The Court of Appeal of Uganda has trained registrars, research magistrates and court clerks to improve the handling of civil appeals and address the challenge of missing records that continue to delay the delivery of justice.
Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera—acting on behalf of the Judiciary's leadership—opened the one-day training on conferencing, case scheduling and record management at the Court of Appeal Building in Kampala.
During the training, judicial officers were reminded that missing and incomplete court records remain a persistent challenge that hinders appellate review and denies litigants timely resolution of their cases.
"Administrative delays erode public confidence in the justice system. Efficient scheduling ensures productive hearings and timely disposal of appeals," the Deputy Chief Justice said.
The Court of Appeal is currently developing a framework to manage appeals involving missing records. The framework will include registry audits, certificates for missing files, verification processes for lost records and reconstruction orders where recovery of files is not possible.
"The success of this framework depends on the diligence of officers handling records," he added.
The Deputy Chief Justice also noted that the Judiciary's transition to paperless court systems demands greater discipline in document management, secure transmission of files and the maintenance of data integrity.
Research magistrates and court clerks were informed that their work forms the backbone of court operations, with proper file management, conferencing notes and legal research playing a crucial role in reducing delays and ensuring the efficient disposal of cases.
The training aimed to establish uniform practices across court registries, strengthen coordination among judicial officers and improve the management of appeals before the court.
The Court of Appeal of Uganda handles all civil appeals arising from the High Court. However, increasing case volumes and administrative challenges have continued to put pressure on the court's systems and resources.
Judiciary officials say improving record management and standardising procedures across registries will help enhance efficiency, minimise delays and strengthen public trust in Uganda's justice system.
