On Thursday, February 5, 2026, the Judiciary officially opened the New Law Year 2026, with Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo presiding over the ceremony on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
In a message delivered by the Vice President, Museveni congratulated the Judiciary on the commencement of the new legal year and underscored its critical role in advancing socio-economic transformation across the country.
“Your Lordship the Chief Justice, I am happy to be once again a part of this occasion of the Opening of the New Law Year 2026. The Judiciary plays a very big role in the socio-economic transformation of our communities in line with the focus of the NRM Government; to develop Uganda through promoting wealth creation,” Museveni said.
He assured judicial officers that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government remains committed to economic transformation through poverty eradication, raising household incomes and shifting the economy from subsistence production to market-oriented production and value addition.
“As you are aware, the focus of the Government in the next five years under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) is a ten-fold growth strategy which includes prioritising agro-industrialisation, tourism development, science, technology and innovation, including ICT and the creative industry, as well as natural resources such as mineral-based industrial development, including oil and gas,” the President said.
Museveni added that these priorities are supported by key enablers, including environmental protection, energy development, climate change mitigation, infrastructure expansion and human capital development.
He noted that many of these critical areas involve land, investment and transport infrastructure, which are often prone to disputes, and called for a Judiciary that can resolve such matters swiftly.
“We therefore need a supportive Judiciary that will quickly resolve disputes and liberate these key factors of production for further use and re-use,” he said.
The President further stressed that an efficient Judiciary is vital to the success of the Parish Development Model, particularly in ensuring that land and other productive resources are not rendered idle due to prolonged disputes.
He urged the Judiciary to be more creative, innovative and strategic in devising mechanisms for quicker dispute resolution to avoid frustrating citizens and investors, while also promoting harmony, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence among disputing parties.
Museveni applauded the Judiciary for expanding court coverage across the country to improve access to justice, saying this contributes significantly to peace and security.
“This contributes greatly to the preservation of peace and security when people know that they can receive justice quickly, fairly and cheaply,” he said.
Under the Judiciary Transformation Agenda, 38 High Court circuits and eight Court of Appeal circuits have recently been gazetted nationwide to bring court services closer to the public.
Every district has also been designated as a magisterial area, with a Chief Magistrate’s Court and a Magistrate Grade I Court at every county or constituency.
Museveni described these developments as impressive and reflective of visionary leadership within the Judiciary, pledging government support for the full operationalisation of the new courts to ensure affordable and accessible justice.
The President also called on lawyers and advocates to uphold professionalism and ethical conduct, noting their crucial role in ensuring timely delivery of justice.
“You must therefore be committed, act professionally, conduct yourselves ethically and be available when required to help the courts resolve disputes expeditiously,” he said.
He urged judicial officers to embrace alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including reconciliation, to reduce case backlogs, and warned against lawyers who delay justice through unprofessional conduct.
Museveni thanked Ugandans for granting him and the NRM another five-year term in the recently concluded general elections and congratulated Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija upon his appointment as Chief Justice.
“I have confidence in you to continue with the transformation of the Judiciary and promotion of a harmonious working relationship with the Executive for the good of our people,” he said.
He also congratulated Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo upon his retirement as Chief Justice, praising him for his committed, transformative and exemplary leadership, particularly in championing alternative dispute resolution and the Judiciary Transformation Agenda.
