The Chief justice of Uganda Bart Katureebe has suspended all court operations and appearances for 32. Katureebe wrote to all judicial officers on Thursday evening informing them to suspend court proceedings for a period of 32 days as a preventative measure against the fast-spreading coronavirus.

This follows the directive passed by His Excellency President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Museveni on closure of all schools, bars markets, among other public gatherings for 32 days in a bid to prevent the penetration of the novel Covid-19 pandemic.

“All court hearings and appearances are hereby suspended for the period of 32 days with effect from March 20, 2020. For cases at the stage of submissions, the respective courts may advise the counsel/ parties to file written submissions,” said Katureebe.

Katureebe also added that in this period, prisoners and those on demand will not be presented to court and that where possible proceedings may be conducted using a video link.

“All execution proceedings are hereby suspended for the same period of time except where the attachment has already taken place. Courts will continue to handle certificates of urgency and taking a plea for serious cases and bail applications. Only the applicant and their lawyer or in the case of the bail application, the sureties will be allowed in court.”

Despite Uganda being sandwiched by coronavirus, there is currently no case of coronavirus reported in the country.

Citizens have continued to be advised to be vigilant, wash their hands and self-isolate and avoid social gatherings as much as they can.