Mayuge District is set to witness a landmark moment in its judicial history as preparations intensify for the first-ever High Court session to be held in the area
The Judiciary has already convened a pre-session meeting, marking the beginning of activities leading to the much-anticipated court sitting.
The preparatory session was chaired by the acting judge designated to preside over the proceedings, Justice Kwemara Kafuuzi.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders within the justice system, including defence lawyers, representatives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, court officials, assessors and prison authorities.
The engagement aimed at assessing readiness as the judicial year unfolds, ensuring all actors are aligned for the tasks ahead.
This High Court session marks a historic first for Mayuge, where serious capital offences will be handled locally.
A total of 50 cases are scheduled for disposal, covering crimes such as aggravated trafficking of children, human trafficking, defilement and aggravated robbery.
The initiative is expected to bring justice services closer to residents of Mayuge and neighbouring Namayingo, reducing the burden of long-distance travel that has previously affected access to justice.
The session formally commenced with a ceremonial parade of 13 police officers mounted in accordance with judicial protocol, signalling the significance of the occasion and the readiness of security agencies to support the process.
During the stakeholders’ meeting, several challenges experienced in previous sessions were highlighted, prompting calls for intervention to improve efficiency.
Concerns were raised over inefficiencies in the summoning of witnesses, with officials noting that failure to serve individuals personally often delays proceedings.
Time management and prolonged case timelines were also cited as factors undermining timely justice.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions for Jinja, Alex Ojok, called for reforms in case scheduling and disclosure processes, including fixing cases and allowing plea-taking on hearing dates to speed up preparation.
He also raised concerns over inadequate witness facilitation, noting that limited transport support often affects attendance.
The District Police Commander for Mayuge, Aggrey Okumu, pointed to delays in communication and information sharing to officers, particularly those recently transferred, saying timely updates are necessary for effective court attendance.
Stakeholders also highlighted delays in forensic and laboratory reports, which are critical in determining case outcomes, as well as shortages of interpreters, especially in cases involving persons with disabilities.
In response, Justice Kafuuzi emphasised the need to expedite justice delivery, noting that the one-month session should focus on disposing of all listed cases efficiently.
He urged defence counsel to limit lengthy cross-examinations, stressing the need for relevance and efficiency in court proceedings.
“The judiciary is overstretched. We must avoid unnecessary delays and focus on relevance so that justice is not compromised by time wastage,” he said.
The Assistant Registrar of the Iganga Court Circuit, Godfrey Ngobi Ssalaam, urged residents within the jurisdiction to cooperate with the judicial process by honouring summons and appearing as witnesses when required.
With confirmation that 50 cases will be handled during the session, including a focus on juvenile matters, the Mayuge High Court sitting is expected to mark a transformative step in decentralising justice delivery and improving case resolution at the grassroots level.