Judiciary Warns Hoima Court Users Against Fraud, Payment Scams

What the report says

The Judiciary has cautioned court users in Hoima to avoid payment scams by sending all official court fees through banks, keeping original receipts and dealing only with properly identified court staff. The message was delivered during a public sensitisation exercise at Hoima Chief Magistrates Court, where officials also aimed to explain court procedures, new service tools and ways to access justice services.

According to the Judiciary, users should not hand money to private individuals or rely on unofficial channels. Halimah Kaggwa, a senior client service officer in the Registry of Communications and Public Relations, advised people to preserve bail documents and receipts because missing originals can complicate refund claims. She also said accurate payment details are important to avoid mistakes and fraud.

Deputy Registrar and Inspectorate official Festo Nsenga said the institution has a duty to correct misinformation, investigate complaints and gather feedback from the public. The campaign also highlighted alternative dispute resolution options such as mediation, plea bargaining and the Small Claims Procedure, which judicial officers said can help reduce delays and case backlog. Hoima Chief Magistrate George Kunihira and other magistrates used the forum to encourage people in civil disputes to consider mediation and to seek assistance through the Judiciary Call Centre and other official channels.

The session ended with questions from court users and distribution of information materials. In broader context, such outreach campaigns are commonly used by court systems to improve public understanding of procedures and reduce opportunities for fraud.