A total of 2,856 cases are yet to be heard at the Lira High Court. According to court records, 554 cases are land-related, 962 civil cases, 121 family related matters, and 1,219 criminal cases.
Speaking during the Lira High Court Open Day, Justice Duncan Gaswaga, the Lira Resident Judge said that 2,856 cases are before him while 244 are before the Deputy Magistrate.
Gaswaga explained that his absence from the court was due to his participation in the trial of Thomas Kwoyelo at Gulu High Court. He, however, promised to return to Lira and handle the pending cases.
Godfrey Kawesa, the Deputy Registrar also attributed the case backlog to a shortage of staff and lack of transport for the magistrates among other factors.
Okello Orik, the Lira district chairperson advised the court to consider visiting disputed land sites to expedite the cases before giving judgements.
Lawrence Egole, the Lira Resident City Commissioner said that there is a need to empower clan leaders to handle land matters, which will save the court’s time and reduce the backlog.
Leaders and residents used the Court Open Day to appeal to the judiciary that the Lango sub-region urgently requires another resident judge.
The Lira High Court Circuit which serves a population of over 2 million people has one resident judge, a deputy registrar, 3 chief magistrates, and 13 Grade one magistrates.
*Source – URN*
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