Judiciary Uganda

We appreciate feedback from the public especially court users. Reach us any time on our toll free line 0800111900/0800225587 to give us feedback about our services or staff. Help us to serve you better.

Earlier: The State-Funded Legal Representation Committee today met at the Supreme Court Building to discuss its workplan and identify priority areas for its activities. The meeting was chaired by the Chief Registrar, HW Agnes Alum, who thanked members for their participation and contributions. Discussions included plans to engage beneficiaries of state brief legal representation to better understand their experiences and inform the Committee’s work

The Judiciary has commenced a two-day training workshop on the Performance Enhancement Tool (PET) for staff from the Registry of Communications and Public Relations, the Policy and Planning Department, and the Human Resources Department. The training builds on the initial rollout to Chief Magistrates and ICT staff during the 2025/2026 Financial Year and seeks to equip participants with practical skills in performance planning, reporting and appraisal. Opening the workshop, Justice Mike Chibita, Chairperson of the Performance Management and Awards Committee, described the implementation of PET and the 360-degree electronic performance appraisal system as an important step in modernising the Judiciary. He emphasised that the Judiciary’s ability to uphold democracy, safeguard citizens’ rights and deliver timely, fair and impartial justice depends on the dedication and productivity of both judicial officers and administrative staff. Justice Chibita explained that the performance framework is intended to support professional development, clarify responsibilities, align staff expectations and strengthen institutional accountability. He stressed that its purpose is to improve performance rather than punish staff. Outlining the training objectives, he said participants would learn to navigate the PET interface and use its automated functions to simplify workflows, reduce reporting errors and improve processes previously handled manually. The Tool is also intended to support real-time reporting, informed decision-making and coordination across courts and administrative departments. He noted that continuous feedback under the 360-degree appraisal model would help staff and supervisors identify challenges early, address performance gaps and undertake structured performance planning. Justice Chibita urged participants to engage actively in the sessions, share their operational experiences and complete their electronic performance plans for the current financial year. Speaking at the workshop, the Chief Registrar, HW Agnes Alum, said the system was launched by the President in 2019 and went live on October 17, 2025. She explained that the current training extends implementation to selected departmental heads and staff, following the initial rollout to Chief Magistrates and ICT personnel. Participants will use the Tool both as appraisees and as evaluators of peers, subordinates and supervisors. HW Alum said PET is designed to strengthen efficiency, accountability and transparency through clear key performance indicators and staff responsibilities. She highlighted structured feedback, recognition of performance and standardised appraisals as important elements of continuous professional growth. She also emphasised that the usefulness of the Tool depends on the quality and accuracy of the information entered by its users. The two-day programme covers the PET 360-degree appraisal framework, including scoring models, the roles of different participants, key performance indicators, and core and non-core competencies. Participants will also be introduced to case weights, targets, complexity factors, survey instruments for court users, advocates and prosecutors, and procedures for entering survey results

