Dokolo Chief Magistrate’s Court Hailed for Timely Justice Delivery, High Case Disposal Rate, Corruption-Free Zone and People-Centred Service.
Dokolo, Uganda | Justice sector stakeholders in Dokolo District have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening coordination and improving access to timely, people-centred justice during the District Coordination Committee meeting held at Dokolo Chief Magistrate's Court on Friday.
The meeting, chaired by Resident Magistrate Grade I HW Vincent Muzeyi, was held under the theme, "Strengthening Multi-Sectoral Collaboration for Timely, Accessible and People-Centred Justice in Dokolo District."
Addressing representatives from the Judiciary, Uganda Police Force, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Uganda Prisons Service, local government, religious leaders and other stakeholders, HW Muzeyi thanked them for their continued support, saying teamwork has greatly improved justice delivery in the district.
He updated stakeholders on recent changes within the Judiciary, including the appointment of new top leadership, and outlined the Judiciary's transformation agenda aimed at delivering efficient, accountable and technology-driven justice.
"The Judiciary is moving towards a people-centred justice system where services will increasingly be technology-driven. Court filing, performance assessments and feedback mechanisms are gradually shifting online," he said.
HW Muzeyi revealed that the court has significantly reduced its case backlog, with only a few old land cases still pending, adding that judicial officers are committed to disposing of cases quickly to avoid unnecessary delays that fuel conflicts within communities.
He urged stakeholders to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), including mediation and culturally accepted methods of conflict resolution, saying such approaches help communities resolve disputes peacefully while reducing pressure on the courts.
HW Muzeyi further commended the Resident District Commissioner's office, Uganda Police Force, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and Uganda Prisons Service for their cooperation, which has strengthened security and improved justice administration in Dokolo.
Among the court's recent achievements, HW Muzeyi highlighted the acquisition of an official vehicle to facilitate field operations, maintenance of a corruption-free working environment, improved customer experience, enhanced media engagement and increased access to justice through mediation, Small Claims Procedure and daily court hearings.
He noted that during the last quarter, Dokolo Chief Magistrate's Court registered 121 cases and disposed of 81, representing a disposal rate of approximately 67 percent.
However, he expressed concern over the increasing number of divorce cases and the rising involvement of juveniles in capital offences, calling upon parents, religious leaders and community leaders to strengthen family values and guide young people away from crime.
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HW Vicent Muzeyi, Magistrate attached to Dokolo Chief Magistrate’s Court, last week paid a courtesy visit to Dokolo Central Police Station to strengthen cooperation between the Court and the Uganda Police Force, as well as assessing compliance with human rights standards in the execution of police duties.
During the visit, HW Muzeyi was received by Inspector Ekwanga Jimmy, who led him on a tour of the station. The Magistrate inspected various offices and detention facilities, including holding areas for both adults and juveniles.
HW Muzeyi commended the officers for their professionalism, commitment to service delivery and observance of human rights. He particularly praised the customer care exhibited at the Police Front Office and noted the improvement in investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
The Magistrate lauded the Community Liaison Office (CLO) for maintaining strong engagement with the public. He applauded the leadership of the District Police Commander, SP Baganzi Patience, for fostering professionalism, effective service delivery and adherence to human rights standards within the station.
HW Muzeyi emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the Courts and the Police in ensuring efficient administration of justice and enhancing public confidence in justice sector institutions.
In response, Inspector Ekwanga commended HW Muzeyi for promoting communication between court users and justice sector stakeholders, noting that such efforts have contributed to improved public service delivery and strengthened public trust in government institutions.
MHW Muzeyi expressed appreciation to the officers of the Uganda Police Force for their cooperation and hospitality. He reiterated the need for sustained collaboration between the Judiciary and the Police in promoting effective justice delivery, safeguarding human rights and strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
He also underscored the importance of integrity in public service, urging officers to uphold transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties
Alumni in Spaces🎉🥳
🎯We congratulate our alumnus, Vincent Muzeyi @VMUZEYI, who has been elected as the magistrates' representative on the executive of Uganda Judicial Officers Association (UJOA)
🎳 He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws in 2016 from @uculaw . Vincent's leadership journey was very solid during his campus days, serving twice as a Member of Parliament for Residents and twice as Minister of Justice/Deputy Attorney General @theucuguild
✍️Henry noted that by actively embracing these responsibilities, @UCUniversity mentored him to become proactive, resilient, and deeply grounded. He left the university not just with a degree but as a self-contained, values-driven leader ready to navigate and impact the real world.
💥Vincent currently serves as the Magistrate of Dokolo @JudiciaryUG ; and will serve on the UJOA under the presidency of @DaphneAyebare (a Law Alumna 2011).
A team from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) today paid a courtesy visit to Dokolo Chief Magistrate’s Court, in a move aimed at strengthening collaboration and improving service delivery for court users.
The delegation was led by Mr Henry Patrick Ariong, Manager Finance Tax Refunds, included Ms Mukisa Anita, Officer Finance Petroleum Refunds. They engaged with HW HW Muzeyi Vicent, Magistrate Grade I before sensitising the court users.
Mr. Ariong explained that the visit was intended to deepen cooperation between the courts and URA, while also ensuring that court users are well informed about procedures for applying for tax refunds in cases of payment errors. He emphasized that taxpayers, particularly those paying court fees, should be aware that erroneous payments do not result in a loss, as refunds can be processed online without the need for long-distance travel.
