The Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs have strengthened efforts to improve the handling of government-related cases in the Bunyoro sub-region following the official opening of the Hoima Regional Office of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
The Resident Judge of Hoima High Court, Vincent Opyene, yesterday presided over the opening of the new regional office, a development expected to enhance coordination between the Judiciary and the Attorney General’s Chambers in the management of cases involving government institutions across the region.
The launch followed a high-level meeting between Judiciary representatives and Ministry officials led by Deputy Solicitor General Charles Ouma.
The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in the handling of cases involving Government Ministries, Departments, Agencies and local governments within the Bunyoro sub-region.
Speaking during the event, Emmanuel Bamwite, the Assistant Registrar at Hoima High Court, welcomed the establishment of the regional office, describing it as a major step toward bringing legal services closer to the people.
“The presence of the office in Hoima will ease access to services relating to estate administration, civil litigation and legal advisory support to government offices in the region,” he said.
Bamwite added that the proximity of the office to the Judiciary will also improve coordination between the courts and the Attorney General’s Chambers, helping to accelerate the disposal of pending government-related matters.
Deputy Solicitor General Ouma said the establishment of the Hoima Regional Office forms part of the Ministry’s wider strategy to decentralise legal services and improve public access to justice.
According to Ouma, the office will serve the entire Bunyoro sub-region and will handle civil litigation, Administrator General services, legal advisory work and disciplinary matters.
He further revealed that the Ministry plans to recruit additional personnel and strengthen alternative dispute resolution mechanisms as part of efforts to ensure timely management and resolution of government-related disputes.
In his remarks, Justice Opyene commended the Ministry for establishing the regional office and called for quicker responses in matters involving compensation and other claims against government entities.
He observed that cases involving government institutions continue to accumulate, urging closer collaboration between the Judiciary and the Attorney General’s Chambers to ensure their expeditious resolution.
Justice Opyene also proposed the introduction of special court sessions dedicated to handling government-related cases in order to reduce delays and address the growing case backlog in the region.
