Emormor Pushes for People-Centered Judiciary at Soroti High Court Open Day
His Royal Highness Paapa Paul Sande Emolot the Emormor papa Iteso
By Peterson Hiirya.
SOROTI – Teso sub-region could soon see improved access to justice after His Royal Highness Paapa Paul Sande Emolot the Emormor papa Iteso called for a decentralized judiciary and increased local judicial infrastructure. Emolot made the appeal during the Soroti High Court Open Day, held at the court grounds, where Chief Justice Flavian Zeija and other judicial leaders engaged directly with the public.
Emolot highlighted that residents from distant areas in Teso face long journeys to Soroti City, limiting their ability to access court services. “Decentralizing judicial services to lower magistrate courts will reduce transport costs and delays, enabling citizens to seek justice efficiently and affordably,” he said.
He called for the urgent deployment of full-time Grade One Magistrate Courts in Kapelebyong , Pallisa and Butebo districts, ensuring residents can consume judicial services locally without undue hardship.
He also requested the operationalization of a High Court in Pallisa, modeled after the recent establishment of Lugazi High Court, to extend high-level judicial services to a broader population and help reduce persistent case backlogs in the region.
The cultural leader applauded the Judiciary’s efforts to integrate African dispute resolution mechanisms into formal justice, calling it a program that “Africanizes justice in line with peaceful local traditions.” He pledged the support of the Teso Cultural Union to enhance community appreciation and cooperation with judicial initiatives.
Emolot commended the professionalism of judicial leaders, including Justice Boniface Wamala, Justice Mary, resident judge of Kumi High Court, Justice Isabella Kaweza, and all chief magistrates across Teso. He noted that their work strengthens accountability and people-centered service delivery.
He further urged the elevation of more judicial officers from Teso to higher positions and prayed for divine guidance for the Chief Justice in steering the Judiciary toward greater accountability and access for all.
The open court day concluded with a symbolic gift from Emolot to the Chief Justice, representing the partnership between the Judiciary and Teso communities. The event served not only as a platform for dialogue and public engagement but also as a commitment to collaborative efforts in enhancing justice delivery in the sub-region.
