Outgoing Principal Judge Flavian Zeija has issued a stern warning to judges in Bunyoro, accusing some of them of corruption that undermines justice for ordinary citizens.
Speaking during an open court day at Hoima High Court, Justice Zeija condemned the practice of delaying cases—particularly land disputes—allegedly to solicit bribes.
He emphasized that such conduct betrays the judiciary’s role in ensuring fair justice.
“It is very unfortunate when we start hearing cases of judges asking for money to make judgments,” said Zeija, who was last week appointed as Deputy Chief Justice and will assume the new top role in May when Justice Richard Buteera retires from the Supreme Court bench.
“How do you remand a person on corruption charges when you are also being corrupt? Then you also deserve to be remanded. This habit must stop.”
Zeija criticized delays in land cases, which he said were often intentional. While acknowledging a backlog due to limited manpower, he urged judicial officers to prioritize efficiency.
“Cases should be disposed of as early as possible. Inform people when judgments will be made and provide them with copies. Don’t delay cases unnecessarily,” he said.
The judge also rejected a proposed court construction site in Nyarugabo, about 10 kilometers outside Hoima City, arguing that placing courts far from urban centers limits public access to justice.
“We are talking about making services more accessible, and you give us land far from the city? Does this mean there is no land within Hoima City?” he asked.
Zeija also highlighted efforts to digitize court processes, revealing that the judiciary is working to allow online case filing and virtual hearings.
“In Kampala, people can file cases from their computers. We are now working to ensure that even those outside the country can attend court digitally without traveling to Uganda,” he said.
Hoima Resident City Commissioner Badru Mugabi, speaking on behalf of the region, affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring justice but called for more court facilities and staff.
“As a government, we need more courts in the region. Sometimes this place is overflowing with people. Hoima has only one High Court judge, yet there are so many cases,” Mugabi said.
Zeija acknowledged the concern but pointed to financial constraints, promising to push for increased funding through Parliament.
“We have just added ten more judges this year. Our target is to have at least one magistrate per constituency,” he said.