Timeframe for hearing of appeal cases released

 

THE government yesterday released a timeframe for the hearing of appeal cases from the Court of Appeal to primary courts starting January next year.

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Dr Harrison Mwakyembe told the National Assembly here that the Appeal and High court will have to issue ruling in two years on all cases that have been filed before them. 

 

As for the resident and district magistrate courts, they have to decide all cases within one year while for the primary courts; it will be for six months. 

Dr Mwakyembe told the House that the move is intended to reduce congestion in courts over undecided cases as they are planning to recruit the needed staff to make the plan work.

Dr Mwakyembe said they have advised the prosecution to make sure they bring the needed evidence on time to facilitate smooth case proceeding and timely ruling.

He said the government knew the need to beef up staff in court as a way to ease congestion as he promised to work closely with the Home Affairs Ministry to ease congestion in prisons and remand homes as well.

His sentiments followed a question by Ms Lameck Airo (Rorya-CCM) who wanted to know measures taken by the government to address shortage of staff at Kineri, Ryagoro, Obilinju and Shirati primary courts, which service more than 400,000/- people in the area.

Responding Dr Mwakyembe said they are aware of the shortage in the primary court including nine magistrates in the areas. He said in 2016/17 financial year, the government is committed to deploy personnel in court, including the Nyaburongo Primary Court, which has no magistrate at all.

He added that the Kinesi Primary Court has its operation suspended due to dilapidated infrastructures, which are up for renovation.

Dr Mwakyembe said the construction of Rorya District Court is part of the grand plan for renovation and rehabilitation of the court infrastructure countrywide during the 2017/18 financial year.

However, he said, during this financial year, plans are at an advanced stage to construct the Bunda District Court and Mara High Court.