Napak Residents Experience Formal Court System for the First Time

By Skika Reporter.

Excitement swept through Napak District as hundreds of residents attended the first-ever mobile court sessions held at the newly established Grade One Magistrate’s Court, a milestone expected to improve access to justice and strengthen efforts to combat crime in the district.

Until recently, residents seeking legal redress were forced to travel to Moroto District, a costly and time-consuming journey that many abandoned due to financial constraints.

The three-day mobile court session, which concluded on Thursday at the Napak Court premises, was organized with support from the International Justice Mission (IJM) and funding from the Government of Ireland.

During the sessions, the court handled approximately 40 cases at the Grade One Magistrate’s Court level and more than 20 High Court cases, attracting large crowds eager to witness the formal justice system in operation for the first time.

Jonathan Lokut, a resident of Kangole Town Council, said attending the court proceedings was a unique experience.

“It was my first time witnessing a court conviction,” Lokut said, noting that while the community is familiar with traditional justice systems where elders deliver immediate judgments, the formal court process is more elaborate, particularly during the examination and cross-examination of witnesses.

He observed that offences often overlooked in the community are now attracting legal consequences through the formal justice system. He cited a case where a man was sentenced to six months in prison for assaulting a woman who demanded payment after he consumed her samosas.

Human rights activist Anna Lomonyang said the establishment of the court would significantly change community attitudes toward crime and justice.

According to Lomonyang, many offences previously went unpunished due to the absence of nearby judicial services, but the court now offers a platform for accountability and deterrence through public hearings and convictions.

She identified domestic violence, child neglect and drug abuse as some of the most prevalent offences in the district and urged police to strengthen community policing efforts to address them.

Meanwhile, Robert Ejang, an officer attached to the Child and Family Protection Unit at Napak Central Police Station, said the court would help tackle rising youth involvement in criminal activities.

Ejang noted that some young people have adopted the nickname “Hard Heads,” portraying themselves as fearless individuals willing to engage in crime without considering the consequences.

He expressed concern that some repeat offenders have become accustomed to imprisonment, treating it as a temporary setback before returning to criminal activities. He called for increased public awareness about the long-term consequences of criminal behaviour and the importance of engaging in productive livelihoods.

Community elders also welcomed the formal justice system, saying many of its principles complement traditional methods of resolving disputes.

Aruk Maruk, a respected elder, said he was surprised to see productive young people appearing before the court and being convicted of various offences.

He lamented what he described as a growing disregard for cultural values among the youth, noting that practices traditionally considered taboo within Karimojong culture are becoming increasingly common.

Maruk further challenged judicial authorities to maintain proper records of convicted offenders, arguing that some habitual criminals are repeatedly treated as first-time offenders despite their known histories within the community.

Despite the successful mobile court sessions, the Napak Grade One Magistrate’s Court is not yet fully operational.

Grade One Magistrate Mugisa Abasaija revealed that the court currently lacks a Resident State Attorney, meaning criminal prosecutions are still being handled in Moroto until a prosecutor is deployed to Napak.

However, he noted that the court is already able to handle civil matters, land disputes and children’s cases from its premises.

James Opio, the Chief Magistrate of Moroto, said the mobile court initiative was designed to bring justice closer to communities located far from established court stations.

He noted that distance and transport costs have historically prevented many residents from pursuing justice, leaving numerous disputes unresolved.

Following the hearings, residents engaged judicial officials in discussions on access to justice and legal procedures.

Among the concerns raised was whether an assault case could proceed if witnesses failed to appear in court but the complainant possessed a Police Form 3 completed by a medical doctor.

Responding to the concern, prosecutors explained that the law does not require a specific number of witnesses to prove a case and that courts can rely on credible medical evidence and testimony from the complainant.

Residents also questioned why individuals accused of murder are sometimes required to compensate victims’ families under customary practices and still face criminal prosecution in formal courts.

Chief Magistrate Opio clarified that murder cases fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of the High Court and cannot be handled by Local Council courts. He explained that Local Council courts are limited to resolving minor community disputes, mediation matters, land disagreements and other petty cases.

The mobile court sessions mark a significant step toward expanding access to justice in Napak District, with residents expressing optimism that the presence of a local court will reduce costs, improve accountability and strengthen the rule of law in the community.