Mbale City Takes Stride Towards Justice with Land Handover for Regional Court of Appeal

 

In a significant development on January 22, 2024, Mbale witnessed a crucial step towards justice as Mayor Cassim Namugali handed over land titles to the judiciary. 

This land, intended for the construction of a regional court of appeal, will serve the people of eastern Uganda, including Mbale, Busoga, Bukedi, Sebei, Karamoja, and Teso regions.

The title was received by His Lordship Lubega Farouq, representing the senior resident judge of the Mbale High Court. 

Mayor Namugali disclosed that the regional court of appeal will be situated in the former Wanale division office premises, just a few meters from the Mbale High Court.

Expressing his gratitude, Mayor Namugali stated, "I am very blessed for the government to bring the regional court of appeal to Mbale. This move will elevate the value of Mbale city and spur development across various sectors."

Welcoming the regional court of appeal, Resident City Commissioner John Rex Achilla expressed optimism that it would contribute to eradicating corruption in Mbale and the broader region, aligning with President Yoweri Kagutta Museveni's objectives. 

Achilla noted that the premises were previously occupied by Deputy RCC Hamuza Banja, whom he urged to vacate promptly for the judiciary to take over.

Eng Dr. Ebal, representing the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to Judiciary, commended the judiciary staff for centralizing regional courts of appeal. 

He specifically acknowledged Mbale city for swiftly allocating land with a title, facilitating the initiative.

Ms. Dorcas Wagima Okalany, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Housing & Urban Development, applauded the judiciary for centralizing appeal courts and commended Mbale city for promptly acquiring land. 

She seized the opportunity to call on city authorities to address the worsening issue of garbage disposal for a cleaner city.

Hon. Masaba Karim, Member of Parliament for Mbale Industrial City division, appreciated the government's move to centralize appeal courts, foreseeing a reduction in case backlogs. 

He emphasized the positive impact on the local community, eliminating the need for expensive transportation to Kampala.

Concluding the speakers' remarks, His Lordship Lubega Farouq reiterated thanks to the Mbale City Council for allocating land for the regional court of appeal. 

He emphasized the role these regional courts would play in decreasing case backlogs in Kampala and assured the public that corruption would not be tolerated. 

Finally, he highlighted the positive economic impact and job creation expected with the arrival of the regional court of appeal in Mbale.

 By Senior Yasin.