Budaka — Residents of Katila Sub-county in Budaka District have accused judicial officers of corruption and favouritism while handling cases.
During the baraza organised by Justice Centres Uganda at Katila Sub-county headquarters on Saturday, the residents alleged that they have lost trust in the country's judicial system because of corrupt officers.
"The judges ask for money through third parties and if you do not give in, they will frustrate you and your case in favour of your opponent who has the money," Mr John Kapolongo, one of the residents said.
Mr Kapolongo said as poor people, they will never get justice in the courts of laws in the country if the Judiciary is composed of greedy officers. "In the 1960s, the courts had judges who were committed to their profession but today, things are messed up," he added.
The meeting was organised to create awareness of human rights and empowering communities to claim for their rights.
Ms Mary Mulabi, another resident, blamed the judges for deliberately taking long to rule on cases.
"The judges keep the cases for more than 20 years without coming up with a ruling yet we keep spending a lot of money moving to court from one year to another, which doesn't make sense," Ms Mulaba, who has a land case that has stayed for 20 years, said.
The Pallisa/Budaka chief magistrate, Ms Zulayika Natenza, said judges and other judicial officers are often lured by people who try to bribe them.
"And when we refuse, you call us names, which is not right. We base on facts and the information you give to judge a case," she said.
Ms Natenza also urged the residents to stop fearing court saying it is a public office for public use.
"We advise residents to seek advice from the judicial officials in order to get help and guidance before making any move relating on the court matters," she said.
The judiciary communication officer, Mr Solomon Muyita, said most cases registered are of perceived corruption. He, however, advised those approached to give bribes to provide evidence and report the corrupt judicial officers for action.
Ms Patricia Acam , the manager of Justice Centre Mbale, asked the residents to change their mind set and stop thinking that justice is for only the rich. "Everyone has got a right to justice and needs to demand for it. You do not need to sell your land or cow to get justice," she said.
Ms Acam also urged the residents to utilise the village courts to settle minor cases.
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