Kumi High Court Staff Warned Against Corruption as New Court Opens to Serve Region

Judicial officers and staff at the newly established Kumi High Court have been strongly cautioned against engaging in corruption, as the judiciary moves to decentralize services and enhance access to justice in eastern Uganda.

While officially launching the court, the Acting Principal Judge, Hon. Jane Okuo Kajuga, emphasized the need for integrity and vigilance in the fight against corruption.

Addressing court officials and members of the public, she stressed that under no circumstances should any judiciary staff solicit or accept bribes.

“The judiciary must be the beacon of justice, not a marketplace for favors,” Okuo warned. “We urge all staff to uphold the highest ethical standards and never ask for money from litigants or their relatives.”

The newly inaugurated Kumi High Court was carved out from the Soroti High Court to specifically serve the districts of Kumi, Ngora, and Bukedea.

It becomes the second court to be split from Soroti after the creation of the Moroto High Court, a move designed to tackle the backlog of cases and bring judicial services closer to the people.

Until now, Soroti High Court had been overwhelmed, managing over 400 cases annually from the three districts.

The new court has already received more than 200 fresh cases since its opening in April 2025, alongside 400 cases transferred from Soroti.

Okuo expressed optimism that the court would not only serve a legal function but also act as a vital institution for social order.

“This court should serve like a police dog, actively sniffing out and helping to eliminate criminality,” she said.

She raised concern over the rising cases of murder, aggravated defilement, and robbery in the region, particularly in Kumi, and questioned whether many of these stemmed from unresolved land disputes.

The Principal Judge emphasized the need for community engagement, including cooperation with religious leaders, traditional authorities, and local government, to foster peaceful dispute resolution and tackle root causes of crime.

Resident Judge Mary Ikit, who now heads the Kumi High Court, reassured the public of the judiciary’s commitment to transparency and fairness.

“This court is operational and ready to serve with zero tolerance for corruption,” Justice Ikit affirmed.

“Cases have been transferred from Soroti, and we encourage residents of Kumi, Ngora, and Bukedea to utilize this court fully.”

She emphasized that justice would be delivered without discrimination.

Her remarks underlined the judiciary’s mission to deliver justice to all Ugandans, irrespective of ethnicity, social class, age, or financial status.

Local leaders have also welcomed the development.

Christine Apolot, the Kumi District Woman Member of Parliament, commended the judiciary for prioritizing the region.

She noted that the court’s presence would significantly ease access to justice for rural residents.

“This court brings hope. It reduces transport burdens, especially for the poor who would otherwise travel long distances to Soroti,” Apolot said.

Te establishment of the Kumi High Court marks a pivotal step in the judiciary’s wider decentralization strategy. As the region grapples with serious crimes and land conflicts, the court is expected to play a crucial role in not only resolving legal disputes but also in strengthening social cohesion, peace, and community development.