Magistrates warned against long adjournments

Kampala. Principal Judge Yorokamu Bamwine has urged magistrates to desist from granting unnecessary long adjournments if they are to serve justice.
“I am saying so because many times, I see relatively easy matters being given long adjournments and you wonder whether such adjournments are in the interest of justice,” Justice Bamwine said while addressing the 9th annual magistrates conference in Kampala last Friday.
He said since the Judiciary is the last hope for the public, whoever comes to court expects it to fight for their rights.

Appeal
“Let us exercise our judicial mandate fairly, judiciously and without any malice to any party in the case,” Justice Bamwine said.
Speaking at the same event, Chief Justice Bart Katureebe, outlined some of the innovations the Judiciary is undertaking to improve the administration of justice.
He said some of the measures include embracing technology, automation of courts, case backlog reduction strategy, integrity, welfare and the administration of the Judiciary Bill.
The Chief Justice, however, noted that there are still some setbacks in the Judiciary such as unprofessional handling of land cases, delayed delivery of judgments and rulings.

Setbacks
These, he said, are coupled with refusal or failure to submit typed court records for appeal purposes, issuance of exparte decisions, absenteeism and poor time management of court stations.
The Chief Justice urged judicial officers to strive towards improving the image of the Judiciary.