Kawempe Chief Magistrate’s Court convened its first District Coordination Committee (DCC) meeting of the year last week gathering key justice sector stakeholders to address operational challenges and strengthen coordination in the administration of justice.
The meeting, held at the court premises, was chaired by Chief Magistrate Doreen Ainembabazi and attended by judicial officers, prosecutors, intelligence officers, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner, legal aid service providers, and other justice stakeholders.
In her opening remarks, Ainembabazi commended stakeholders for their continued collaboration in bridging gaps within the justice sector.
“Operational challenges affecting service delivery, including understaffing among court orderlies, have contributed to the misplacement of police files, as well as delays in the production of prisoners in court, particularly in criminal matters,” she said.
Magistrate Grade I, Angella Ayola, raised concerns regarding juvenile justice, noting the absence of the Probation and Social Welfare Officer during court sessions, which hampers handling of cases involving children in conflict with the law. She also cited challenges with the Naguru Remand Home, which has not consistently returned remanded juveniles to court, affecting case progression and the interests of victims.
Magistrate Grade II, Steven Waibuda, acknowledged the efforts of the Resident State Attorney in committing capital case files but emphasized that the number of pending files remains high.
ASP Godfrey Kisuze, Officer in Charge of Courts at Luzira Prison, highlighted congestion at Upper Prison, warning of the security risks posed by the high number of remand inmates, while praising the Court’s professionalism and timely conclusion of proceedings.
Addressing the concerns, Resident State Attorney Timothy Aduti attributed delays in committals partly to understaffing, noting that his office has only three State Attorneys serving a busy jurisdiction with four magistrates. He assured stakeholders that efforts are ongoing to engage the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for additional support.
The Deputy Resident City Commissioner lauded the Court’s service to the community and pledged continued support for community outreach initiatives aimed at enhancing public awareness of court processes.
The Manager of the Law Development Centre Legal Aid Clinic, Lydia Namuli, reiterated the Clinic’s commitment to supporting juvenile justice and Alternative Dispute Resolution initiatives, emphasizing readiness to serve vulnerable and indigent court users. Similarly, the International Justice Mission (IJM) Coordinator pledged continued collaboration with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and support for victims of violent crime.
Small Claims Coordinator for Kampala Extra, Sande Winfred Twinomugisha, highlighted challenges in enforcing small claims decisions, particularly due to gaps in local government structures needed for implementation.
The meeting concluded with a call for sustained stakeholder coordination, improved juvenile detention and rehabilitation facilities, and enhanced community sensitization. Participants also commended the Law Development Centre Legal Aid Clinic for its active presence and contribution to access to justice.
