Judiciary extends small claims procedure drive to Sironko

The judiciary has extended the small claims procedure drive to Sironko district as part of efforts to ensure the new quick judicial method of dispensing justice that involves commercial disputes that are not more than Shs10m is embraced by everyone.

Speaking to locals at the Sironko magistrate’s Court on Monday, the head of the Commercial Division of the High Court, Justice David Wangutusi urged members of the public to fully embrace the initiative as one of the ways to solve disputes.

“The parties to a small claim are mediated by a judicial officer to reach a quick agreement, avoiding technical procedures, excluding lawyers and consequently shortening the usually lengthy and costly court process,” Justice Wangutusi said.

He, however, warned that with the procedure, the parties have no room for appealing but in case they find new evidence that can change the outcomes of the case, they can apply for a review.

Herbert Mulekwa, the Sironko district chairperson applauded the judiciary for extending the initiative to their area saying that once instituted, it will help in quick delivery of justice.

“So many relationships have been soiled due to debts, people have lost property and many are languishing in the prisons just because they failed to honor their debts. This procedure I believe will help in amicable resolution of disputes,” Mulekwa said.

The Sironko Chief Magistrate, James Ereemye applauded the district chairperson and his team for allocating 20 acres of land for construction of prisons and four plots for construction of a police station.

He, however, requested that offices of the Director of Public Prosecutions be constructed closer to the Sironko court instead of Bulambuli.

He also applauded the Justice, Law and Order Sector (JLOS) representatives for always involving the judiciary whenever they hold bazaars around the different areas in the district.

In attendance was the acting Registrar in charge of the small claims procedure, Lillian Buchana, political and religious leaders, representatives of the Uganda Law Society, the Community Service and other JLOS representatives.

The small claims procedure, was established by the Judiciary in 2012 to adjudicate over claims whose subject matter does not exceed shs10m and lawyers are not involved.

Matters that are adjudicated over during the small claims procedure are usually quickly disposed off in less than a month and arise from supply of goods, debts or rent arrears among other commercial disputes.