KALISIZO — Rubirizi, Buhweju and Kalisizo are the newest Magistrates’ Courts to embrace Small Claims Procedure (SCP), bringing to 93 the total number of Courts with fast access to justice initiative targeting civil claims with subject matters below Ush10 million.
The SCP launch at Rubirizi, Buhweju and Kalisizo Courts were presided over by Justices: Tadeo Assimwe on Wednesday, Joyce Kavuma on Thursday and Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi on Friday respectively.
Both events were attended multitudes of religious, civic leaders. From Rubirizi, the deputy CAO Mr. Leonard Ahimbisibwe thanked the judiciary for bringing the SCP initiative to his area. “Small debts have been an issue for awhile, one can get murdered over failure to clear a debt as little as 5,000 Ug.Shs., but now that SCP is here, we shall inform the village on how to handle debts amicably.” he said
He also added that people should stop fearing coming to court when summoned or when one has a matter and needs guidance. “Courts are here to give us Justice, we from the government are working very well with the magistrate here.”
Other noted politicians included the LCV Agabanshongorera Sylvester and the deputy RDC Bitariho Francis who both applauded the judiciary for bringing SCP and that they shall help spread its gossip further.
Justice Assimwe urged the public to always use lawful means to resolve their disputes. “…let’s not cause harm to others just because they cannot pay back a debt, just come to the Small Claims Court. Learn to embrace these court procedures because they are here to provide justice,” he said.
At Buhweju Magistrates Court, Justice Kavuma said she glad she’s launching the procedure here and that she believes it assist in reducing case backlog.
She also thanked the LCV Mr. Asiimwe Juvenal for promising to get the judicial officers of the area residentals. In his remarks, the LCV mentioned that they have lots of issues in the area although their biggest is gender based violence and they need assistance from the Judiciary. “Everyday I have to deal with not less than 5 cases of this sort, I’m kindly requesting the judiciary to make time and come sensitize the people on gender based violence.” He said
The Grade 1 magistrate Nzwebe Phillip was applauded by many who attended the event for his diligence including the RDC Peter Bisoborwa who said, “the magistrate has improved the Court’s performance and I’m glad that works well with us to deliver Justice to the people.”
At Kalisizo court, the Chief Magistrate of Masaka Charles Yeteise asked the people of Kalisizo to embrace the procedure. “I’m encouraging the people of Kalisizo to embrace SCP, it’s here to help the needy (omuntu wa wansi) because it’s affordable and very sufficient.” He said.
Justice Kazibwe too mentioned that he has observed that Masaka region has a huge problem with money lenders (kafunas) who take advantage of the illerate. ” These kafuna people area huge problem in this region, I’m advising you people to learn to write proper agreements when getting loans from these people, better yet seek guidance from the LCs before you get played.”
Present was also the DISO, Mr. Hillary Niringire who thanked the judiciary for bringing the procedure to Kalisizo because he too feels this wil help everyone especially those who can’t afford lawyers.
Both events were attended by the Ag. Registrar SCP, Lillian Bucyana, who informed the religious, Civic leaders and the people present to embrace SCP because it’s affordable and sufficient.