The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has called for early access to legal representation, timely investigations and stronger coordination among justice institutions to address prolonged pre-trial detention. Addressing a meeting with a team from Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF) at her chambers at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala, Lady Justice Abodo urged the Judiciary and civil society organisations to translate their partnerships into practical, lasting improvements for people in detention. She said successful interventions should be incorporated into institutional practice so that their benefits continue beyond individual project periods. “Pre-trial detention really makes us look bad as a country generally. How do you get a case in court and find that someone has been in prison for six years?” she asked, citing instances where accused persons had spent years on remand before being acquitted because of insufficient evidence. The Principal Judge emphasised that efforts to address prolonged detention must examine the entire criminal justice process, from arrest and police custody to investigations, prosecution and case disposal. She noted that people held in police cells may remain outside the attention of courts and other justice institutions, underscoring the importance of legal assistance from the time of arrest. Lady Justice Abodo urged ASF to share findings, statistics and experiences from its work with detainees to help identify gaps and guide targeted interventions. “You are in a unique position to see exactly where the gaps are. When you come to the Judiciary, you should be telling us where you need us to intervene and where that intervention will have the most impact,” she said. She added that timely case reviews by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) had helped identify matters that were not ready for trial and prevent unnecessary delays. The Principal Judge said the Judiciary was establishing a taskforce to address prison congestion, with the aim of achieving tangible results within one year. Its work would also examine how to ensure that cases proceeding through the justice system are supported by sufficient evidence. *Safeguarding fairness in Plea Bargaining and bail* Lady Justice Abodo cautioned against accused persons entering plea agreements merely because they are exhausted by prolonged imprisonment. She stressed that plea bargaining should reflect a voluntary and informed decision by a person who accepts responsibility for an offence and understands the consequences. On bail, she emphasised the need to protect judicial independence and allow judicial officers to determine individual applications in accordance with the applicable legal framework and guidelines. She called for closer coordination among the Judiciary, police and ODPP to support timely investigations, effective prosecution and expeditious case disposal, while protecting the interests of accused persons, victims and society. *Prioritising rehabilitation and reintegration of children* The Principal Judge said the Judiciary was prioritising timely handling of children’s cases, legal representation, diversion, rehabilitation and reintegration. Following concerns identified during her visit to Kampiringisa National Rehabilitation Centre, she said the Judiciary was working with Pepperdine University to support improvements in children’s living conditions. Special court sessions were also ongoing to ensure that children’s cases receive prompt attention, taking account of their particular needs and circumstances. She further highlighted collaboration with the @IDLO International Development Law Organisation to improve legal representation, review cases involving children in detention and explore opportunities for diversion and bail where appropriate

Ongoing: The Constitutional Court has commenced a two-day Constitutional Petitions session, during which a total of 12 matters are scheduled to be heard. The session will conclude tomorrow Wednesday, November 4, 2026. It aims to expedite the hearing and determination of pending constitutional cases and promote their timely disposal. Proceedings are being presided over by the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, alongside Lady Justice Irene Mulyagonja, Justice Dr. Asa Mugenyi, Justice John Mike Musisi, Lady Justice Florence Nakachwa, and Lady Justice Esta Nambayo. According to the cause list issued by the Court’s Deputy Registrar, HW Mugala Jane, among the matters listed for hearing is a petition filed by Robert Mwesige Vs Attorney General, challenging the legality and constitutionality of privileges, allowances and benefits awarded to Members of Parliament, which he alleges are excessive, discriminatory and an abuse of public resources. The Court will also hear a petition filed by the Democratic Front and two others against the Attorney General and Electoral Commission. They challenge the organization and conduct of parliamentary elections without first reviewing the demarcation of Parliamentary Constituencies within 12 months after the publication of the results of the census of the population of Uganda, which, according to them, is contrary to Article 63(5) of the Constitution of Uganda. Other matters include a petition by National Unity Platform vs Attorney General, challenging Section 14(2) of the Political Parties and Organizations Act, insofar as it restricts government funds or other public resources to political parties and organizations that are members of or engage in activities of the inter-party organization, and is therefore inconsistent with Articles 2, 20, 21, 29(1)(e) and 71(2) of the Constitution. A petition by Eddie Kwizera vs Attorney General, challenging, among others, Sections 18, 20, 22 and 23 of the Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Act, 2022, on grounds that creating a charge on the Consolidated Fund contravenes Article 93(a)(ii) of the Constitution. Aboneka Michael vs Attorney General seeking a declaration that the filing and subsequent hearing of cases before the Local Council Courts, which are not recognized in the Constitution as competent courts of jurisdiction under the impugned sections, are in contravention of and inconsistent with Articles 2, 6, 21, 26, 28, 126, 128 and 151 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. The Court will also handle the case of Okodo Peter vs Electoral Commission, seeking an interpretation as to whether the disqualification of a duly nominated parliamentary candidate on the basis of a conviction that is the subject of a pending appeal violated Articles 28(1), 42 and 126(1) of the Constitution, among other cases. Petitioners and their legal representatives are present in Court

