The Chief Justice Bart Katureebe has directed that courts open for “partial operations” while observing strict Standard Operating Procedures(SOPs) like wearing face masks, temperature measurements,sanitisation and social distancing.
However, Katureebe clarified that Courts shall continue to hear applications and urgent matters only until there is a general opening up of public transport.
“All judicial and non-Judicial officers, litigants and the public shall at all material times observe the SOPs as established by the Ministry of Health from time to time while accessing court premises. All Judicial and non-Judicial officers and Litigants must at all-time wear a face mask while in court premises, “Katureebe’s circular reads.
Katureebe directed that criminal cases shall be limited to; plea taking for magistrate’s courts, bail applications across the board, plea bargains across the board, appeals for the appellate courts.
These restrictions, directed the Chief Justice, shall continue in force until prisoners are able to be produced in Court.
The circular adds that: All Judicial officers shall continue to write and deliver judgements in all Courts. The Audio-Visual facilities put in place by the Judiciary shall continue to be used where necessary, besides other methods of conducting hearings,”
It was copied to the Deputy Chief Justice, Principal Judge, all Justices of the Supreme Court, all Judges of the High Court, Secretary to the Judiciary, Chief Registrar, all magistrates and all Judiciary staff.
