The event, held under the theme Justice that Listens, Serves and Resolves and presided over by Chief Registrar Agnes Alum, was intended to improve public understanding of court processes as part of Africa Public Service Day celebrations.
However, the interactive sessions were instead characterised by public testimonies of alleged extortion by police officers.
Ketty Nakayanja Nalongo told the gathering that officers allegedly demanded Shs1 million for the release of her son. She said she paid Shs200,000 but her son was still remanded to Luzira Prison on charges she disputes.
Other participants alleged that police routinely demand money before effecting arrests, sanctioning case files, or granting police bond.
The claims triggered tension during the session, with Wandegeya Police Commander David Ndaula facing jeers after dismissing allegations of institutionalised corruption within the force.
Chief Registrar Agnes Alum reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to transparency and efficiency, citing ongoing reforms under the amended Magistrates Courts Act aimed at decentralising justice and reducing congestion in the High Court.
“Several cases now in the High Court shall be moved for disposal to the magistrates’ courts, which are more geographically accessible,” Alum said.
LDC Court Chief Magistrate Timothy Lumunye reported that the court had registered 754 cases since January, disposed of 581, and currently has 641 pending cases, including 58 backlog matters.
He attributed improved disposal rates to increased use of mediation.
Lydia Namuli, Manager of the LDC Legal Aid Clinic, reminded the public that all services offered through the student legal aid clinic are free of charge, warning against paying for legal assistance.
The Open Day highlighted both progress in judicial reforms and persistent public concerns over corruption within policing structures that continue to affect trust in the justice system.