Describing the corrupt and money minded judicial officers as a menace and a plague in the Judiciary, Principal Judge Yorokamu Bamwine has urged the Public to report all those Magistrates and lawyers who have long fingers for immediate action. Bamwine who was speaking at the launch of the Small Claims procedure aimed at disposing off cases not more than Shs 10 million held at the Mayor’s Garden in Entebbe warned that magistrates and Lawyers who fleece the public don’t deserve to work for the Judiciary and should be publicly flogged.
“There are so many lawyers and judicial officers who are spoiling the Judiciary’s image but I urge members of the public to complain and report all the crooks for action” he said.
Bamwine however appealed to the public not to induce the Magistrates with bribes adding that anyone who bribes judicial officers isn’t different from the criminals in Kigo and Luzira. He also tasked magistrates to expeditiously handle cases to avoid them from dragging for a long period of time.
“Why should cases drag on for five or more years? He asked. He urged the public to complain and report cases that drag for more than two months.
Bamwine also underscored the need for Magistrates and other Judicial Officers to learn the importance of time and case management as well as customer care and hospitality in the execution of their duties and getting rid of old cases.
“Respect the public and give them maximum attention when they come to you for assistance. For you (Magistrates and Judicial officers) to succeed you need to be honest and exemplary in your duties” Bamwine stated.
He also cautioned the public not to insult the Magistrates and Judicial as well as avoid attributing every case lost to bribery.
“Mediation is the way to go because cases are settled amicably with no time and to the mutual satisfaction of both parties. Judiciary has established Justice centres across the country that will enable seek guidance on Mediation” he stressed.
