LIRA -- On March 23, 2011 yesterday, the Lira High Court and Community Justice centers were officially opened.Speaking on behalf of the Justice, Law and Order Sector, the deputy Inspector General of Police thanked USAID for funding the construction of the High court and community justice centres.The High Court is the second biggest building in Lango. In his remarks, Mr. Julius Odwe said that Lira is a place of peace and justice and added that the opened court must therefore promote peace and stand out as a symbol of justice in the region.

The Head of USAID in Lira who represented the deputy ambassador at the American Embassy said that the community justice centre project is meant to enhance the capacity of Uganda to provide civilian authority, civilian presence and promote the efficient running of justice agencies. He said that delivery of justice is more than buildings. “It is about having a complete chain of justice. It is for this reason that USAID is supporting training of police to address the entire spectrum of justice”, he remarked. He pledged USAID’s continued support to the Justice, Law and Order sector.

On his part, the Principal judge Justice Yorokamu Bamwine said the Judiciary had been blamed for delay, corruption, poor working environment, poor service delivery and other vices. Justice Bamwine said that the Judiciary is committed to eradication of injustice and that delayed justice will soon be a problem of the past. He reiterated the Judiciary’s commitment to clear all the pending cases and thanked the development partners for the assistance rendered.

Minister of Lands Hon. Omara Atubo said the opening of the High Court at Lira will speed the delivery of justice. “Delivery of justice for common people requires more than the magistrate”, he said. Hon. Atubo added that all cases of corruption must be dealt with. “There should be no smell of corruption in court. Justice should not be for sale”.

The Community Justice Centre and High Court in Lira were built in a record seven months thanks to the spirited hard work of the American government through USAID and the Northern Uganda Transitional Initiative.

By Edgar Kuhimbisa | Published: March 23, 2011