The Deputy Chief Justice, Flavian Zeija, presided over the commissioning of the Kamwenge Chief Magistrates Court in a ceremony aimed at strengthening judicial accountability and broadening access to justice nationwide.
The event, held under the theme “Enhancing Judicial Accountability and Access to Justice,” began with a vibrant procession through Kamwenge Town, led by Magistrates Grade I Ahimbisibwe Innocent Ahimbisibee and Seyiga Abdul Swabul, alongside court staff and justice sector stakeholders.
Justice Zeija was welcomed by senior judicial officers, including Justice Vincent Emmy Mugabo, Head of Fort Portal Circuit; Justice Vincent Wagona, Resident Judge, Fort Portal; Moses Gabriel Angualia, Acting Inspectorate of Courts; Francis Dawa Matenga, Deputy Registrar, Fort Portal High Court; and Harriet Atim, Chief Magistrate, Kamwenge.
The commissioning attracted dignitaries from the judiciary and local government, including Loy Namara, Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Kamwenge; Anne Tusiime, Regional Head of the Attorney General’s Chambers, Fort Portal; Harriet Adubango, Regional Officer, ODPP Fort Portal; and George Kamuremere, Executive Director, Kamwenge Legal Aid Clinic Services (LACS).
During the ceremony, Justice Zeija inspected a Guard of Honour mounted by the Uganda Police Force and planted a symbolic tree representing growth, sustainability, and the judiciary’s commitment to justice.
He later officially opened the Court’s Day Care Centre and toured the newly established court facilities, including court halls, holding cells, archives, and exhibit stores, to assess readiness and functionality.
In a closed-door session with judicial officers, Justice Zeija stressed the importance of efficiency, professionalism, and accountability in judicial operations.
Discussions focused on operational challenges and practical strategies to strengthen service delivery across the judiciary.
The event also drew participation from religious and cultural leaders, advocates, development partners, and members of the public, highlighting growing community confidence in Uganda’s judicial system.
“A strong, accountable, and accessible judiciary is the cornerstone of justice and development,” Justice Zeija said, reaffirming the institution’s dedication to fairness and transparency nationwide.