The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo will preside over Moroto High Court Open Day on the 10th of November 2026

The Family Division of the High Court has commenced a Mediation Fortnight targeting over 500 family and estate disputes, with a call to litigants and advocates to embrace amicable settlement. Speaking on UBC Radio on November 2, HW Suzanne Aisia Musooli, a Deputy Registrar at the Division, said the Court was ready for the exercise, which runs from November 2 to 13, 2026, under the theme “Give Mediation a Chance.” She said a team of accredited mediators had been assigned to handle the cause-listed matters, which include divorce causes, administration of estates and contested applications for the grant or renewal of letters of administration. HW Musooli highlighted mediation as a faster and more cost-effective means of resolving disputes, while helping families preserve relationships that may otherwise be strained by prolonged litigation. She noted that successful mediation also contributes to reducing the Court’s case backlog. She urged advocates, litigants and justice sector stakeholders to support the exercise and participate fully, emphasising the opportunity for families to reach mutually acceptable solutions. HW Musooli thanked the Judiciary’s leadership for prioritising Alternative Dispute Resolution as a means of improving justice delivery. She particularly commended the Head of the Family Division, Justice Eudes John Keitirima, for his leadership in advancing the Division’s work. She also recognised the mediators for their dedication to helping families resolve disputes amicably and achieve lasting settlements

The Mbale High Court has opened its first criminal session at Pallisa Chief Magistrate’s Court, taking High Court services closer to communities whose cases have previously been heard in Mbale. The month-long session, which opened on Monday, November 2, 2026, is presided over by Justice Lawrence Tweyanze and will handle 52 criminal cases. Although Pallisa is gazetted as a High Court station, it is yet to be operationalised. The session marks the first High Court criminal sitting at Pallisa Chief Magistrate’s Court in its more than 20-years existence. The cause list comprises 24 defilement cases, 16 murder cases, seven rape cases, four aggravated robbery cases and one aggravated trafficking case. Speaking during a pre-session stakeholders’ meeting, Justice Tweyanze thanked the Judiciary leadership for facilitating the session and extending judicial services closer to the people. He said the session would contribute to reducing case backlog and advancing timely and fair justice. The Judge urged all participants to observe discipline, punctuality and procedural timelines, stressing that effective delivery of justice requires professionalism and cooperation across institutions. He emphasised that the court’s responsibility is both to hold the guilty accountable and to ensure that innocent persons are promptly exonerated. He also encouraged accused persons who committed the offences to accept responsibility and consider plea bargaining. Justice Tweyanze expressed his intention to conclude the session by the end of November, possibly before the full 30 days, with the cooperation of all stakeholders. *Stakeholders affirm readiness* The pre-session meeting, chaired by Justice Tweyanze and moderated by the Chief Magistrate, HW Lydia Kambedha, assessed institutional readiness and coordinated arrangements for the session. Representatives of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions reported that the case files were in order and that efforts to secure witness attendance were underway. Defence counsel confirmed that they had consulted accused persons in preparation for their representation. Police and prisons representatives affirmed their logistical readiness while highlighting challenges, including prison congestion. Welfare and probation officers outlined arrangements to support witnesses and victims, particularly child victims in defilement cases. Earlier, Justice Tweyanze inspected a guard of honour and was received by HW Kambedha, Senior Magistrate HW Agnes Nabafu and Magistrate HW Kyembe Karim. In attendance; Research Magistrate, HW Flavia Namugga; district political, administrative and security leaders; a representative of the Emori Mori; prosecution and defence teams; police and prisons officers; assessors; welfare and probation officers. Following the stakeholders’ meeting, Justice Tweyanze held a separate meeting with defence counsel and state attorneys to discuss arrangements for the conduct of the session

