By Our Reporter
IGANGA: Residents attending the Iganga Court Open Day have questioned bail decisions involving suspects facing serious criminal charges, urging the Judiciary to address public concerns about the impact of such releases on community safety.
The concerns were raised during a Court Open Day Baraza held in Iganga under the theme “Justice that listens, serves and resolves,” and graced by the Chief Justice of Uganda, Justice Flavian Zeija.
The Baraza brought together residents from the seven districts of Busoga East, who used the platform to interact with judicial officers and raise concerns over access to justice, delayed cases, alleged corruption and court decisions.
Iganga NRM Chairperson Hajji Abubaker Walubi
Iganga NRM Chairperson Hajji Abubaker Walubi questioned why suspects facing serious criminal allegations are sometimes granted bail and subsequently return to communities where residents fear they could commit further offences.
His concerns followed complaints from members of the public regarding the recent release by the Iganga High Court of a group of men who, according to residents, had been arrested by police over allegations of staging roadblocks and robbing businessmen along major roads, near banks and petrol stations.
Chief Justice of Uganda, Justice Flavian Zeija
The allegations were raised as public concerns and remain subject to the judicial process.
The Resident Judge in Iganga, Justice David Batema, highlighted infrastructure challenges affecting the courts.
Justice Batema said the Iganga High Court shares limited space with the Magistrates’ Court, and appealed to the Judiciary and other stakeholders to support expansion of the court premises.
He said land had already been secured after the Ngobi clan of Kigulu Chiefdom offered land for the development of additional court facilities.
Chief Justice Zeija said the Judiciary is working to bring courts closer to communities, noting that access to justice has improved compared to the past when people had to travel long distances to reach courts.
He encouraged the public to embrace plea bargaining, mediation, negotiation and other alternative dispute-resolution mechanisms, where applicable, as ways of reducing case backlogs and delays.
Justice Zeija also highlighted the Judiciary’s move towards digital services, including electronic filing and virtual court hearings, which he said can reduce the time and cost involved in accessing justice.
Responding to the concerns raised by residents, Chief Registrar Her Worship Agnes Alum explained court procedures, the legal basis for judicial decisions and the channels available to members of the public who have complaints about judicial services.
Busoga East Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha told the gathering that police bond is free and said police would continue cooperating with the Judiciary and other justice institutions to promote access to justice and prevent crime.
Kasadha also explained that police has a role in monitoring suspects released on court bail and urged members of the public to report suspected criminal activity to the authorities rather than taking the law into their own hands.
The Court Open Day ended with calls for continued dialogue between the Judiciary, police and the public.
Residents called for faster, transparent and accessible justice services, while judicial officers encouraged citizens to use lawful channels to raise complaints and seek redress.
