julius Mutabazi, is struggling to handle criminal matters efficiently due to the lack of a state prosecutor.
The issue came to light last Monday when the Resident Judge of Kabale High Court, Justice Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere, accompanied by the Assistant Registrar of the court and members of the Regional Chain-Linked Committee (RCC), visited the Rukiga Magistrate’s Court to assess its operations and engage local justice stakeholders.
During the meeting, officials noted that the court currently handles criminal cases on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, the absence of a state prosecutor has resulted in frequent adjournments, slowing the delivery of justice.
Despite the challenge, His Worship Mutabazi said the community has embraced the court. He noted that sessions held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays attract large numbers of court users, with courtrooms often filled to capacity.
Mutabazi also highlighted logistical challenges, including the transportation of inmates from Rukiga Prison in Mparo, especially during the rainy season when poor road conditions make access difficult.
He further pointed out several infrastructural needs at the court, including a reliable water supply, furniture, electricity, construction of public toilets, and a perimeter wall fence due to the court’s roadside location. He also called for renovation of the court premises.
Justice Ssemogerere informed the meeting that a prosecutor has already been identified and that the process to deploy him is underway. He cited Rubanda District, which previously faced a similar challenge before eventually receiving a dedicated prosecutor.
He added that the Judiciary plans to progressively operationalize Chief Magistrates’ Courts in every district. According to the current Instrument, Rukiga District is designated to have a Chief Magistrate’s Court supported by Magistrates’ Courts at Muhanga, Kamwezi, and Rwamucucu.
The Resident Judge urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration under the Chain-Linked framework and emphasized the importance of continuous engagement with the Judiciary on legal and justice matters. He also encouraged district leaders to allocate land for future court infrastructure where necessary.
Justice Ssemogerere added that as the court continues to grow, appeals arising from its decisions will be handled by the High Court.
The Rukiga District Vice Chairperson, Jackline Nkamushaba, noted that unemployment and land disputes are among the leading causes of criminal activity in the district.
Meanwhile, the Rukiga Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Zadock Kamusiime, commended the Judiciary for bringing services closer to the people. He said the court’s location within the district has made it easier for litigants to access justice.
Kamusiime also requested that the Chief Justice be invited to visit the area again, recalling the positive impact of his previous visit to Kabale.
In his closing remarks, the Assistant Registrar of Kabale High Court, His Worship Kenneth Tumwebaze, noted that when Rukiga Court was opened, the Small Claims Procedure was immediately introduced to improve access to justice for the community.