HW Edger Nyakairu, Personal Assistant to the Principal Judge, has called for stronger coordination between courts and prison authorities to reduce prolonged remand, improve case management and safeguard the rights of people in custody. He made the call while delivering a lecture at the Prisons Academy and Training School (PATS) in Luzira during the fifth intake of the Intermediate Command and Staff Course 005/26. Held under the theme, “Judiciary Strategies for Improved Access to Justice for People in Custody,” the lecture brought together 52 senior officers, ranging from Assistant Superintendent of Prisons to Assistant Commissioner of Prisons. These were drawn from various departments and units of the Uganda Prisons Service. HW Nyakairu emphasised that access to justice for people in custody depends on the administrative and legal actions taken throughout the criminal justice process, from arrest to final determination of their cases. Citing figures from 2024, he noted that Uganda’s prison population had exceeded 79,000 inmates, with almost half awaiting trial and facilities operating at nearly three and a half times their intended capacity. He identified prolonged remand as a major contributor to congestion, noting that people facing capital charges spent an average of 17.5 months on remand. He said overcrowding, compounded by staffing constraints, placed considerable pressure on detention facilities and the wider justice system. HW Nyakairu outlined the Judiciary’s interventions to address these challenges, including the multi-agency Prison Decongestion Task Force, which brings together justice-sector institutions to conduct remand audits, identify facilities under pressure and improve case processing. Other measures highlighted included plea bargaining, the Daily Hearing Project to reduce reliance on session-based trials, mobile courts and virtual court proceedings. He noted that video conferencing had been extended to 20 prisons to support court appearances while reducing transport costs and security risks. He also highlighted the role of District Chain-Linked Committees in strengthening coordination among local justice institutions and addressing obstacles to the timely handling of cases. Turning to the responsibilities of prison authorities, HW Nyakairu urged commanders to maintain accurate records of remand prisoners, identify individuals approaching applicable legal deadlines and carefully examine commitment warrants to support accurate sentence computation. He called on officers to ensure the timely production of inmates for physical and virtual court appearances, facilitate access to legal aid providers and judicial review teams, and help detainees obtain information about bail and appeals. HW Nyakairu further emphasised the need to prioritise vulnerable people in custody, including juveniles, older persons and individuals with mental health concerns, to promote fair and timely treatment. During the interactive discussion, participants raised concerns about juvenile offending. Participants also called for stronger traditional African justice systems and greater use of mediation in civil disputes to promote community-based dispute resolution and reduce pressure on formal courts. Among those in attendance was Superintendent of Prisons Peter Nuwagaba, Deputy Commandant of PATS

Happening Now: The Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, is the chief guest at a fundraising function organized by the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Foundation (AMDEF) at Nyamitanga Cathedral grounds in Mbarara City. AMDEF is a long-term resource mobilization and self-reliance initiative launched last year by the Archbishop of Mbarara, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha. The event is part of the Archbishop’s pastoral visit to Mbarara City Region and is aimed at raising funds to support the Archdiocese’s development projects while promoting the Church’s financial self-reliance. Through AMDEF, the Archbishop undertakes annual pastoral visits to different districts in the western region, using the engagements to mobilize financial support from local communities, leaders and other well-wishers. The event has started with Holy Mass led by His Grace Bainomugisha as the main celebrant. It is attended by clergy, representatives of various institutions, district and local leaders, religious leaders, and members of the public. Notably present is Justice Eudes Keitirima (Head Family Division)

