The Bukhalalire law courts under construction in Busia county /HILTON OTENYOResidents of Butula subcounty in Busia are hopeful the ongoing construction of a law court at Bukhalalire will ease access to justice and end decades of long journeys to Busia town to seek legal services.
They say the facility will bring judicial services closer to residents, reduce travel costs and help ease the backlog of cases at Busia law courts once it is completed and becomes operational.
Justus Omondi said the new court would address the delays residents had endured while pursuing justice.
“Justice for the people of Butula has always been delayed because of the backlog of cases at the Busia courts. We’re happy that this will finally end once the new court is completed,” he said.
Omondi urged communities around Bukhalalire centre to seize the economic opportunities expected to emerge once the court opens.
He said court staff would require accommodation and buy essential goods locally, creating business opportunities and boosting household incomes.
Clementina Auma said the facility would be particularly helpful to widows facing land disputes and other forms of injustice.
“We have been mistreated by neighbours as widows and even in-laws who have been encroaching on our land. With the presence of the court here, we are sure we will be able to come and seek justice nearby, unlike the Busia town court, which is far from us,” she said.
Joseph Ongulu said the court would also give residents an opportunity to better understand the justice system by attending court sessions without incurring high transport costs.
Bukhalalire assistant chief Samuel Wanzala said the area had additional public land that could accommodate a prison and called for Bukhalalire police post to be upgraded to a police station.
“We have 50 acres of public land around here where a prison can be established. Upgrading the police post at Bukhalalire to a police station will enhance security in the area and improve the safety of our people,” Wanzala said.
