New Serere Court Opens: Principal Judge Stresses Judicial Integrity

Principal Judge of the High Court, Jane Frances Abodo, has inaugurated the new Serere Magistrate’s Court, urging judicial officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, diligence, and integrity.

During the commissioning ceremony, Justice Abodo highlighted that the new facility, operating under the theme ‘Justice that Listens, Serves and Resolves,’ will significantly improve access to justice for the residents of Serere, who previously had to travel long distances for court services.

“This Court has been built for the people of Serere. It is your Court and it belongs to you,” she stated, encouraging citizens to utilize the court for legal redress on various matters.

Justice Abodo stressed that public trust is paramount for the Judiciary’s effectiveness. She called for consistency in judicial decisions, asserting that similar cases should yield similar outcomes to reinforce fairness and impartiality. The Principal Judge also reiterated the Judiciary’s firm stance against corruption, warning against any actions that could tarnish public confidence.

Furthermore, she pointed to ongoing reforms, including the promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Alternative Justice Systems, as effective means to resolve disputes concerning land, inheritance, and family matters, thereby reducing court backlogs and promoting community harmony.

Justice Abodo also mentioned recent amendments to the Magistrates Courts Act, which broaden the jurisdiction of magistrates in civil matters, a move aimed at expediting justice delivery at the local level. She urged judicial officers to handle these expanded powers with professionalism and dedication.

This report was made possible by the Daily Monitor.