The Judiciary has operationalized five additional High Court Circuits—Entebbe, Kumi, Lugazi, Patongo, and Wakiso—bringing the total number of operational High Court Circuits across the country to 29.
According to the Chief Justice, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo, the development reaffirms Judiciary’s commitment to increasing access to justice through the expansion of its physical presence.
“We have already deployed Judges to the High Court Circuits gazetted in 2023— Entebbe, Lugazi and Wakiso in Buganda, Patongo in Acholi, and Kumi in Teso.This reflects our firm resolve to reduce the burden on existing courts and serve
the public more effectively. We plan to further expand to Ibanda and Ntungamo in Ankole, Moyo in West Nile, and Rakai in Buganda in the coming Financial Year,” he said.
Pamella Lamunu Ocaya, the Acting Chief Registrar, confirmed that registries for the new courts are fully operational and are now accepting case filings.
“All matters falling within the jurisdiction of these new circuits can now be filed directly there. In particular, for cases under Entebbe and Wakiso—which were previously handled by the Divisions of the High Court—will now be managed
locally, ensuring a more streamlined and accessible process for litigants,” she said.
Lamunu noted that Entebbe and Wakiso have also been equipped with the Electronic Court Case Management Information System, enabling electronic filing, digital case management, and virtual hearings where applicable—further streamlining processes and improving efficiency.
The Chief Registrar elaborated that, for Lugazi, case files that were originally filed under the Mukono High Court have been transferred to the new court.
Similarly, Soroti High Court has transferred to Kumi the cases that fall under its jurisdiction. Additionally, Kitgum High Court has transmitted case files to Patongo High Court.