Judicial officers from courts in and around Kampala will be away from their respective stations on Thursday, next Thursday, as they attend the Judiciary’s third National Court Open Day at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
The event is intended to bring the Judiciary closer to the public and provide an opportunity for court users and other members of the public to interact directly with judicial officers, raise concerns and learn more about the justice system.
According to a notice issued on September 3 by Chief Registrar Agnes Alum, all judicial officers from the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, High Court divisions and Magistrates’ Courts in and around Kampala will attend the event.
The Judiciary, however, said the registries of the affected courts will remain open to serve court users despite the absence of the judicial officers. Court users and other stakeholders have been urged to take note of the temporary absence when planning court-related activities for September 10.
The Judiciary has also invited advocates, litigants, other court users and members of the general public to participate in the Open Day, which is held annually as part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability and public understanding of the administration of justice.
The event provides members of the public with an opportunity to engage judicial officers through question-and-answer sessions, receive information about court procedures and services, observe demonstrations and provide feedback on their experiences with the justice system.
However, previous editions of the Open Day have also provided a platform for citizens to openly express their frustrations with the justice system, particularly over delays in the disposal of cases.
During last year’s National Court Open Day at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, justice seekers raised concerns about prolonged case delays, alleged misconduct by some judicial officers and inadequate follow-up on cases filed in different courts across the country.
For many court users, the event therefore serves not only as an avenue for public education but also as a rare opportunity to directly confront the Judiciary about challenges they encounter while seeking justice.
The concerns are particularly significant in a justice system where delays can have serious consequences for litigants, including prolonged detention for accused persons, financial losses for parties involved in civil disputes and extended uncertainty for victims and their families.
The Judiciary has continued to use the Open Day to obtain feedback from the public and explain measures being undertaken to improve access to justice and the delivery of court services. The September 10 event is expected to bring together judicial officers, lawyers, court users and members of the public in discussions aimed at strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
The notice signed by Alum was copied to the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, Principal Judge, Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary and the President of the Uganda Law Society
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