By KT Reporter
Frustration and concerns over delayed justice have dominated the Judiciary’s second National Court Open Day held at Kololo ceremonial grounds.
The citizens openly voiced dissatisfaction with how their cases are being handled in various courts across the country.
The National Court Open Day, organised by the Judiciary, aims to promote transparency, accountability, and public understanding of the justice system.
The event provides an opportunity for members of the public to interact with judicial officers, participate in question-and-answer sessions, observe demonstrations, and give feedback on court services.
Many justice seekers, however, used the platform to express anger and disappointment over delays, alleged misconduct by judicial officers, and a lack of follow-up on their cases.
One of them, Michael Banga Ssemugabi, raised concerns over delays in the hearing of his case involving a syndicated loan worth one billion shillings from Cairo Bank.
He says he only received about 400 million shillings, yet his school was later put up for auction. Ssemugabi petitioned the Commercial Court, but says lawyers and auctioneers took over the school located along Entebbe Road.
He told the Open Day that although police helped him regain access to the property, a locus visit by Lady Justice Susan Adongo revealed that the property had been registered in another name.
He adds that 359 million shillings have already been paid on the loan and that he was given up to January 19 to clear the balance, as the other party demanded vacant possession.
The matter is now before Justice Cornelia Sabiti, where he has applied for a stay of execution, but was told judgment would be delivered on notice.
Josephine Tushabe, from Kakiri–Kikandwa in Wakiso District, broke down in tears as she narrated how she was beaten, undressed, and chased from her home in August 2015 on the alleged orders of a one General Mpinga. She claims she was threatened with death if she spoke out.
Tushabe says the lawyer assigned to her on the state brief abandoned her case, while key pieces of evidence have since gone missing from the court file.
Ten years later, she says she is homeless and destitute, and appealed to the President to intervene and help her secure accommodation.
An elderly woman, Jane Frances Nambassa, said she has a case before the Kajjansi Chief Magistrate’s Court. She told the Open Day that her case initially progressed well under Magistrate Gimugu and State Attorney Charlotte, but later stalled after the state attorney reportedly changed and chased her away.
She questioned what a complainant should do when even the state attorney abandons them. Nambassa further said the case was later handled by Magistrate Phiona Birungi, who dismissed it for alleged lack of interest by the complainant, a claim she strongly disputes.
Although the case was reinstated after she complained to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, she says it was later concluded with a discharge order instead of a judgment, because she had been compensated and reconciled with her oppressor, which she denies.
A secondary school student from Mityana, Aloysius Kayongo, raised concerns about the handling of juvenile cases. He called for the establishment of specialised juvenile courts, saying children are often transferred long distances, including from Mityana to Hoima.
He also called for increased legal awareness across the country, while commending Chief Magistrate Johnson Kagwa and judicial officer Aisha in Mityana for delivering justice.
Daniel Muyombwe, an elderly man from Kawempe, said he was defrauded of 500 million shillings by people who promised to connect him to President Museveni for appointment as Minister for the Elderly. Although the suspects were convicted, he says the court did not order compensation.
Muyombwe says his property is now at risk of sale, yet the money was raised through loans. He added that he had also been promised a vehicle and sewing machines, which never materialised.
Another complainant, Kateregga, accused Chief Magistrate Stellah Maris Amabilis of frustrating his attempted murder case.
He alleged that after he complained about delays, the magistrate sent unknown people to kidnap him. He says police intervened, but he was later beaten on the magistrate’s alleged orders.
Other concerns raised included a lack of information on bail refunds, expired letters of administration where compensation has been ordered, and delays in resolving land disputes.
Meanwhile, lawyer Yasin Ssentumbwe urged the Judiciary to expedite the handling of matters involving Justice Esther Kisaakye and Uganda Law Society President Isaac Ssemakadde.
He claimed both are living in exile due to what he described as misconduct within the Judiciary, warning judicial officers that failure to protect one another could expose them to similar risks.
All top Judiciary management officials attended the Open Day and received complaints directly from the public. Many justice seekers were referred to relevant courts and offices for follow-up.
Deputy Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, representing Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, said that increased court presence and public awareness have led to a steady rise in new cases.
He noted that although efforts have been made to reduce case backlog, the growing demand for judicial services requires more resources and innovation.
“Due to increased presence of courts in different parts of the country, and because of increased awareness programs and client satisfaction, the number of newly registered cases has consistently increased every passing year. Whereas commendable effort has been made to deal with the case backlog, the increased demand for Judiciary services calls for more resources and more innovations. We continue to equip ourselves for this challenge, and with your involvement and support, we shall attain our agenda, he noted.
Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo said the success of the inaugural National Court Open Day held last year revealed a strong desire among Ugandans to understand how courts operate, openly express their concerns, and witness reforms within the justice system.
She explained that this year’s Open Day builds on that foundation by placing greater emphasis on direct public engagement and responsiveness.
Abodo noted that the Open Day is intended to demystify the work of the Judiciary by creating an open and safe platform where citizens can freely interact with judicial officers, seek clarification on court procedures, and provide feedback based on their experiences.
The event, which has attracted hundreds of judicial officers across all Court justice seekers, was masterminded by the Judiciary’s Public Relations Officer, James Jumire Ereemye Mawanda, who masterminded the ceremony and offered directions.
Various courts showcased their services alongside justice sector institutions, including the Uganda Police, the Office of the DPP, URSB, the Judicial Service Commission, and the Tax Appeals Tribunal.
According to Maria Teresa Nabulya, the Spokesperson of the Judicial Service Commission, by 3 p.m., more than 20 complaints had been formally registered against judicial officers, while many others followed up on earlier complaints.
The Judicial Service Commission is an independent constitutional body responsible for recruitment, discipline, and oversight of judicial officers, as well as promoting public awareness of the law and efficient administration of justice.
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