Jane Okuo Kajuga, the Acting Principal Judge, urged the staff and public to remain vigilant against corruption and emphasised that judiciary staff must not accept bribes under any circumstances.
Staff at Kumi High Court have been cautioned against engaging in acts of corruption.
The court, which has been carved out from the Soroti High Court, will serve the communities of Kumi, Bukedea, and Ngora districts to promote peace, social cohesion, and development.
Jane Okuo Kajuga, the Acting Principal Judge, urged the staff and public to remain vigilant against corruption and emphasised that judiciary staff must not accept bribes under any circumstances.
The Kumi High Court is the second high court to be established from Soroti, following the creation of the Moroto High Court. This initiative aims to address the backlog of cases, as the Soroti High Court has been handling more than 400 cases annually from the three districts.
Okuo expressed hopes that the new court would serve as a proactive force in the community, akin to a police dog aiding in crime eradication.
She noted that serious crimes such as murder, aggravated defilement, and robbery are prevalent in Kumi, questioning whether these issues stem from land disputes. Kajuga added that the establishment of Kumi High Court aims to facilitate community mediation and collaboration with local leaders, religious figures, and traditional authorities to address these challenges effectively.
Mary Ikit, the Resident Judge, stated that the court is already operational and committed to serving the community with zero tolerance for corruption. She mentioned that many cases previously at the Soroti High Court have been transferred to Kumi for better management and encouraged residents of Kumi, Ngora, and Bukedea with ongoing cases to use the new court.
Ikit reaffirmed the judiciary's mission to provide justice for all individuals, regardless of age, ethnicity, or financial status, ensuring that even the less privileged receive fair and adequate service.
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Christine Apolot, the Kumi District Woman Member of Parliament, expressed her gratitude to the judiciary for establishing the Kumi High Court, noting that it will significantly reduce transportation costs for residents.
Since its establishment in April 2025, the Kumi High Court has received over 200 new cases, in addition to the 400 transferred from Soroti High Court, marking a significant step towards improving access to justice in the region.
Moris OKwi
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