The Chief Magistrate of Agago District, Betty Ajok, has trained 80 members of Local Council Courts and handed them copies of the law to address gaps in rural justice delivery and prevent unlawful decisions in communities.
The training brought together Sub-county and Town Council Court Committee members from 16 areas across the district and focused on strengthening the administration of justice at the grassroots level.
Ajok noted that many committee members had been adjudicating cases without access to copies of the Local Council Courts Act and its accompanying regulations, a situation she said had contributed to irregular decisions and procedural errors.
"You cannot apply the law you have not read," Ajok said.
During the training, the Chief Magistrate guided the participants on the composition and jurisdiction of Local Council Courts, quorum requirements, procedures for handling cases and the appeal process. She also explained her supervisory role over the lower courts and emphasised the importance of adhering to established legal procedures.
At the end of the training, each committee received copies of the Local Council Courts Act and its regulations to serve as reference materials in the execution of their duties.
Participants welcomed the initiative, saying the lack of legal reference books had forced many court members to rely on memory, customary practices and personal interpretation of the law, resulting in inconsistent rulings and, in some cases, illegal fines.
"We call for similar trainings for LC I and LC II court members who handle most village disputes," the leaders noted.
Local Council Courts play a critical role in resolving community disputes, including cases involving land, debts, minor assaults and family disagreements, with jurisdiction over civil matters valued at up to Shs2 million. Decisions made by these courts can be appealed through the established judicial hierarchy, with the Chief Magistrate exercising supervisory authority over their operations.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns over complaints of unfair hearings, procedural irregularities and excessive fines in some local courts in Agago District.
Judicial officials believe that equipping court members with legal knowledge and reference materials will enhance access to justice, improve public confidence in local courts and ensure that disputes are resolved fairly and in accordance with the law.
