The Judiciary has officially opened the Kumi High Court Circuit, a move aimed at decentralising justice services and reducing the workload on Soroti High Court, which has been handling cases from several jurisdictions.
The launch, presided over by the Acting Principal Judge Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga, marks a significant step in expanding the Judiciary’s presence in eastern Uganda.
Ahead of the event, judicial officers and justice sector actors participated in a community march through Kumi Town to raise awareness about the new court’s services.
The activities began with a radio talk show on Continental FM the previous evening.
As part of the launch, a commemorative tree was planted in the court compound, followed by a guided tour of the new premises.
The Kumi High Court currently has 284 case files, mostly criminal, that were recently transferred from Soroti High Court. Lady Justice Mary Ikit, the Resident Judge of Kumi, said the establishment of the circuit will help decongest Soroti and allow for more efficient handling of cases.
Justice Okuo acknowledged ongoing staffing challenges in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), warning that such gaps could delay case resolutions.
During the tour of the court, Justice Okuo commended the facility's organization and maintenance, particularly the archive and exhibition stores.
The launch drew attendance from key figures in the justice sector, including Justice Boniface Wamala of Soroti High Court, judiciary spokesperson James Ereemye Jumire Mawanda, Deputy Registrar of Soroti Emmy Sayekwo, Assistant Registrar of Kumi Umar Mubiru, and Chief Magistrate Hope Namisi.
Also present were Grade I Magistrates, local district leaders, traditional and religious authorities, and representatives from justice institutions and the wider community.
The event took place under the theme “Enhancing Judicial Accountability and Access to Justice.”