@article{2016:wanyama:schedule_o,
title = {Schedule of Responsibilities and the Assignment of Files at Civil Courts in Uganda},
year = {2016},
note = {This paper discusses the responsibilities, duties and function of
judicial officers in Uganda, with a particular focus on civil actions.
The paper in scope of judicial officers covers justices of the Supreme
Court and the Court of Appeal. Judges of the High Court, registrars to
the courts and magistrates of Magistrates courts. The paper in
unpacking responsibilities of judicial officers focuses on civil
matters. It briefly underscores that there is a difference between
criminal and civil law. The paper emphasizes the need for
administration of justice for all Ugandans at all times in a speedy
manner. It further highlights the process of assigning files to
judicial officers. It underscores that before assignment of files,
proper procedure of filing civil suits including: instructions to
counsel; choice of format of bringing action; payment of court fees;
acquiring a number for the civil suit and holding a scheduling
conference have to be done. It further highlights factors that may
dictate assignment of files as including: pecuniary jurisdiction of
the officer; undue influence and corruption; expertise of a judicial
officer in a particular branch f law; nature and size of workload; and
the nature of the work a particular judicial officers is often engaged
in. In assessing the findings, the paper identifies some of the
challenges affecting the judiciary and performance of judicial
responsibilities by judicial officers as including: lack of clear
legal definition of responsibilities of registrars; corruption;
technological gaps and challenges; limited human resources; failure to
handle cases in the prescribed time; and finance and budget
constraints. The paper concludes that judicial officers are charged
with a primary duty of ensuring that they guard, protect and promote
justice while keeping the judicial oath. The paper finally recommends:
the need for clearly defined roles and responsibilities of registrars
in the laws; adoption of key anti-corruption measures, taking service
of court processes more seriously; and promoting access to information
for knowledge increase on duties and obligations for the State and
citizens in justice courses.},
journal = {KAS African Law Study Library},
pages = {331--355},
author = {Wanyama, Edrine},
volume = {3},
number = {3}
}