Judicial officers have been encouraged to adopt technology to address the backlog of over 13,400 cases in Uganda’s judicial system.
The call focuses on enhancing skills in managing tax disputes to recover billions in funds tied to unresolved cases, ensuring timely justice and upholding the rule of law.
Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija made these remarks during a five-day judicial training in Entebbe, organised by the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
Representing Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, Dr. Zeija highlighted the strain on the judiciary, with 13,474 cases pending at the Court of Appeal and 900 at the Supreme Court as of October 19, 2025.
“The courts, under their current structures and procedures, must adapt to deliver timely and meaningful justice,” Zeija said, urging justices to address outdated rules, inconsistent procedures, and conflicting decisions.
He proposed timelines for drafting opinions to improve efficiency and consistency.
URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi Rujoki urged faster resolution of 58 tax-related cases worth Shs671 billion, pending at the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. He emphasised that delays in litigation hinder revenue collection, investor confidence, and fiscal planning.
“Prolonged litigation is a barrier to national development,” Musinguzi stated, calling for tax justice to support governance and public trust.
He noted Uganda’s 13.9 percent tax-to-GDP ratio is unsustainable, with URA targeting UGX 40 trillion for the 2025/2026 financial year to reduce external borrowing.
Musinguzi praised judicial innovations like the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) and virtual hearings, aligning with URA’s digital transformation.
He also lauded rulings like the Supreme Court’s decision affirming the Tax Appeals Tribunal as the first instance in tax disputes.
Supreme Court Justice Mike Chibita, chair of the Judiciary Governing Council, described the training as vital for a consistent judicial system. Using a parable about sharpening an axe to work faster, he underscored the value of preparation.
The training, led by JTI’s Executive Director Justice Andrew Khaukha, covers tax structures, oil and gas taxation, customs procedures, and global tax law trends. It includes senior justices like Richard Buteera and newly appointed Court of Appeal justices such as Musa Ssekaana.
The judiciary and URA pledged ongoing collaboration to enhance legal clarity and economic resilience, addressing systemic inefficiencies for timely justice.