Kiboga– Chief Justice Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija has reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to improving access to justice through court expansion, digitization, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and enhanced judicial services across the country.
Speaking during the Kiboga High Court Open Day held at the Kiboga High Court grounds under the theme “Justice that Listens, Serves and Resolves,” Justice Zeija outlined ongoing reforms aimed at bringing justice closer to the people.
The event attracted judicial officers, Judiciary support staff, representatives from Justice Sector institutions, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Law Society, legal aid providers, district and local leaders, religious leaders, and members of the public.
Justice Zeija noted that the Judiciary has established magisterial areas across the country, with every district now hosting a Chief Magistrate’s Court and every constituency having a Magistrate Grade One Court. However, he acknowledged that some courts remain non-operational due to shortages of judicial officers and limited funding.
Addressing concerns about the delayed operationalization of courts in Ntwetwe, Bukomero, Kapeke, and Dwaniro, he said the Judiciary intends to activate the courts once additional magistrates are recruited, a process expected to commence in the next financial year.
“We remain committed to prioritizing these courts once recruitment is completed,” he said.
The Chief Justice also highlighted the Judiciary’s ongoing digital transformation programme, which will enable litigants to file cases electronically, receive hearing notifications, and participate in court proceedings remotely. He revealed that support centres will be established to assist court users who may encounter challenges navigating the digital system.
He added that hard-copy filing will gradually be phased out as the Judiciary transitions to fully digital operations.
On justice delivery reforms, Justice Zeija emphasized the promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including mediation and plea bargaining, as a strategy to reduce case backlog and expedite dispute resolution.
He noted that religious leaders, Resident District Commissioners, cultural leaders, and other community leaders are being trained to facilitate mediation within the framework of the law.
To illustrate the effectiveness of mediation, he cited a leadership dispute involving the Bagwere Cultural Institution, where 16 out of 18 cases filed before the High Court in Mbale were successfully resolved through mediation facilitated by the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda.
The Chief Justice further revealed that the Judiciary has expanded the jurisdiction of Magistrates’ Courts to improve access to justice. The jurisdictional limit for Chief Magistrates has increased from Shs50 million to Shs200 million, while that of Magistrates Grade One has risen from Shs20 million to Shs100 million.
He also announced plans to decentralize the Court of Appeal and the Inspectorate of Courts to facilitate quicker and more affordable handling of appeals and complaints. Additionally, mobile courts have been introduced to serve communities without permanent court facilities.
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. He also highlighted the importance of the Witness Protection Law in safeguarding individuals who testify in court proceedings.
He commended the Resident Judge and staff of the Kiboga High Court Circuit for their performance in case management and service delivery since the circuit was established in 2024. He also thanked district leaders for providing land for court construction projects.
