Women have decried slow justice system in handling land matters in uganda .
They have forth asked President Yoweri Museveni to intervene to sort out escalloping land evictions due to slow justice system in executing land cases.
During the second National Court Open Day held at Kololo ceremonial grounds majority of women openly voiced dissatisfaction with how their cases have been handled in various courts across the country.
“We are frustrated with the current judicial system.The processes are too long and most magistrates side with land grabbers to evict us from our own land,”
“We need President Yoweri Museveni to intervene to save us from this mess”Josephine Tushabe, from Kakiri–Kikandwa in Wakiso District, broke down in tears as she narrated how she was beaten, undressed, and chased from her home in August 2015 on the alleged orders of a one General Mpinga. She claims she was threatened with death if she spoke out.
Tushabe says the lawyer assigned to her on the state brief abandoned her case, while key pieces of evidence have since gone missing from the court file.
Ten years later, she says she is homeless and destitute, and appealed to the President to intervene and help her secure accommodation.
Jane Frances Nambassa,also stated that she has a case before the Kajjansi Chief Magistrate’s Court. She told the Open Day that her case initially progressed well under Magistrate Gimugu and State Attorney Charlotte, but later stalled after the state attorney reportedly changed and chased her away.
She questioned what a complainant should do when even the state attorney abandons them. Nambassa further said the case was later handled by Magistrate Phiona Birungi, who dismissed it for alleged lack of interest by the complainant, a claim she strongly disputes.
Although the case was reinstated after she complained to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, she says it was later concluded with a discharge order instead of a judgment, because she had been compensated and reconciled with her oppressor, which she denies.
Daniel Muyombwe, an elderly man from Kawempe, said he was defrauded of 500 million shillings by people who promised to connect him to President Museveni for appointment as Minister for the Elderly. Although the suspects were convicted, he says the court did not order compensation.
Muyombwe says his property is now at risk of sale, yet the money was raised through loans. He added that he had also been promised a vehicle and sewing machines, which never materialised.
Another complainant, Kateregga, accused Chief Magistrate Stellah Maris Amabilis of frustrating his attempted murder case.
He alleged that after he complained about delays, the magistrate sent unknown people to kidnap him. He says police intervened, but he was later beaten on the magistrate’s alleged orders.
The National Court Open Day, organised by the Judiciary, aimed to promote transparency, accountability, and public understanding of the justice system.
The event provided an opportunity for members of the public to interact with judicial officers, participate in question-and-answer sessions, observe demonstrations, and give feedback on court services.
Deputy Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, representing Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, said that increased court presence and public awareness have led to a steady rise in new cases.
He noted that although efforts have been made to reduce case backlog, the growing demand for judicial services requires more resources and innovation.
“Due to increased presence of courts in different parts of the country, and because of increased awareness programs and client satisfaction, the number of newly registered cases has consistently increased every passing year. Whereas commendable effort has been made to deal with the case backlog, the increased demand for Judiciary services calls for more resources and more innovations. We continue to equip ourselves for this challenge, and with your involvement and support, we shall attain our agenda,” he noted.
Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo noted that the Open Day is intended to demystify the work of the Judiciary by creating an open and safe platform where citizens can freely interact with judicial officers, seek clarification on court procedures, and provide feedback based on their experiences.
Various courts showcased their services alongside justice sector institutions, including the Uganda Police, the Office of the DPP, URSB, the Judicial Service Commission, and the Tax Appeals Tribunal.