KAMPALA– The Acting Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga, chaired a bar–bench meeting at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala with a view of providing an open platform to discuss key challenges facing the justice system and to explore practical solutions for improving service delivery.
The meeting which was attended by Heads of Divisions, Registrars, Magistrates, and representatives from justice sector institutions, including the Uganda Law Society (ULS), Uganda Police Force, and Uganda Revenue Authority, among others.
In her remarks, the Acting Principal Judge emphasized the importance of regular dialogue between the Bench, the Bar, and partner institutions to strengthen justice delivery. She noted that the meeting’s intimate and strategic nature was designed to address overarching policy issues and chart a clear path forward.
Lady Justice Jane commended the Uganda Law Society for its collaboration with the Judiciary, citing the Society’s role in resolving the lawyers’ strike at Masaka High Court in June as an example of effective cooperation.
She recalled that during a meeting between the ULS and the Chief Justice in June, the Chief Justice underscored the need for cordial and professional relations between the Judiciary and the Law Society where both institutions agreed to maintain ongoing communication, coordination, and collaboration while executing their complementary mandates.
The Acting Principal Judge called for greater respect and professionalism in Bar–Bench interactions, expressing concern over personal attacks on judicial officers, particularly on social media. She urged that grievances be raised through proper channels.
On the issue of case backlog, Lady Justice Kajuga noted that the Judiciary has identified the most critical cases and is diligently resolving long-standing matters. She stressed that effective case management and timely disposal of cases is a shared responsibility between the Bar and the Bench, requiring adherence to case management rules and avoidance of unnecessary adjournments.
She further highlighted the Judiciary’s promotion of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), particularly mediation, as a key strategy for a people-centered justice system. She encouraged advocates to embrace ADR for faster and amicable dispute resolution, observing that uptake by the Bar is still low.
The Acting Principal Judge called for solution-oriented discussions on bottlenecks hindering justice delivery and stressed collaborative efforts to enhance efficiency, strengthen institutional cooperation, and build public trust in the justice system.
The Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya, highlighted progress since the last bar–bench meeting in September 2024. Key initiatives included the National Court Case Census 2025, ADR rollout and mediator deployment, regular performance review meetings, and the expansion of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) to several High Court circuits. Additional efforts involved customer care training, creation of an e-roll for advocates, and streamlined administrative processes in collaboration with the Uganda Law Society and the Law Council
HW Lamunu urged participants to engage with respect and shared purpose, emphasizing the ultimate goal of an accessible, transparent, and efficient justice system for all citizens.
Mr. Asiimwe Anthony, Vice President of the Uganda Law Society, welcomed the forum as a reflection of the partnership between the Bar, the Bench, and the public. He emphasized the importance of people-centered justice, praising reforms such as special sessions to reduce backlog, small claims procedures, and the use of technology, including virtual hearings.
