KAMPALA– The Court of Appeal/Constitutional Court on Friday convened a Court Users’ Committee (CUC) meeting at its premises in Kampala, bringing together key justice sector stakeholders to reflect on service delivery and digital transformation.
The meeting, chaired by the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, was attended by the Court Administrator, Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Justices of the Court of Appeal, Registrars, and staff. Also present were representatives of the Uganda Law Society, the Solicitor General’s Chambers, the Uganda Prisons Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and members of the Bar, among others. The hybrid session attracted both physical and virtual participation.
Justice Dr. Zeija underscored the critical role of the CUC in enhancing the Bar–Bench relationship. He urged mutual respect, collegiality, and open dialogue beyond the courtroom, noting that such engagement not only improves justice delivery but also builds public trust in the legal system. He emphasized that lawyers and judicial officers must see themselves as partners in upholding the rule of law, adding that their shared mission is to ensure justice, fairness, and timely service to the public. “Together, we can ensure that the law serves not just as a tool for the resolution of disputes but as a beacon of hope for every individual who seeks justice and fairness,” he said.
Justice Dr. Zeija further highlighted the Court’s progress in embracing technology, recalling the adoption of the Electronic Court Case Management System (ECCMIS) in 2022. He announced that the Court will fully transition to a paperless system effective October 1, 2025, a milestone expected to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. He called on stakeholders to adopt electronic case management tools such as e-filing, e-payments, and video conferencing, stressing that these innovations are essential for the Court’s modernization journey.
Justice Kiryabwire reiterated the purpose of the meeting as a platform to foster accountability, improve communication, and manage stakeholder expectations. He disclosed that a tracking matrix is being developed to monitor stakeholder concerns and pointed to progress already made in sharing documents electronically.
During the discussions, stakeholders raised a number of issues. They noted that the high cost of heavy-duty scanners may hinder smooth transition to a digital system and urged the administration to support or explore more affordable options. There were calls for clear rules of procedure to be issued before the full migration to a paperless system, particularly with regard to service of documents. Participants also stressed the importance of training clerks and advocates to build capacity for e-filing and digital case management.
Other concerns included abrupt changes in criminal session schedules, which often leave inadequate time for state briefs in appeals, as well as missing or inaccurate records of proceedings. These were coupled with appeals for stricter file scrutiny and the establishment of a taskforce to recover missing files.
The importance of improving public access to the Court of Appeal was also underscored, with proposals for clearer signage and front-desk officers to guide court users instead of relying solely on security personnel.
It was further noted that the Judicature (Electronic Filing, Service, and Virtual Proceedings) Rules 2025 are now in force, providing a legal framework for filing and service under the new digital regime.
The session was moderated by HW Dr. Alex Mushabe, Private Legal Secretary to the Deputy Chief Justice
