The Principal Judge, Jane Frances Abodo, on Monday inspected Atiak Magistrates Court, Amuru Magistrates Court, and Nwoya Chief Magistrate’s Court as part of her tour of the Gulu High Court Circuit, where she engaged judicial officers and staff on improving service delivery, promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and addressing operational challenges.
At Atiak Magistrates Court, Justice Abodo commended staff for maintaining service delivery despite limited resources and praised efforts to promote ADR.
She reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to supporting officers serving in hard-to-reach areas, noting that transport remains a critical challenge.
“A motor vehicle is not a luxury in terms of access to justice; it helps judicial officers carry out their work without having to use public means alongside litigants,” she said.
The Deputy Registrar of the circuit, George Ebong, pledged to follow up with local authorities on securing land for the court and reported that Magistrate John Timothy Ogwen had no registered corruption complaints.
Ogwen told the Principal Judge that the court serves five sub-counties, with the furthest located 46 kilometres away, and operates with only three support staff.
The court currently has 36 cases, with criminal matters handled weekly but processed through Amuru Chief Magistrates Court, 88 kilometres away, due to the absence of a State Attorney and prison facilities in Atiak. He said this arrangement discourages some litigants from pursuing justice.
At Amuru Magistrates Court, Justice Abodo urged judicial officers to strengthen the use of ADR and the Small Claims Procedure, especially in anticipation of increased caseloads following amendments to the Magistrates Act.
She encouraged engagement with community stakeholders who can be trained as mediators to support dispute resolution.
She also commended staff for their dedication despite working far from central administration, assuring them of continued institutional support.
“Keep doing the right thing, for in this era of technology we are able to know everything that happens in courts, even those far away from the center,” she said.
Magistrate Grade I Geoffrey Abala reported 259 pending cases before the Grade I Court and 57 cases before the Chief Magistrates Court.
He cited challenges including dilapidated infrastructure, lack of water, inadequate furniture, staffing shortages, absence of judicial housing, and the need for a motor vehicle to facilitate field visits.
At Nwoya Chief Magistrates Court, Justice Abodo commended the leadership of the Chief Magistrate, attributing the court’s performance to effective management.
She emphasized the importance of fully implementing Judiciary programmes such as ADR, plea bargaining, and the Small Claims Procedure to enhance access to justice.
The inspections form part of ongoing efforts by the Judiciary of Uganda to assess service delivery in regional courts and address systemic gaps affecting the administration of justice.