Othman wants minor disputes out of court

THE Chief Justice, Mr Mohamed Chande Othman, has called upon residents in Kagera Region to utilize the Appeals Chambers which are now available at the Bukoba High Court.

He made the call on Monday when he officially opened the first session of the Court of Appeal at the Bukoba High Court. Chief Justice Othman also advised residents in the region to settle some of the disputes out of court to ease congestion of cases.

He cited the disputes including matrimonial issues, inheritance, political and religious conflicts. He directed residents and district magistrate courts to ensure that cases were heard and determined within 18 months while primary courts should settle cases within 12 months. Justice Othman also cautioned people to avoid taking the law into their own hands and should respect the decisions of courts of law.

He elaborated that the High Court was opened in Bukoba in 1993 adding that during the 21 years of its existence, it has made impressive achievements through speedy hearing and determination of cases, a situation that eased congestion of inmates in remand cells.

He noted that the opening of the Court of Appeal sessions in Bukoba was in line with the government’s resolve to bring closer to the people judicial services. He said that in the past people with appeals had to travel to Mwanza Zonal Offices.

“It is the cardinal task of the courts to ensure that timely justice is reached because justice delayed is justice denied,” he said adding that this is a historic landmark in the country’s judicial history since independence in 1961.

He also urged Advocates of the High Court and State Attorneys under the Attorney General’s Office (AG) to ensure that they make proper preparations and research for every case they handle. He called upon the police to speed up investigation of criminal cases.

According to the District Registrar (DR), Mr Charles Magesa, the Court of Appeal sessions started yesterday and will proceed until March 17, this year headed by Justices of Appeal A.E. Kileo (Chairperson), Bernard Luanda and Kipenka Mussa.

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