Luwero High Court Head Urges Mediation, Plea Bargaining to Reduce Backlogs

The Head of the Luwero High Court Circuit, Justice Godfrey Himbaza, has called for improved service delivery and greater adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms following an inspection of justice institutions in Nakaseke District.

The inspection visit, which covered Ngoma Grade One Magistrate’s Court, Ngoma Prison, Ngoma Police Station, Wakyato Prison, and Nakaseke Chief Magistrate’s Court in Butalangu, underscores the Judiciary’s ongoing efforts to strengthen efficiency, address systemic challenges, and enhance access to justice within the circuit.

At Ngoma Grade One Magistrate’s Court, Faridah Nakimbugwe highlighted several operational constraints affecting court performance. Chief among these is the absence of a Resident State Attorney, which has resulted in criminal cases being handled from Butalangu, located approximately 53 kilometres away.

The long distance, coupled with high transport costs, has contributed to low attendance of witnesses and complainants, thereby delaying case disposal.

Nakimbugwe also pointed to inadequate office space, with court operations currently conducted from a single room within the sub-county building, as well as the lack of an official vehicle to support court activities.

Justice Himbaza toured the court facilities and engaged staff in discussions to better understand their working environment and the challenges they face in delivering justice.

During visits to Ngoma Police Station, Ngoma Prison, and Wakyato Prison, he met with officers in charge who emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among justice sector actors. At Wakyato Prison, the Officer in Charge noted a strong working relationship with both Ngoma and Butalangu courts, citing effective coordination in handling cases and inmate management.

At Nakaseke Chief Magistrate’s Court in Butalangu, Justice Himbaza was received by Chief Magistrate Joseph Kwesiga, where he commended judicial officers and stakeholders for their commitment to the administration of justice.

Addressing stakeholders, Justice Himbaza stressed the need to embrace ADR mechanisms, particularly mediation and plea bargaining, as practical solutions to reducing case backlog and improving efficiency.

“We must embrace practical and efficient approaches such as mediation and plea bargaining to ensure timely justice for all, especially in areas facing resource constraints,” he said.

Justice Himbaza further assured stakeholders that concerns raised during the inspection would be formally presented to the Judiciary’s top management for consideration and action.

The inspection was attended by Catherine Agwero, Deputy Registrar of the Luwero High Court Circuit, along with other judicial officers and justice sector stakeholders.