A team from Mengo Chief Magistrate’s Court, led by the Chief Magistrate in charge, HW Doreen Ajuna, paid a courtesy call on the Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom, @cpmayiga Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga to explore collaboration in promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Alternative Justice Systems (AJS). The engagement sought to strengthen community awareness and expand opportunities for resolving disputes through mediation and reconciliation. HW Ajuna thanked the Katikkiro for receiving the team and recognised the Kingdom’s role as a key stakeholder and landlord of the Court. Making a presentation to the Katikkiro and Kingdom officials, including the Attorney General, Chief Magistrate HW Daphine Ayebare, who is also President of the Uganda Judicial Officers Association, emphasised the importance of mediation and reconciliation in restoring family relationships and promoting peace within communities. She said Judicial Officers at Mengo Chief Magistrate’s Court were ready to participate in sensitisation programmes to help communities understand and use ADR and AJS. The proposed areas of collaboration include mediation, the development of a referral mechanism, capacity building and public sensitisation. HW Ayebare also highlighted programmes at the Court and invited the Kingdom to participate. In his remarks, the Katikkiro underscored the relationship between access to justice and development. He noted that people are better able to pursue productive activities when they have confidence that their grievances can be resolved fairly. Unresolved disputes and difficulties in obtaining justice, he observed, create uncertainty and divert attention from livelihoods. He welcomed the discussion on ADR and AJS, noting that these approaches have long been practised in Buganda through its traditional dispute resolution structures. He cited Kisekwa, also known as _Embuga ya Kisekwa,_ which he said handles clan-related disputes, lineage matters, succession and customary or ancestral land conflicts. The Katikkiro also commended Mengo Court for maintaining a good tenancy relationship with the Kingdom and acknowledged the Judiciary’s timely payment of rent. He called for greater recognition of the Judiciary’s contribution to national progress, explaining that investment and trade depend on reliable mechanisms for resolving disputes, enforcing rights and providing remedies. An effective justice system, he said, builds confidence among local and foreign investors. Reaffirming Buganda Kingdom’s commitment to the rule of law, the Katikkiro acknowledged the role of judicial officers in upholding it. He urged them to exercise courage in dispensing justice, particularly in protecting vulnerable people, including the poor, children and women. Chief Magistrate HW Mariam Ssemwaga Nalujja thanked the Katikkiro for his guidance on cultural preservation and the importance of helping young people make informed decisions about marriage. Other members of the team were HW Michael Bbosa, HW Adams Byarugaba, HW Yunus Ndiwalana, HW Roger Rwigabo, HW Nause Tumuhimbise, HW Ackline Kembabazi and the Office Supervisor, Ms Marina Kwanzi.

Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire of the Court of Appeal has called for closer collaboration between the Judiciary and the legal profession to advance digital transformation while safeguarding constitutionalism, privacy and due process. He made the call during the launch of PM Law AI at Fairway Boutique Hotel in Nakasero, Kampala, where he represented the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi. Developed by PM Digital Law Hub, founded by Dr Paul Mukiibi, PM Law AI is an artificial intelligence-powered legal research tool designed to help advocates, judicial officers, lecturers, students and researchers locate decisions, examine judgments and work through legal questions more efficiently. Justice Kiryabwire welcomed the innovation, noting that technology would play an increasingly important role in legal and judicial practice. He urged the Bar to work with the Judiciary to address the challenges accompanying its adoption. “Indeed, there may be a downside to adopting technology in terms of issues like constitutionalism, privacy and due process. But I want to call upon the Bar to work together with the Judiciary to address these concerns with regard to digital transformation,” he said. Congratulating Dr Mukiibi on obtaining his PhD and launching the platform, Justice Kiryabwire described the initiative as a contribution to the digital transformation of legal practice. He outlined the Judiciary’s progress in adopting technology, saying AI capabilities were already being used in legal research resources, including the Uganda Legal Information Institute (ULII) and LexisNexis, with plans to incorporate AI into the Judgment Writing Tool. He also reported that the Judiciary had adopted TurboScribe to support the transcription of court proceedings and was engaging a service provider to upgrade the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) to incorporate AI capabilities. Justice Kiryabwire said the Judiciary Council had approved the Judiciary Information and Communications Technology Policy 2026 to guide the institution’s ICT priorities. He noted that the policy expressly recognises and defines AI, and that a dedicated AI unit had been established within the ICT Department to coordinate its adoption across judicial processes. Turning to legal practice, he encouraged lawyers and law firms of all sizes to identify their technological needs and develop strategies to improve productivity and service delivery. Referring to Professor Richard Susskind’s work on the future of the legal profession, he warned that practitioners who fail to adapt to technological change risk being left behind. He acknowledged, however, that innovation often advances faster than the frameworks intended to regulate it. He called for regulation that responds to technological developments while protecting constitutional safeguards and the administration of justice. Reflecting on the introduction of virtual court proceedings, Justice Kiryabwire recalled that some practitioners had questioned their legality and raised concerns about constitutional rights, including the physical appearance of accused persons in court. He cited experiences at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court, where some lawyers initially resisted virtual proceedings while others embraced online hearings. On paperless court operations, he said the Chief Justice had directed courts enabled with ECCMIS to adopt paperless processes. He explained that this meant substantially reducing reliance on physical files and paperwork, and noted that ECCMIS had significantly reduced paper usage at the Court of Appeal/Constitutional Court, where he serves as Court Administrator. Justice Kiryabwire emphasised that continuous dialogue between the Bench and the Bar would be essential to resolving concerns and ensuring responsible adoption of technology

