The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is in Kisoro to sensitise journalists on the law and administration of justice in the country.
The Judicial Service Commission is a Constitutional body established under Article 146 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995, whose mandate is to recruit judicial officers and regulate their conduct.
The one-day workshop is ongoing at the Kisoro Judicial Courts premises.
Samuel Mugisha, the Registrar Legal Public Affairs at the Judicial Service Commission took the team of over 30 journalists through the basics of courts activities and the relationship between the media and the judiciary.
He underscores the role played by the media in educating the society on matters pertaining the administration of justice in the country.
Mr Mugisha notes that a number of people have fallen victim to the law due to ignorance, and the JSC would like to bridge the gap by working with the media.
“Some people commit crimes out of ignorance especially because they don’t know the law. A fraction of the population doesn’t know the English language, yet most publications are printed in English. This means they remain at the mercy of you the media to educate them, and that’s why we have you here,” Mugisha told the media practitioners.
He says, with the wide coverage of mass media, they would like to use them to educate the public on legal matters.
For instance, Mr Mugisha wondered why there are people being condemned to courts for illegal entry and selling contraband goods.
“We still have people who don’t know that you need a passport or any other form of clearance to enter another country. Crossing to another country without authorization is unlawful.
Then you find someone buys things from another country for personal use, for example fish, and you cross with it. Although you just want to eat it, you must declare at the customs or else you will be arrested!” said Mugisha.
According to him, people should attend court sittings to know about law and justice administration, which will save them from being victims of ignorance of the law.
“Everyone is welcome to the courts, even if they are not interested in ongoing cases. They can sit and follow court processes to know what is wrong and right.”
The Kisoro Chief Magistrate, Kenneth Komakech acknowledged that the judicial officers may err, which the JSC reserves the right to investigate.
According to Maria Nabulya, the JSC Public Relations Officer, the sensitization also aimed at ensuring close work relations between the media and the judiciary for accountable reporting.
“As journalists, ensure that you report facts. The communities listening to you take everything you say as the truth. Avoid court cases by doing thorough checkups and verify your details before you publish anything.” Said Ms. Nabulya.
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