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Public opinion, a leading field based Research organization recently recognized the Judiciary, one of the crucial arms of government for sustainable development and judicial reforms.
Some of the most notable reforms that the judiciary was recognized for is the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS),which have caused a drastic change and improvement in dispensation of justice in Uganda.
Mr Bigirimana contends that ADR which the President of Uganda, General Yoweri Museveni championed and vigorously propagated by the Chief Justice Emeritus, Justice Owiny Dollo is destined to reduce case backlog because it is “Africa’s original justice system” based on mediation, plea bargaining, reconciliation and restoring harmony. The Judiciary Permanent Secretary speaks with nostalgia about how as the Accounting officer is going to support these efforts by providing mediation rooms in all new courts being constructed. He emphasized that he will make provisions for funds, for training and accrediting mediators who are already deployed in various courts. It should be noted that this service is for free as the Judiciary pays the mediators.
When it comes to (ECCMIS) in reducing case backlog,Dr Bigirimana has a signature mark having concluded and signed the contract. The automated system which tracks the whole history of the case has helped in streamlining court processes by reducing human to human interaction which reduces corruption. Ever since the system was commissioned in October 2021, it is reported that case filing rate has increased by 20.6% while the average case completion rate has grown by 17.5% enhancing efficiency in case management and hence improvement in investment enablers which create more jobs.
The efficiency of the judicial system is important for creating a good business climate and attracting foreign direct investment.Globally, hundreds of billions of dollars are tied up in arbitration and commercial disputes.In Uganda alone,the Chief Justice recently noted that Ugx 7 trillions is still stuck in commercial court something which ties up capital for production and job creation.
Besides the ECCMIS and ADR, the Judiciary has undertaken many reforms that have improved service delivery. Among them include; 1 Fighting corruption through Strengthening inspectorate of courts,Toll free lines have been put in place and installation of cameras. 2: Improving court infrastructure which includes construction of twin tower buildings of Supreme court and court of Appeal and regional courts. The magisterial areas have increased from 82 to 157 and magistrate court have increased from 82 to 157 hence making each district to be headed by Magistrate. That’s the social economic transformation of NRM that President Yoweri Museveni pushes for his people.
Other reforms which the Judiciary has put in place to improve case management and deliver efficient services include:, small claims procedure, special court sessions, among others.
In conclusion, in this Kisanja no sleep as alluded by President, the Judiciary will play an integral role in achieving Vision 2040,and the strategic goal of achieving GDP growth of $500b in 15 years.
Long live General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Long live Chief Justice, Dr Flavia Zeija,Long live Pius Bigirimana.
The writer is a Researcher–
Office of the National Chairman of NRM
, https://eastafricanwatch.net/judiciary-recognized-for-great-reforms/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=judiciary-recognized-for-great-reforms
