LYANTONDE — Court users and the general public on Friday January 14 2020, gathered at Lyantonde Magistrate’s Court to witness the launch of Small Claims Procedure (SCP) as well as learn about the new access to justice initiatives.
The launch was presided over by the Residential District Commissioner Mrs. Catherine Kamwine and the LC V Chairman Mr Fred Muhangi.
Other include Grade one Nakawa Magistrate Jackline Kagoya who represented the Ag. Assistant Registrar in charge of SCP, HW Lillian Bucyana, the Grade one Magistrate of Lyantonde Abdalah Kayiza, the DPC Mr. Byaruhanga Didas among others.
Mrs. Kamwine urged the people of Lyantonde to embrace the procedure because it’s fast, efficient and most of affordable.
“No need of hiring a lawyer who needs payment every time he or she represents you in court.”
She also asked the judiciary to produce the SCP guidelines into other different languages so that the locals understand better how the procedure works.
LC V Chairman Muhangi applauded the Judiciary for launching the procedure in his town council and asked the people to learn to write agreements or have witnesses around.
“Witnesses are very important in cash transactions between people.” he said
Under the system, a complainant can get judgment within a day although the maximum period for delivering judgment is a month.
This is opposed to the old system that can even last for five years or more.
SCP is a civil claim whose subject matter value does not exceed UGX. 10,000,000.
For example, the SCP can be used for matters arising out of the supply of goods, debts and rent.
Small Claims Procedure was launched in 2012 in the five Chief Magistrates Courts of Mengo, Masaka, Arua, Lira and Kabale. In 2014, it was extended to the six chief magistrate’s courts of Jinja, Mbarara, Makindye, Mbale, Nakawa and Nabweru.
The program has since been extended to numerous courts including Luwero, Nakasongola, Entebbe and Mpigi becoming the latest.
The other courts include Iganga, Mukono, Kasese, Bushinyi, Fort portal, Soroti, Busia, Masindi, Hoima, Kitgum and Gulu among others.
