Inactive Kicheche Court Leaves Kitagwenda Residents Struggling to Access Justice

What the report says

Residents of Kitagwenda District are facing higher transport costs and delays in accessing justice because Kicheche Magistrate Court in Kabujogera Town Council is not operating, according to Nile Post. With the local court inactive, suspects, witnesses and other users are traveling to Kamwenge District for hearings, while prison officials must also move inmates there when they are required to appear before a judicial officer.

The report says the court was launched in 2024 by the Judiciary and local leaders to bring services closer to the community, but it only functioned for a few months before going inactive. Local leaders and residents say the shutdown has made it harder for people with limited resources to attend repeated hearings and has raised the cost of pursuing legal cases. Kabujogera Town Council chairperson Joseph Ruhweza said his inquiries pointed to a staffing gap, including the absence of a state attorney.

A legal expert quoted by the publication said distance and travel costs can weaken access to justice, especially for vulnerable people. The Judiciary spokesperson, James Ereemye, said the institution is aware of the problem and plans to address the staffing issue so services can resume. He said a state attorney is expected to be posted to the facility, which the Judiciary hopes will allow the court to reopen and reduce the burden on residents and prison authorities.