The Judiciary has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to justice across Uganda through ongoing reforms that include court expansion, digitisation of services, strengthened Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, and broader improvements in judicial service delivery aimed at reducing delays and bringing services closer to citizens.
The commitment was highlighted by the Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, of the Judiciary of Uganda during the Kiboga High Court Open Day held at the Kiboga High Court grounds under the theme “Justice that Listens, Serves and Resolves.”
The event brought together judicial officers, Judiciary support staff, and representatives from justice sector institutions including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Uganda Police Force, the Uganda Prisons Service, the Uganda Law Society, legal aid providers, district and local leaders, religious leaders, and members of the public.
Justice Zeija outlined reforms aimed at bringing justice services closer to citizens, noting that the Judiciary has established magisterial areas across the country, with every district hosting a Chief Magistrate’s Court and every constituency having a Magistrate Grade One Court.
He acknowledged, however, that some courts remain non-operational due to shortages of judicial officers and limited funding, which continues to affect service delivery in some areas.
He specifically addressed concerns over the delayed operationalisation of courts in Ntwetwe, Bukomero, Kapeke, and Dwaniro, stating that they will become operational once additional magistrates are recruited, a process expected to begin in the next financial year.
“We remain committed to prioritizing these courts once recruitment is completed,” he said.
Justice Zeija further highlighted the Judiciary’s digital transformation programme, which is expected to allow litigants to file cases electronically, receive hearing notifications, and participate in court proceedings remotely.
He said support centres will be set up to help users adapt to the system, noting that hard-copy filing will gradually be phased out as digital operations expand.
On justice delivery reforms, he emphasized the promotion of ADR, including mediation and plea bargaining, as tools to reduce case backlog and speed up dispute resolution.
He also noted that religious leaders, Resident District Commissioners, cultural leaders, and other community actors are being trained to support mediation within the legal framework.
To illustrate progress in ADR, he cited a leadership dispute involving the Bagwere Cultural Institution, where 16 out of 18 cases filed before the High Court in Mbale were resolved through mediation facilitated by the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda.
Justice Zeija also announced an increase in the jurisdictional limits of lower courts, raising the threshold for Chief Magistrates from Shs50 million to Shs200 million, and for Magistrates Grade One from Shs20 million to Shs100 million, a move aimed at improving efficiency and reducing pressure on higher courts.
He further revealed plans to decentralise the Court of Appeal and the Inspectorate of Courts to improve accessibility and speed up the handling of appeals and complaints. Mobile courts have also been introduced to serve communities without permanent court infrastructure.
Justice Zeija urged the public to trust the courts, cooperate as witnesses when required, embrace ADR mechanisms, and support efforts to eliminate corruption within the justice system.
“The Judiciary is committed to bringing justice closer to the people through expanded access, strengthened alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and ensuring that citizens can trust and effectively engage with the justice system,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of the Witness Protection Law in safeguarding individuals who testify in court proceedings, and commended the Resident Judge and staff of the Kiboga High Court Circuit for their performance since its establishment in 2024. He further thanked district leaders for providing land for court construction projects.
