The Judiciary will implement a fully paperless court system starting June 1, 2026, in all courts operating under the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), Chief Justice Flavian Zeija has announced.
In a circular issued on February 17, Zeija directed judicial officers, court staff, advocates, and court users to fully adopt the electronic system for filings, case management, and court proceedings.
Physical filing of court documents will cease in all ECCMIS-enabled courts, with paper files maintained only under exceptional, explicitly authorized circumstances.
“All filings, service, and acknowledgments of court processes shall be done electronically via ECCMIS,” the directive states.
“Manual filing of court documents shall cease in all courts where ECCMIS is operational.”
Under the paperless system, judicial officers will conduct proceedings, manage cases, and deliver judgments electronically, while registrars will generate monthly performance statistics.
ECCMIS kiosks at courts will remain available for individuals representing themselves.
Chief Justice Zeija emphasized that compliance is mandatory and that all data entered into ECCMIS must be accurate and up-to-date.
The circular references Article 126 of the Constitution, which obliges the Judiciary to administer justice efficiently and without undue technicalities.
“This transition marks a major milestone in modernizing court operations and strengthening the Judiciary’s commitment to delivering justice efficiently,” Zeija said.
Copies of the directive were sent to the Deputy Chief Justice, the Principal Judge, the Acting Chief Registrar, all advocates, and court users to ensure coordinated implementation.
The move to a paperless system is expected to reduce delays, improve record-keeping, enhance accountability, and increase public confidence in Uganda’s courts.
