Government has officially launched regional Attorney General Chambers in Hoima to serve the entire Bunyoro sub-region, in a move aimed at extending legal services closer to the population.
According to Deputy Solicitor General Charles Ouma, the initiative is part of a broader government plan to establish regional offices across the country and reduce the burden on Ugandans who have traditionally travelled long distances to Kampala to access services offered by the Solicitor General and Administrator General.
Speaking during the launch of the offices in Kijungu, Hoima City, Ouma said the Attorney General Chambers serve as the state’s principal legal counsel, public prosecutor, and guardian of the rule of law.
“Operating at both national and regional levels, these offices ensure that government acts within the law, defend the public interest, and protect taxpayer funds,” Ouma said.
He added that the regional Attorney General Chambers will bring essential legal services directly to local communities by representing government institutions and local authorities in civil litigation, employment tribunals, and human rights cases.
Ouma further explained that the offices will advise regional administrators and government agencies on matters related to public finance, land acquisition, and administrative law, while also vetting local contracts to prevent financial loss.
The Hoima Resident City Commissioner, Badr Mugabi, commended the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs for bringing services closer to the people.
He noted that the regional chambers will improve access to justice by reducing the need for citizens to travel to the capital for state-related legal services.
Mugabi also said the offices would strengthen coordination among justice stakeholders, including judicial officers, police, and probation services, to support efficient law enforcement and early dispute resolution.
Presiding over the event as chief guest, Vincent Opyeno, the Resident Judge of the Hoima Court Circuit, welcomed the establishment of the offices, saying they would help address the growing number of cases involving the Attorney General.
“We currently have 47 cases involving the Attorney General, and handling them has been difficult because services have been coming from either Fort Portal or Gulu,” Justice Opyeno said.
He revealed that many of the cases involve agencies such as the Uganda National Roads Authority and the National Forestry Authority, particularly compensation disputes affecting nearly 5,000 people.
“We are going to work closely with the Attorney General Chambers to handle these matters,” he added.
Justice Opyeno said the court would initially focus on mediation before scheduling cases for hearing sessions to speed up disposal.
“Our aim is to ensure that people see work moving fast and feel the presence of the Attorney General’s offices,” he said.
The judge assured the regional Attorney General Chambers of close coordination with the Hoima Court Circuit to expedite case handling and reduce case backlog.