The URA team also conducted a sensitisation session for court staff on the online tax refund application process, with the expectation that staff will support and guide court users who encounter such challenges.
During the visit, the URA officials commended the high standards of service delivery and customer care at Dokolo Chief Magistrate’s Court. HW Muzeyi was hailed for his dedication and teamwork.
HW Muzeyi thanked the URA team for the outreach and reiterated his commitment to guiding court users on proper procedures. He noted that justice extends beyond adjudication, emphasizing that it begins with ensuring that court users are informed, supported, and empowered throughout their interaction with the justice system
Dokolo Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday received the Assistant Registrar of the Lira High Court Circuit, HW David Sayuni, who conducted a routine inspection to assess the station’s preparedness for the forthcoming operationalisation of the Dokolo High Court Circuit.
He was accompanied by HW Joe Fay Adoko, Chief Magistrate of Lira and caretaker of Dokolo Chief Magistrate’s Court.
During the visit, the Assistant Registrar toured key sections of the court, including the registry, archives, courtroom, and exhibit store, to evaluate administrative efficiency, records management, and overall readiness.
In his remarks, the Chief Magistrate expressed gratitude for the continued administrative support extended to Dokolo Court. He, however, highlighted several operational challenges affecting service delivery, notably the lack of an alternative power source, unfenced court and residential premises posing security risks, and the absence of a court vehicle to facilitate official duties such as locus visits.
The Assistant Registrar commended HW Muzeyi Vicent, Magistrate Grade One, for his exemplary leadership and management of the station. He praised the strong teamwork among staff, consistent attendance, proper organization of court records, well-maintained archives and exhibit store, and the preservation of a serene and orderly court environment despite existing constraints. He further applauded the station for maintaining professionalism and the display of anti corruption messages around the court.
The Assistant Registrar assured the team that the concerns raised would be escalated to top management for consideration, reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to strengthening service delivery and institutional readiness as the Dokolo High Court Circuit becomes operational
The Chief Magistrate’s Court of Dokolo yesterday convened a District Coordination Committee (DCC) meeting aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration, enhancing justice service delivery, and addressing key justice and security concerns in the district.
The meeting was chaired by HW Irene Nambatya, Chief Magistrate of Dokolo, who underscored the DCC’s critical role as a platform for unified action, information sharing, and resolving cross-sectoral challenges affecting justice administration.
In her opening remarks, HW Nambatya commended participants for their continued commitment to justice and public service. She called for stronger communication, cooperation, and vigilance during this period of heightened political activity and the upcoming festive season. She further emphasized the need to reinforce security around court premises and across the district.
The Chief Magistrate also raised a number of pressing issues affecting justice delivery. These included clarifying the jurisdiction of Local Council Courts in land matters to prevent unlawful handling of disputes, promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in juvenile cases to encourage rehabilitation and reduce backlog, and ensuring all actors remain non-partisan and professional in politically sensitive cases. She clarified that expired Letters of Administration may be renewed upon application by interested parties. Commending the Probation and Social Welfare Officer, she noted a significant reduction in juvenile cases in the district, an encouraging indicator of successful social interventions.
Participants applauded the court’s initiative in hosting the meeting and emphasized the DCC’s value in fostering stakeholder coordination and improved justice service delivery. The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) commended the Court in Dokolo for being corruption-free, noting that public complaints have drastically reduced. She observed that Dokolo ranks among the best-performing districts in justice delivery and thanked judicial officers for their steadfastness and timely judgments. She further noted that she had not received any corruption-related complaint for over a year.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including HW Muzeyi Vicent (Magistrate Grade I, Dokolo), the RDC, Dokolo, officers from the CID and Community Liaison Office of Dokolo CPS, the Probation and Welfare Officer, representatives from the ODPP Dokolo, and the Officer-in-Charge of Koroto Farm Prison
This Friday the Honourable the Chief Justice Alfonse C Owiny-Dollo will preside over a Prayer Breakfast Thanksgiving at the Court of Appeal Conference Hall
The Judiciary Council has today convened for a two-day retreat at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kigo, Wakiso District, with the Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo, presiding.
The Chief Justice welcomed the members and participants to the retreat. He specifically welcomed HW Mary Kisakye Kaitesi, Registrar Magistrates Affairs and Data Management as the newest member of the Council representing the lower bench.
Hon. Justice Stephen Musota, Chairperson of the Taskforce appointed to consider the draft Administration of the Judiciary (Judiciary Service) Regulations, 2024, and Justice Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya (a member) presented the draft Administration of the Judiciary (Judiciary Service) Regulations, 2024.
Present were the Hon. Deputy Chief Justice Hon. Justice Richard Buteera, the Principal Judge, Hon. Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, Hon. Lady Justice Irene Mulyagonja (Chairperson of the Law Council), Hon. Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire (Representative of the Superior Bench), Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo (Director of Public Prosecutions), Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary Dr. Pius Bigirimana, Mr. Francis Atoke (Solicitor General), Mr. Bernard Oundo (President of the Uganda Law Society) and Council members representing the public, Mr. Herbert Nsubuga and Ms. Esther Kyozira.
Also present were some members of the Taskforce including HW John Paul Edoku (Secretary of the Taskforce), HW Juliet Komugisa (member), and co-opted members from the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Ms. Irene Lugayizi (Commissioner Legal Drafting, Subsidiary Legislation) and Ms. Tracy Ndagire (State Attorney, First Parliamentary Counsel).
The Chief Registrar HW Sarah Langa Siu was the moderator of the retreat.