Kawempe Community Encouraged to Adopt Small Claims Procedure for Dispute Resolution

In a recent development, residents residing in Kawempe and the surrounding regions have received a call to make use of the Small Claims Procedure (SCP) to resolve civil disputes involving amounts below ten million shillings. This initiative, spearheaded by the Judiciary of Uganda, aims to provide a cost-effective and swift mechanism for addressing financial disagreements.

During the official launch of the SCP at the Kawempe Magistrates Court, Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire from the Court of Appeal and the Chairperson of the Small Claims Procedure implementation committee, emphasized the benefits of opting for this procedure. He highlighted the efficiency and affordability of the SCP compared to other dispute resolution methods, urging individuals seeking quicker resolutions to consider embracing this approach.

Justice Kiryabwire pointed out scenarios where individuals resort to involving the police in debt-related matters, leading to prolonged legal processes and potential incarceration. He stressed the importance of seeking amicable resolutions through the SCP to avoid unnecessary legal entanglements.

Furthermore, the Judiciary has pledged to educate religious, traditional, and political leaders about the Small Claims Procedure to enable them to support community members in resolving disputes without the need for full court hearings.

Local authorities, including Hajji Noor Njuki, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner of Kawempe, commended the efforts of Chief Magistrate Roseline Nsenge in ensuring timely delivery of justice to the community.

The Registrar in charge of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the Judiciary, Zulaika Nanteza, cautioned individuals against falling prey to fraudsters posing as intermediaries in legal matters, emphasizing the importance of conducting judicial transactions directly with authorized court personnel.

Chief Magistrate Roseline Nsenge reported successful handling of numerous cases through the Small Claims Procedure at the Kawempe Magistrates Court since its establishment earlier in the year. This localized approach has been well-received by community members, saving them time and money that would have been spent traveling to distant courts.

The Small Claims Procedure involves filing claims in Chief Magistrate's Courts within the area where the dispute arose or where the defendant resides. Prior to filing a claim, a written notice of demand must be issued to the defendant, allowing 14 days for settlement. If unresolved, the claimant can submit a claim form supported by documentation for a court hearing, following which a judgment will be made promptly.

This initiative aims to streamline the resolution of small financial disputes, promoting efficiency and accessibility in the judicial process for residents of Kawempe and neighboring communities.