Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has identified panicky suspects and complainants as major contributors to the pervasive corruption within the Judiciary, warning that their actions entice judicial officers into accepting bribes.
During the launch of the new Kitgum High Court Circuit in Kitgum Town on March 11, Justice Owiny-Dollo admonished complainants and relatives of suspects on trial, emphasizing the importance of adhering to their rights to access justice to curb the vice.
Addressing attendees, Justice Owiny-Dollo expressed skepticism that judicial officers would initiate bribery attempts, attributing corrupt practices to the desperation of individuals involved in legal proceedings.
Acknowledging corruption as a longstanding challenge, Justice Owiny-Dollo stressed the pivotal role of upholding truth and honesty in combating corruption within the Judiciary. He urged individuals to utilize their rights effectively, asserting that transparency and accountability are essential for eradicating corrupt practices.
The establishment of the new Kitgum High Court Circuit aims to enhance access to justice for residents of greater Kitgum District, Pader, Lamwo, Agago, and the entire East Acholi region. Justice Owiny-Dollo outlined efforts to combat delays by decentralizing legal services and fostering diligence among judicial officers.
Moreover, Justice Owiny-Dollo highlighted ongoing initiatives to integrate African traditional justice systems into the legal framework, particularly for resolving cases of land disputes and divorce, thereby alleviating the backlog of cases.
Echoing these sentiments, Justice Philip Mwaka, the new Kitgum High Court resident judge, emphasized the prevalence of juvenile offenses and underscored efforts to expedite legal proceedings, including addressing cases at Gulu Remand Home.
