Court Sessions to Start in Amudat District

The Chief Magistrate of Nakairipirit has said in a move to take justice closer to the people court sessions will start next week in Amudat district.

Amudat is located about 32 kilometers east towards the Uganda – Kenya border.

His Worship Emmy Sayekwo says the extension of the bi-weekly court  sessions to Amudat is a step toward improving access to justice and a cornerstone in reducing crime through the justice system.

He was speaking after launching the Grade I court session that was well attended at the district headquarters where the district has allocated land for court premises on September 27th.

According to Sayekwo, the judiciary acted upon the request of the local leaders and the commitment by the judiciary to ensure that justice is properly accessible throughout the country.

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The first court sessions are due to start Monday next week at Amudat town council.

At least 23 cases most of which are criminal in nature have been shortlisted for the opening session which will be presided over by the Grade One magistrate.

The news about the court sessions moving to Amudat has excited both the leaders and local residents who have been struggling to cover a distance of 32 kilometers from Amudat Town Council to Nakapiripirit where the sessions were being held previously.

The Amudat district Chairperson, Joseph Nangole Lobot says that opening court sessions in the district is a right move in helping the vulnerable access justice. He points out that it has been difficult for witnesses to report to the court in Nakapiripirit, due to logistical challenges and fatigue.

He hopes that taking sessions closer to the people means more witnesses will be able to testify against suspects, because of proximity and therefore justice will not be delayed.

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Maraka Chibet, a resident of Amudat Town Council says the development will help administer justice to the community of Amudat where FMG that was outlawed is still being practiced stealthily.

“There is still FMG, cattle thefts and general crimes. My hope is that the court of law will punish those liable as an example for others such that people desist from criminal acts,” said Chibet.