Chief Registrar Agnes Alum has commended Magistrates-in-Charge of Station for their significant contribution to reducing case backlog and strengthening service delivery across the Judiciary, while urging them to uphold professionalism, integrity, and accountability in the administration of justice.
Speaking during her maiden meeting with Magistrates-in-Charge at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala, Alum praised judicial officers for the progress registered in improving court performance and ensuring continued access to justice across the country.
The meeting brought together magistrates from across Uganda and members of Senior Management to review court performance, discuss emerging challenges, and chart a way forward for improved service delivery.
Addressing the magistrates, Alum described them as her “foot soldiers” and thanked them for the dedication and commitment they continue to demonstrate in executing the Judiciary’s mandate.
“Thank you for the hard work and achievements you continue to register for the Judiciary. The significant progress made in backlog clearance deserves celebration. The reports indicate that backlog in your courts is now minimal, and for that, I commend you,” she said.
According to her, reports from the Registry of Magistrates Affairs and Data Management indicate that case backlog at Magistrates’ Courts has reduced substantially and is now almost non-existent compared to other court levels.
She noted that the achievement reflects the commitment of magistrates to effective case management and the efficient administration of justice.
Alum also applauded the judicial officers for effectively managing their courts and ensuring continuity of judicial services throughout the country despite operational challenges.
Welcoming the magistrates, she thanked God for the opportunity to serve as Chief Registrar and expressed appreciation to the judicial officers for honouring the invitation despite the meeting having been rescheduled.
Updating the magistrates on developments within the Judiciary since their last meeting in September 2025, Alum highlighted key leadership changes, including the appointment of Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija as Chief Justice and Justice Moses Kawumi Kazibwe as Deputy Chief Justice.
She also informed the meeting that Pamela Lamunu Ocaya had assumed office as Registrar of Magistrates Affairs and Data Management, and thanked her for successfully steering the Office of the Chief Registrar in an acting capacity for fourteen months.
Alum further urged magistrates to familiarize themselves with recently gazetted laws and regulations that will directly impact judicial work, including the Administration of the Judiciary Judicial Training Institute Regulations, 2025; the Constitution (Operation of Mobile Courts) Practice Directions, 2026; the Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules, 2026; and the Magistrates Courts (Amendment) Act, 2026.
Particular emphasis was placed on the Magistrates Courts (Amendment) Act, 2026, which substantially expands the pecuniary jurisdiction of Magistrates’ Courts.
Alum revealed that a taskforce is finalising practice directions to facilitate the transfer of appropriate cases from the High Court to Magistrates’ Courts under the new legal framework, a move expected to increase the complexity and value of matters handled by magistrates.
“These cases will be substantially larger than what many of you have previously handled. I therefore urge you to exercise diligence and prepare yourselves through continuous learning and capacity building,” she said.
She stressed that the expanded jurisdiction presents both an opportunity and a responsibility for magistrates to strengthen their legal knowledge and enhance their capacity to handle increasingly complex disputes.
Alum also directed magistrates to ensure that all claims filed before court clearly indicate monetary value in order to avoid jurisdictional challenges, particularly in land-related disputes.
The meeting was attended by Registrar Supreme Court Thadius Ayebare Tumwebaze; Acting Registrar of the Judicial Training Institute Lillian Bucyana; Private Legal Secretary to the Chief Registrar Patricia Amoko; Principal Information Technology Officer David Sunday Kikabi; Principal Executive Engineer and Acting Head of Engineering and Technical Services Department Priscilla Nakiboneka; and Senior Assistant Secretary Dorcus Nakunda, who represented the Directorate of Finance and Administration.