Justice Musa Ssekaana of the High Court in Kampala has called upon all legislators to exercise the critical role of civil procedure in ensuring fair and efficient dispute resolution.
He made these remark during a presentation on Civil Procedure and Practice in Uganda at the second week of the joint induction for Chief Magistrates and Magistrates Grade I on Monday, March 10, 2025.
Speaking to the newly inducted judicial officers, Justice Ssekaana highlighted that civil procedure is the backbone of the justice system, ensuring that cases progress in a systematic manner from initiation to judgment and enforcement.
“Civil procedure sets the stage for proceedings by outlining the legal dispute,” Ssekaana stated, stressing that this foundational process is essential for maintaining the integrity of the legal system.
He also delved into various aspects of the trial procedure, including the service of court processes and the role of judicial authorities in ensuring procedural compliance.
One of the key points Ssekaana made was the importance of clear and enforceable judgments.
“For justice to be meaningful, decisions must be clear and legally binding. An unclear order is largely unenforceable; an unenforceable order is passed in vain,” he said, urging the magistrates to prioritize clarity and enforceability in their rulings.
The induction also featured discussions by other senior judicial officers. Justice Boniface Wamala of the High Court elaborated on interlocutory and final court orders, the award of damages, taxation of costs, and the execution of court orders, including the role of courts and court bailiffs in these processes.
Lady Justice Alexandra Nkonge Rugadya (Retired High Court Judge) will conclude the session with a focused discussion on the law, practice, and challenges involved in handling land matters in Magistrates’ Courts, including the significance of locus in quo visits.
The joint induction is designed to provide critical legal insights and equip the magistrates with the necessary knowledge to uphold justice in Uganda’s judicial system.
