Judiciary Pushes Mukono and Lugazi Courts to Boost Small Claims Efficiency

The Ugandan Judiciary has issued a call to courts within the Mukono and Lugazi High Court circuits, urging them to step up their performance in handling small claims. Judicial officers across the region have been tasked with prioritizing prompt dispute resolution, boosting accountability, and strengthening public access to justice.

The directive was delivered during a specialized performance review meeting held at Colline Hotel in Mukono. Organized by the Small Claims Procedure (SCP) Registry, the gathering brought together judicial personnel from ten different courts across the Mukono and Lugazi circuits to evaluate current achievements and pinpoint operational hurdles.

Opening the sessions, Mukono Resident Judge Justice Jacqueline Mwondha noted that the forum offered a crucial platform to examine finalized cases, discuss ongoing challenges, and share effective strategies for better service delivery.

Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Chairperson of the SCP Implementation Committee, underscored the necessity of maintaining accurate court records to properly assess the initiative’s impact. He noted that the committee recently updated the Principal Judge on the program’s progress, reaffirming the Small Claims Procedure as a vital tool for resolving civil disputes affordably and swiftly.

“Judicial officers must dedicate adequate time to small claims and take personal ownership of their court’s performance,” Justice Kiryabwire stated, while challenging courts in the Mukono circuit to elevate their metrics before the upcoming review.

Assistant Registrar for the Small Claims Procedure, HW Mulondo Mastula, echoed these sentiments, calling for heightened accountability and fair case management that respects the legal rights of all participants. Additional insights were provided by Buikwe Chief Magistrate Jackline Kagoya, who outlined proper jurisdiction and best practices, while Judiciary Statistician Beatrice Naava shared comprehensive performance data.

Courts represented at the review included Mukono, Lugazi, Buikwe, Njeru, Buvuma, Kayunga, Ngogwe, Kangulumira, Goma, and Nakisunga. The initiative remains a core part of the Judiciary’s broader strategy to monitor program execution and ensure timely, accessible justice for small-value civil claims.

Read more details on the Nile Post.