The Assistant Registrar of the Small Claims Procedure, Mastula Mulondo, has commended the Lira High Court Circuit for its exemplary implementation of the fast-track mechanism aimed at improving access to justice.
The procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals and small businesses pursuing civil claims of a monetary nature not exceeding Shs 10 million.
Ms Mulondo made the remarks during the second-quarter review in Lira City, where she evaluated the performance of courts under the circuit.
These include Lira, Alebtong, Dokolo, Anyeke/Oyam, Apac, Amolatar, Otuke, Apala, Aboke/Kole, and Aduku Magistrates’ Courts.
In her report, Ms Mulondo highlighted that Lira Chief Magistrates' Court recorded the highest case volume, with 12 new filings and 24 disposals, demonstrating efficiency in handling cases.
"This means that for every new case filed, the court was able to dispose of twice as many—a commendable feat in preventing case backlog," she said.
She further noted the significant financial impact of the Small Claims Procedure in Lira City, revealing that Shs65m was recovered at the Small Claims level and Shs67m at the Demand Notice level.
Despite Lira’s success, Ms Mulondo pointed out gaps in performance across the Lango sub-region, where some courts showed commendable progress, while others required urgent intervention.
Some courts, including Anyeke/Oyam, Aboke/Kole, and Aduku Magistrates’ Courts, failed to submit data, making performance assessment difficult.
"Without timely and accurate data, it is difficult to monitor case trends, identify bottlenecks, and make informed decisions. The lack of reporting could indicate administrative inefficiencies or resource constraints that need urgent attention," Ms Mulondo said.
At Alebtong Chief Magistrate’s Court, only one case was brought forward, with no new filings or disposals.
Meanwhile, Dokolo, Amolatar, and Apala Grade One Courts recorded no new case filings.
Ms Mulondo expressed concern over the lack of activity, stressing the need for increased awareness and promotion of the Small Claims Procedure in these areas.
"The effectiveness of Small Claims Procedure promotion in these areas is questionable, requiring targeted outreach to ensure that communities are aware of and utilize the system," she said.
The Small Claims Procedure, introduced in 2012, is designed to provide a simple, cost-effective, and expeditious means of resolving disputes without the complexities of legal representation.
The initiative aims to reduce case backlog and ensure timely access to justice for individuals and small businesses across Uganda.