KIGEZI- Rukungiri High Court Principal Judge Tom Chamutai on September 23rd 2024, launched the Small Claims Procedure at Kihihi Town Council in Kanungu District Grade One Magistrates Court to help people access quick justice.
Justice Chamutai who was the Guest Speaker, urged Kihihi Grade One Magistrates Court to create an Independent office to always listen and rule on Small Claims Procedure Court which should be done within 30 days and said that it doesn’t need lawyers and procedures are friendly and hailed office of the RDC office for assisting them in settling matters out of Court.
He explained that the Small Claims Procedure is aimed at easing the administration of justice in lower courts since it does not require lawyer and such cases are those whose claims are less than Ugx 10 million.
Assistant Registrar Small Claims Procedure Mulondo Mastula urged people to always madiate because mediation is free and said that Small Claims Procedure does not allow money lenders because they are registered and urged them to use is for quick justice in Uganda.
While speaking at the same launch Kanungu Deputy RDC Gad Ahimbisibwe Rugaaju responded to the question raised by a resident that they should not take advantage of the Small Claims Procedure to make mistakes while seeking justice because the court officials know their roles and said that the people should always visit office of Magistrates for guidance.
Ahimbisibwe Rugaju urged people to use Small Claims Procedure for more guidance from court and always first settle their matter before going to court and said that police bond is free urged people to stop bribing police officers.
Magistrates in charge of Kanungu Grade One Magistrates Court Mukobe Asanansio said that in their Court ruling in Kanungu 70% will be covered under Small Claims Procedure while Kihiihi Grade One Magistrates Court Ms Anne Eudith Pepera urged people to use Small Claims Procedure without offering bribes.
Kanungu District Education officer Shaban Adam who attended the event hailed government for bringing services nearer to the people and hailed Kihihi Grade One Magistrates Court for the services they are giving to the natives of Kanungu District.
Additional Reporting by Amutuhaire Glorious.
