The Small Claims Procedure Implementation Committee hosted guests to the Small Claims Procedure (SCP) Annual Performance Review meeting on the evening of 28th November 2024, at Court of Appeal Building Conference Hall.
Justice Musa Ssekaana, representing the Principal Judge, stated that the purpose of the meeting, was to look back on how far SCP had come in the last financial year.
He emphasized that the gathering was more than a review—it was a chance to share ideas, learn from each other, and plan how to make the innovation even better.
Taking the audience through the history of the SCP, he explained that it started in 2012 as a pilot project in six Chief Magistrates' Courts—Arua, Lira, Mbale, Mengo, Masaka, and Kabale—with support from DANIDA. Since then, it has grown tremendously and is now operating in 203 courts, covering over 90% of the districts in Uganda. He pointed out that this expansion was proof of SCP’s importance in improving how cases are handled in the Judiciary.
Justice Ssekaana shared how SCP had improved case disposal rates, shortened timelines, and had an economic impact by resolving disputes quickly. "These successes," he said, "show what can be achieved when we work together."
Referring to the people who make the SCP work, he praised their efforts, saying the programme's growth and success wouldn’t have been possible without their hard work. He congratulated Hon. Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Chairperson of the SCP Implementation Committee, for his leadership and applauded the teams in the Magistrates' Courts for their commitment.
The Principal Judge encouraged all the Judicial Officers to continue focusing on resolving small claims faster. He thanked the Judiciary Administration for its strong support and appreciated the SCP Implementation Committee for guiding the programme so well.
"Let’s keep working together to make sure the SCP stays a key part of delivering justice to all Ugandans," he said. "Your dedication makes a difference, and I thank you for everything you do."
Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Chairperson of the Small Claims Procedure Implementation Committee, reflected on the evolution of the SCP, noting that it is no longer the modest initiative it started as but has grown significantly, with even better prospects ahead. Justice Kiryabwire emphasized that SCP's success would not have been possible without the dedication of the individuals present. He recognized key contributors, including the President of the Uganda Judicial Officers Association, Lady Justice Olive Kazaarwe, who served as the first Registrar for SCP, HW Lillian Bucyana, Dr. Katja Yvonne Kerschhaumer for her support through DANIDA, and HW Araali Muhiirwa, whose efforts made SCP more visible.
Justice Kiryabwire shared that since SCP’s inception 13 years ago, seven annual performance reports have been presented, marking its progress. The initiative, which began in six courts, now operates in more than 187 courts, crossing the halfway mark of all courts in the country. He noted the growing popularity of SCP, with increasing requests to expand it into areas like contractual law and to raise the monetary threshold to UGX 20 million. He highlighted that SCP unlocks approximately UGX 1.1 billion monthly across the country. He singled out courts such as Mengo, Mbarara, and Makindye for exceptional performance, each generating over UGX 1 billion. Justice Kiryabwire thanked the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, Principal Judge, Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary, and Chief Registrar for their support, which has been instrumental in the SCP’s success.
The keynote speaker, Lady Justice Olive Kazaarwe-Mukwaya, expressed her pleasant surprise at being recognized as the pioneer Registrar for SCP. She noted how gratifying it was to see the programme flourish.
Justice Kazaarwe highlighted key principles for success. First, she emphasized the importance of time, noting that the SCP’s success is largely due to its 30-day resolution benchmark. Second, she called for unity, urging participants to form clusters within their teams to maintain efficiency. Third, she encouraged creative and innovative thinking to further improve SCP. Finally, she underscored the power of friendliness, urging everyone to cultivate a positive and approachable attitude in handling small claims.
The Chief Registrar, HW Sarah Langa Siu, thanked the attendees for making time to participate in the review. She commended Justice Kiryabwire’s dedication to SCP implementation and highlighted several milestones achieved during FY 2023/24. These included the rollout of SCP to 15 additional courts, thereby expanding access to justice for a wider population. She emphasized that the purpose of the review meeting was to evaluate the Judiciary’s progress in implementing SCP over the past year. It also provided an opportunity to reflect on achievements, address challenges, and gather lessons to guide future improvements. She expressed deep gratitude to the teams working tirelessly to implement the SCP, whose dedication and resilience continue to drive its success.
Assistant Registrar SCP, HW Mastulah Mulondo, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Principal Judge for his leadership, which has been instrumental in the SCP's continued development. She also thanked the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary, who was represented by Mr Sulaiman Hirome (Principal Assistant Secretary), for the resources and support provided for SCP’s successful implementation. HW Mulondo shared that collective efforts had unlocked over UGX 18.6 billion in FY 2023/24, injecting much-needed resources back into the economy. She also extended her gratitude to Dr Kerschhaumer, whose support as a development partner has strengthened SCP's capacity for implementation and expansion.
Reflecting on the past year, HW Mulondo noted significant milestones, such as courts like Makindye and Mbarara consistently disposing of more than 300 cases each, demonstrating exceptional productivity. The rollout of SCP to 15 additional courts and the success of public education and outreach efforts have increased public awareness and preference for SCP over traditional litigation.
The event concluded with cake cutting and an awards ceremony recognizing courts that excelled in maintaining proper records, providing excellent customer care, organizing their registries, and submitting timely returns. The overall best-performing court was Kajjansi.
Present at the event were representatives from the Attorney General's Office, HW Araali Muhiirwa, and a cross-section of Judicial Officers and non judicial officers.
Courtesy of Danielle Nalukenge