State Attorneys, Prisons Officers and Court Orderlies serving Cluster 10 courts are undergoing training on the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala, ahead of the System’s planned rollout in November 2026. The training is equipping participants with the knowledge and practical skills to use ECCMIS and support the transition from manual to electronic court processes. Opening the training, HW Simon Kintu Zirintusa said ECCMIS had been deployed in 56 court stations across the country, including the High Court Circuits of Luwero, Wakiso, Entebbe, Lugazi, Mukono, Jinja, Kiboga, Mbarara and Gulu. The forthcoming rollout will cover Mpigi High Court; the Chief Magistrates’ Courts of Mpigi, Butambala, Gomba, Nsangi, Kajjansi and Kasangati; and Bujjuko and Buwama Magistrates’ Courts. HW Zirintusa described the rollout as a significant step in the Judiciary’s digital transformation agenda, set to change how court processes are managed and services delivered across the cluster. He emphasised the role of State Attorneys, Prisons Officers and Court Orderlies in making the transition successful, describing them as the operational backbone of ECCMIS. He noted that their daily functions, currently performed manually, would be undertaken through the system once it goes live. Participants are receiving practical instruction in navigating the ECCMIS interface, electronic case filing and registration, e-payment reconciliation, accessing and updating case records, uploading and downloading documents, tracking cases and generating reports. HW Zirintusa urged them to participate actively, practise diligently and champion the use of ECCMIS at their respective stations. He stressed that its success would depend on both the technology and users’ commitment to embracing new ways of working. He highlighted benefits associated with the system, including increased case registration, improved case clearance rates and enhanced non-tax revenue collection through electronic payments. For court users, he said, ECCMIS would make it easier to track cases, receive timely notifications and access services with fewer unnecessary visits to court. The ECCMIS Project Manager and Principal Information Management Officer, Mr Joseph Ssinabulya, is introducing participants to the system, emphasising the need to understand its purpose before exploring its functionalities. The ECCMIS Technical Team is facilitating practical sessions to build participants’ familiarity and confidence ahead of the rollout on November 9. The training is being moderated by Mr Dennis Rwatooro, a Senior Systems Administrator

Happening Now: The Judiciary is holding its Quarter One FY 2026/2027 Health Awareness Camp at the Judiciary Headquarters under the theme “Ending AIDS by 2030: Embracing the Role of Women.” Organised through the Judiciary HIV and AIDS Committee, the camp provides staff with access to essential health services and professional medical advice, encouraging them to take proactive steps to safeguard their wellbeing. The initiative supports the Presidential Fast Track Initiative aimed at ending AIDS as a public health threat in Uganda by 2030. Services available include HIV testing, tuberculosis screening, blood sugar checks for diabetes and blood pressure checks as well as cervical and prostate cancer screening. Participants can also access general medical consultations to discuss health concerns and receive appropriate guidance. By bringing healthcare services closer to staff, the Judiciary is promoting preventive care and early detection of health conditions, while reaffirming the importance of a healthy workforce in delivering effective judicial services

