The LDC Magistrate’s Court has held its first-ever open court session in Kagugube parish, with judicial officers calling on the public to embrace ongoing judicial reforms to improve access to justice and service delivery.
The Open Court Day was organised to sensitise members of the community about court processes and procedures.
The event focused on helping the public understand the roles of legitimate judicial officers, legal aid services, court mediation, plea bargaining, and other justice sector reforms.
Officials said this knowledge would help address challenges such as extortion, corruption and misinformation about court operations.
The LDC Court was established in 2008 and has since maintained a close working relationship with surrounding communities.
Besides dispensing justice, the court serves as a training ground for students pursuing the Bar Course at the Law Development Centre (LDC).
It also operates as a legal aid clinic, providing free legal services to members of the public.
Speaking during the event, the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Agnes Alum, urged the public to make use of the Judiciary’s Integrated Case Management System (ICMS), saying it saves both time and money.
“Through the ICMS, a person can open a file and submit documents to court without having to travel long distances. This is especially important for people who come from far away,” Alum said.
She also encouraged the public to embrace mediation as an alternative method of resolving disputes.
“My appeal is that people should learn to accept mediation because it helps to address the challenge of case backlog. As the Judiciary, we are still faced with a shortage of judges and magistrates, and we cannot be everywhere at once. Some of these new adjustments can help us provide better services,” she said.
Alum also noted that recent amendments to judicial laws have expanded the jurisdiction of magistrates’ courts. She said magistrates can now handle civil disputes involving up to Shs200 million.
The head of the Legal Aid Clinic at LDC Court, Lydia Namuli, urged members of the public to take advantage of the free legal aid services offered by the institution.
“The service is completely free of charge, and no one should ask you for money. If you come across anyone demanding payment for these services, please report them,” Namuli said.
She also appealed to the Police and other law enforcement agencies to encourage mediation, particularly in cases involving minor disputes.
“Many small disputes can be resolved through mediation instead of taking every matter through the formal judicial process. This approach can save time, reduce costs and help maintain harmony within communities,” she said.
The open court session forms part of wider efforts by the judiciary to bring justice services closer to the people and improve public understanding of how the justice system works.
