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THE UGANDA COURT BAILIFFS ASSOCIATION

WHO IS A COURT BAILIFF?

 A court bailiff is an officer of court charged with the responsibility of executing court orders.

What does a bailiff do?

A bailiff executes all court orders issued by courts these include:

1.       Warrants of arrest.

2.       Warrants of attachment and sale of movable and immovable property.

3.       Warrants to give vacant possession.

4.       Certificates of distress for rent.

5.       Court emissaries.

6.       Financial institutions recoveries.

7.       Demolition orders.

8.       Order of delivery.

9.       Eviction order.

10.   Any recovery as ordered by court.

Who regulates bailiffs’ actions?

Uganda Court Bailiff Association is a body charged to monitor and ensure that bailiffs conduct their duties in a professional and reasonable manner, However all bailiffs are answerable to the High Court Registrar.

What type of case involves a bailiff?

The role of a bailiff is required mainly civil judgments against people who have failed to meet their obligations. However if a criminal cases also necessitates recovery of money or property bailiffs services are also required.

What area does a bailiff cover?

Bailiffs are appointed to execute all court orders emanating from all courts in Uganda.

How do you know if the person knocking your door is a court bailiff?

All bailiffs carry a valid identification card issued by the Uganda Court Bailiffs Association and signed by the Chief Registrar of the High Court. While on duty a bailiff must be able to produce them on request.

 What must you do if a bailiff comes to your home or work?

1.       Do not hide

2.       Trust the bailiff as a representative of the court

3.       Ask for proof of identification

4.       Listen carefully to the court bailiffs instructions

5.       Be sure to understand what you must do next.

 What rights do you have?

1.       A bailiff must treat you with dignity at all times.

2.       A bailiff must explain the contents of the document/court order and what you need to de next.

3.       A bailiff must as far as possible keep your private affairs confidential.

4.       Cooperate by either paying the sum on the warrant or go to court for further action.

5.       Do not interfere with the bailiff while they perform their duties.

6.       Do not give misleading information.

7.       Remember bailiff acts under orders from court if you do not follow the instructions you may be liable for prosecution and costs.

 

What rights does a bailiff have?

1.       When executing a court order a bailiff can:

2.       Enter your premises even when you are not there.

3.       Open any door, vehicles or piece of furniture on your premises as long as it is within court instructions.

4.       Attach, remove and sell your vehicle, furniture and movable or immovable property as per court order.

5.       A bailiff may not attach and remove necessary items such as food, beds, beddings clothes etc.

There are also limitations on other things, such as tools of trade you may need to carry out your work that may not be attached.

The important issues to consider.

1.       Only a bailiff may demand payment or attach goods or money with a warrant or court order.

2.       Debt collectors do not work under the authority of the court and are not allowed to attach or remove your goods.

3.       Always demand a receipt for monies paid to a bailiff.

4.       Make sure both the original and copies of documents are marked with any payment made with your signature or mark.

5.       Always keep a copy of the documents as proof.

6.       If a bailiff visits your home in your absence follow up and try to find out what you need to do.

7.       Do not ignore any documents notes or messages left for you by the bailiff.

8.       It is to your advantage to take immediate action, additional visits only add to the costs incurred.

 

What committees are responsible in performing the duties of the Uganda Court Bailiffs Association?

The Uganda court bailiffs association has three committees each independent of the other each performing a different role as indicated below.

The executive committee –running the daily duties of the association

The displinary committee-checking and punishing the ethical behaviors of bailiffs.

The finance committee-finances

The welfare committee-welfare

What do you do if you have a complaint?

Visit the association website at www.ugandabailiffs.com or come to our head office  of the Uganda Court Bailiffs Association