By
Barham Akatukunda
The Judiciary of Uganda has officially commissioned the UGX 1.62 billion Rukungiri High Court Circuit structure, a major milestone aimed at improving access to justice in the region.
The newly commissioned court building, located in Eastern Division, Rukungiri Municipality, was constructed by the Government of Uganda, with Hebron Investment Company Ltd contracted to undertake the works.
The Rukungiri High Court Circuit is one of six new High Courts operationalized on September 18, 2022. Others include Luwero, Moroto, Tororo, Iganga, and Hoima.
During the commissioning on Friday, Atigo Hellen, the Assistant Registrar for the Rukungiri High Court, reported that since its establishment, the court has registered 640 criminal cases, 930 civil cases, 180 family cases, and 185 land matters. The current caseload includes 268 criminal, 270 civil, 58 family, and 93 land cases.
She also disclosed that 120 civil and 208 criminal cases were transferred from the Kabale High Court, most of which have already been concluded.
Presiding over the function as Chief Guest, the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, said the new court will significantly reduce the case backlog and relieve residents of Rukungiri and Kanungu districts from the burden of traveling long distances to Kabale in pursuit of justice.
“Bringing justice closer to the people has been a long-standing goal of the Judiciary’s transformation agenda,” Justice Zeija said.
He urged the Resident Judge to adopt best practices such as scheduling clear hearing dates, delivering excellent customer service, maintaining proper archives, and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on corruption.
Justice Susan Kanyange, the Resident Judge of Rukungiri High Court, expressed optimism that the circuit, now fully staffed with a Resident Judge, Assistant Registrar, Grade One Magistrate, Research Assistant, and nine support staff, is well-equipped to tackle the issue of case backlog.
She thanked the Government for funding the construction and appreciated the Rukungiri District and Municipality for providing the land on which the court was built.
The Principal Judge ,Hon. Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga, called for professionalism and integrity among court staff. She urged them to serve the public with love and fairness, and encouraged the public to hold officers accountable in case of misconduct.
Local leaders, including Rukungiri Municipality MP Dr. Elisa Rutahirwa, LC5 Chairperson Geoffrey Kyomukama, Municipality Mayor Charles Makuru, and Deputy RDC Wilberforce Ahimbisibwe Ongom, hailed the establishment of the court, saying it will ease access to justice and reduce travel burdens previously faced by residents seeking legal redress in Kabale.