Ugandans challenged to respect law to reduce case backlog
Akurut noted that excessive alcohol consumption is one of the major drivers of crime in communities.
Hoima: The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has called on Ugandans to respect the law and live peacefully in their communities in order to reduce the growing case backlog in courts across the country.
The call was made during a media engagement held on Thursday at Hoima Chief Magistrate’s Court involving journalists from Hoima City and surrounding areas.
Speaking during the meeting, Ms. Jane Margaret Akurut, the Undersecretary in charge of Finance at the Judicial Service Commission, said many cases handled by courts originate from criminal activities within communities, which eventually contribute to congestion in prisons and delays in the justice system.
Akurut noted that excessive alcohol consumption is one of the major drivers of crime in communities. “Excessive drinking has contributed greatly to crimes in communities, which eventually lead to many cases being brought before courts,” she said.
She therefore urged journalists to play an active role in sensitizing the public at family and community levels about the importance of respecting the law in order to reduce crime and the burden on the justice system.
During the engagement, Juliana Kimono, a Grade One Magistrate in Hoima, highlighted several factors contributing to the backlog of cases in courts.
Kimono explained that some cases, particularly land disputes, cannot be concluded within a single day because they require thorough investigations and multiple hearings.
She also noted that the judiciary is understaffed, making it difficult for judicial officers to handle the large number of cases filed in courts.
“You may find that one judge is expected to handle up to 300 cases, which becomes a challenge and contributes to the backlog,” Kimono said.
She added that in her own case, she handles about 25 cases per day and approximately 70 cases per week. In addition, she also handles about 30 cases in Buliisa District because the magistrate there is currently sick and on leave.
Kimono further noted that she also handles cases from Buseruka, which currently has no State Attorney, further stretching the limited judicial resources.
Meanwhile, the Judicial Service Commission has revealed plans to establish a regional office in Hoima, a move aimed at bringing judicial services closer to the public and improving the efficiency of the justice system in the region.
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