The Kapchorwa Chief Magistrate’s Court, with support from the Judiciary’s Communications and Public Relations Registry, on Tuesday held a public awareness campaign aimed at sensitizing residents, court users, and staff on judicial processes, innovations, and services.
The Court’s Chief Magistrate, HW Achok Abrahams Moding, who addressed the participants that had filled the court to capacity, highlighted that the Court serves two districts, Bukwo and Kween.
He expressed appreciation to the Judiciary for promoting public awareness about court operations. He introduced the Court’s staff, noting that while the station has nine non-judicial officers, only one Magistrate is posted there.
HW Achok underscored that the Court has a complaints handling mechanisms in place and encouraged the public to approach him directly with concerns. “Don’t fear court, be free when you are here,” he reassured the participants.
*Promoting ADR and Community Service*
The Chief Magistrate sensitized court users on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms such as Plea Bargaining, Mediation, and the Small Claims Procedure. He urged the public to embrace these avenues, stressing their value in easing the burden on courts and prisons. He noted that many land disputes in the region occur among family members and called on cultural institutions to support mediation efforts, which restore family harmony and save time.
Mr. Patrick Ojakol, the Community Service Officer, explained community service as an effective government-run alternative to imprisonment. He emphasized that it helps decongest prisons, rehabilitate offenders within their communities, reduce government spending, and preserve family ties. He cautioned that failure to comply with community service orders results in a default sentence of six months’ imprisonment.
*Public Concerns and Clarifications*
During the interactive session, participants repeatedly raised the need for more Magistrates to reduce the backlog and cut transport costs for litigants traveling from Kween and Bukwo. HW Achok acknowledged these challenges and provided clarifications, assuring the public that the Judiciary is working to address staffing and resource gaps.
IEC Materials and Moderation
To support learning, participants received Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on bail and its refund procedures, the trial process in magistrates’ courts, among other processes.
The sensitization was moderated by Ms. Rose Namanya, Communications Officer.
