By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Acting Spokesperson of the Democratic Party (DP), Ismail Kiirya, has called upon Chief Justice Owinyi-Dollo Chigamonyi to oversee and scrutinize the operations of lower courts in Uganda. Kiirya raised concerns about alleged laxity and irregularities in upcountry courts, which he claims have caused imbalances in the judicial process.
Kiirya’s appeal follows a contentious case involving the DP Mayor for Pader District, Fearless Kilama, and 33 others. The group faced charges stemming from a 2021 case, but the proceedings have been marred by delays and irregularities. Out of the 33 individuals charged, 13 were released, one reportedly died, and 19 remain on the charge sheet.
The matter, heard at Kitgum High Court on December 11, 2024, was adjourned to January 16, 2025. The adjournment followed a preliminary objection raised by the Resident State Attorney handling the case, who requested the dismissal of the appeal, citing the appellants’ repeated failure to appear in court over the last five sessions. The appellants have instead been represented by their lawyer, Counsel Anyoro Geoffrey.
However, Kiirya highlighted a troubling development during the last court session. “The judge introduced four new witnesses, which we were not informed about, raising questions about transparency and impartiality. This turns the case into what appears to be a political issue,” Kiirya said. The newly introduced witnesses are Okello Bosco, Anyway (GISO), Opira Robert and Ocean Justine
DP urged courts to remain impartial and resist external pressures. The case has been reassigned a new criminal appeal number, 022 of 2024, at Kitgum High Court. Previously, it was registered as Criminal Appeal No. 0016 of 2023 at Gulu High Court before being relocated. The appeal originates from Criminal Case No. 1215 of 2021, filed at Pader Magistrate’s Court.
Kiirya further alleged that upcountry courts exploit their relative distance from close oversight to act outside the law. “We request the Chief Justice to closely monitor all upcountry courts because it seems they take liberties that undermine the justice system,” he said.
The Democratic Party has called for judicial transparency and accountability, particularly in Uganda’s rural courts, and pledged to attend the January 16 proceedings to monitor the case.
Efforts to contact the judiciary for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
