Lira High Court to train Lango clan chiefs on conflict resolution

Lira | The Judiciary (Lira High Court) has announced its readiness to empower cultural leaders in the Lango sub-region. 

Chief Judge Justice Duncan Gaswaga made the announcement on Thursday, June 6, during an Open Court Day at the Court.

Justice Gaswaga stated that the gesture is one of many measures they will take to reduce the case backlog that has overwhelmed the judicial institution.

The court currently serves over 2.3 million people in the sub-region, he stated.

By May 31, 2024, the Lira High Court had 2,856 cases pending for hearing, 554 of which were land-related, 962 civil, 121 family, and 1,219 criminal.

According to Justice Gaswaga, this has resulted in a case backlog because 2,612 cases are before him, while 244 are before the Deputy Magistrate.

Their plan to train clan leaders in Lango is nearly complete, and it will be carried out in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Justice.

“I want to tell you, my good people, before the end of this month or in early July, this year, the Office of the Chief Justice will be training our clan chiefs from Lango. There are cases that shouldn’t reach the court but you find it here with us.

“We (Lira High Court) will use that time to get good and cheap mediators within the cultural institution to help in cases that can be solved through mediation,” Justice Duncan said.

Rebecca Alwedo Ogole, Deputy Mayor of Lira City, requested that the court appoint a judge to assist them in managing the city’s trade order system.

Alwedo stated that because Lira is a young and growing city, trade orders are being violated, affecting their revenue base.

Lawrence Egole, the Resident City Commissioner of Lira, thanked the judiciary for organising the open court day.

Egole stated that the day provided an opportunity for locals to express their opinions on how court systems operate today.

With the theme “People-Centered Approach to Justice,” Egole warned court officers against accepting bribes, which have denied many people free and fair justice.

Lango currently has one operational High Court in Lira City and five Magistrate Courts in the districts of Apac, Oyam, Alebtong, and Dokolo.

By Felix Omara.