Activities to mark the National Court Open Day kicked off on Monday 15th April with a procession from the Judiciary headquarters to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. The Chief Walker was the Principal Judge, Hon Justice Dr Flavian Zeija.
Judges of the High Court, Judicial Officers of the lower Bench, senior administrators and Staff of the Judiciary were participating in the procession.
The first-ever National Open Court day was graced with notable attendees like the Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo, the Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, minister of Justice and constitutional Affairs Hon. Norbert Mao, heads of High court Divisions among other notable dignitaries.
The National Open Court day was is promising as an event for promoting transparency & accessibility in the judicial process. “Judicial power is derived from the people and shall be exercised by the courts established under this Constitution in the name of the people and in conformity with law and with the values, norms and aspirations of the people.”
It therefore follows, that the Judiciary – or simply put, the Courts – exercise delegated power. The authority that we exercise is given to us by you, the people of Uganda through our Constitution. Accordingly, we have a duty to account to you for what we are doing, and you have a right to question what we are not doing well, and to appreciate and encourage us where we are performing well." CJ Alfonse C Owiny-Dollo
The chief justice went on to state that, “It is for this reason that this National Court Open Day was arranged to give you opportunity to appraise us and to point out areas where we need to improve. As you have already witnessed, gathered here today are the Heads and Managers of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court Divisions, the Industrial Court and the various Magistrates Courts, across the City. We have listened to your concerns, complaints and challenges in your quest for justice.”
The event at Kololo Independence Grounds was a first of it's kind, drawing many Ugandans eager to learn about court operations and seek clarity on legal matters.
"I applaud the Chief Justice and the Judiciary for organising a National Court Open day which shows braveness and boldness. The Judicary has shown that it is not afraid of accountability but the accountability should come with change"- Hon. Norbert Mao
The event included demonstrations and public education on court processes, as well as interactions with various justice institutions like the police, the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, and the Uganda Prisons Service. Also present were exhibition tents from each department and division of the Uganda judiciary.
PICTORIAL
