Kiboga Chief Magistrate Sensitises 350 New Local Leaders on Local Council Court Operations

What the report says

The Chief Magistrate of Kiboga, Jane Francis Nanvuma, has briefed about 350 newly elected local leaders and members of the public on how Local Council Courts work, in an effort to improve grassroots justice delivery in Kiboga District. The session covered court procedures, jurisdiction and the limits of authority for local leaders who handle disputes in their communities.

According to Nile Post, the engagement brought together LC1 and LC2 chairpersons, their executive members, councillors, Ntwetwe Town Council employees and other residents. Nanvuma explained the practical operation of Local Council Courts and used a demonstration to show how such a court should be formed and how proceedings are expected to run. She also urged leaders to understand both their responsibilities and what falls outside their powers.

Participants asked questions about issues such as witness requirements, the powers of Local Council Courts and whether local leaders can impose imprisonment. The discussion gave the new leaders a chance to learn the legal framework governing these courts and the steps they should follow when resolving disputes. In Uganda, Local Council Courts are often the first point of access to justice in communities, so improved training can help cases be handled more lawfully and consistently.

The sensitisation was co-organised by the Magistrate of Ntwetwe, Her Worship Harriet Nabuduwa, who also attended.