The Registrar Special Duties in the Chief Registrar’s Chambers, Harriet Ssali, on Friday continued her impromptu inspection visits to Magistrates’ Courts with a visit to Kira Chief Magistrate’s Court.
The Court is headed by Chief Magistrate Shallon Niwaha and is supported by three Magistrates Grade I: Susan Anyeko, Ivan Seguya, and Winifred Alegun.
Kira Chief Magistrate’s Court serves a wide jurisdiction that includes Kyadondo, Bweyogerere Division, Kazinga, Namanve, Namugongo Division, Kireka, Najjera, Naalya, Kyaliwajjala, Bulindo, Buwate, Nsasa, and Kiwologoma.
During the inspection, it was noted that the Court currently has more than 1,400 pending cases, a caseload that continues to exert significant pressure on the available infrastructure. Despite the heavy workload, the Court operates from premises that are too small and not purpose-built for court operations.
Chief Magistrate Niwaha appreciated the Judiciary leadership for the support extended to the court so far but highlighted several pressing challenges facing the institution.
She particularly pointed to the strain experienced during the handling of election-related cases, when the court becomes overwhelmed by the large number of litigants and other court users.
“The current premises are inadequate for both judicial officers and the public, and the lack of suitable parking space forces litigants to park along the roadside where they are exposed to insecurity, including repeated theft of side mirrors,” she said.
Chief Magistrate Niwaha appealed for the relocation of Kira Chief Magistrate’s Court to larger premises that can accommodate four magistrates and provide adequate space for litigants and other court users.
