Buvuma Chief Magistrate’s Court opened its doors to the public in a rare initiative aimed at bridging the gap between Uganda’s justice system and ordinary citizens.
The event, presided over by Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, brought together local leaders, court officials, and community members under the theme “Enhancing Judicial Accountability and Access to Justice.”
From inspecting dusty court archives and exhibit stores to holding face-to-face conversations with residents, Justice Zeija’s visit marked a symbolic and practical push for transparency and responsiveness in the Judiciary.
The event, styled as a Court Open Day, is part of ongoing efforts to demystify legal processes and make justice more accessible, especially in hard-to-reach communities like Buvuma.
Justice Zeija toured the court premises, including its holding cells and courtrooms, alongside local and national judicial officers.
His delegation included officials from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), reflecting donor interest in strengthening justice systems at grassroots level.
The gathering drew a wide cross-section of society — religious figures, cultural and political leaders, and curious residents — many of whom rarely interact with judicial authorities unless caught in legal disputes.
A public dialogue session then followed, providing space for residents to share concerns about delays, case handling, and the inaccessibility of courts.
Local leaders, including Buvuma’s Resident District Commissioner Jackline Birungi Kobusingye and District Chairperson Adrian Ddungu Wasswa , attended and listened as residents shared stories of challenges in accessing justice, including transport constraints, lack of legal representation, and poor awareness of court processes.
While officials acknowledged the constraints facing the Judiciary, especially in island districts like Buvuma, they urged residents to continue using formal legal channels and promised to improve responsiveness and infrastructure.