📌ECCMIS GO- LIVE Date in Cluster 10 Court Stations📌

The Resident Judge of Kabale High Court, Justice Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere, accompanied by the Assistant Registrar, HW Kenneth Tumwebaze, visited Kaharo Sub-county to inspect land offered for the establishment of a court, before proceeding to Rukiga Magistrates’ Court to assess its operations. The proposed court would bring judicial services closer to residents of Kaharo in Ndorwa East and neighbouring communities who currently file their matters at Kabale Chief Magistrate’s Court. The Judge and his team were received by the Sub-county Chairperson, the Sub-county Speaker and the area Local Council I Chairperson, who accompanied the judicial officers during the land inspection. At Rukiga Magistrates’ Court, presided over by HW Julius Mutabazi, the Judge reviewed the court’s workload, staffing and engagement with the community. The Court has more than 400 cases, majority of which are criminal matters. The Court operates with two support staff, both process servers, with one also performing clerical duties. The visit highlighted the staffing constraints under which the court handles its workload. Justice Lwanga urged the presiding magistrate to maintain close engagement with the community and strengthen working relationships with local stakeholders to support the administration of justice. HW Mutabazi informed the Judge that he attends district meetings and works to maintain constructive relationships with district leaders and the community.

Today 👇

The Small Claims Procedure (SCP) Registry has held a performance review meeting for courts in the Mukono and Lugazi High Court circuits, with a call for stronger accountability and timely resolution of small claims. The meeting, held at Colline Hotel in Mukono, brought together judicial officers and staff responsible for SCP registries at Mukono, Lugazi, Buikwe, Njeru, Buvuma, Kayunga, Ngogwe, Kangulumira, Goma and Nakisunga courts. Opening the meeting, the Resident Judge of Mukono, Hon. Lady Justice Jacqueline Mwondha, said the engagement provided an opportunity to assess completed cases, identify challenges and share good practices to improve service delivery. She also conveyed greetings from the Senior Resident Judge, Hon. Justice Stephen Mubiru. The Chairperson of the SCP Implementation Committee, Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, emphasised the importance of court reports in assessing the programme’s performance and identifying areas requiring support. He informed participants that the Committee had met the Principal Judge to brief her on the programme’s progress. Describing the Small Claims Procedure as an important avenue for resolving disputes, he urged judicial officers to dedicate more time to handling small claims and improve their courts’ performance. Justice Kiryabwire also highlighted recoveries made through demand notices during the previous financial year and challenged the Mukono High Court Circuit to improve its results before the next review. The Assistant Registrar in charge of the Small Claims Procedure, HW Mulondo Mastula, said the meeting followed an analysis of performance in both circuits. She called for stronger accountability and the prompt and fair handling of cases, with due regard to the law and the rights of all parties. The Chief Magistrate of Buikwe, HW Jackline Kagoya, guided participants through the jurisdiction and Rules of the Small Claims Procedure, as well as good practices in handling cases. Ms Beatrice Naava, a Statistician presented the statistical review, enabling participants to examine their courts’ performance and identify areas for improvement. The engagement is part of the SCP Registry’s efforts to monitor performance, address operational challenges and improve access to justice for people pursuing small claims

The Chairperson of the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) Governing Council and Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Mike Chibita, yesterday officially opened a two-day training for justice actors on the effective adjudication of refugee disputes at Confidentiel in Arua. The training, organised by JTI with support from the International Development Law Organisation (IDLO), seeks to strengthen access to justice for refugees and their host communities by equipping justice actors with the knowledge and practical skills required to handle disputes arising in refugee-hosting areas. The programme brings together justice actors from the West Nile sub-region to enhance their capacity to address refugee-related disputes through formal litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), where appropriate. In his opening remark, delivered virtually, Justice Chibita said Uganda’s position as a major refugee-hosting country had significant implications for the administration of justice, requiring justice actors to understand the legal, social and cultural complexities that often accompany displacement. He noted that while refugee-related disputes may involve familiar areas of criminal, civil, family and land law, displacement can introduce additional challenges relating to language barriers, cultural differences, vulnerability and relations between refugees and host communities. Justice Chibita explained that the training was not intended to establish a separate justice system for refugees, but rather to strengthen the capacity of the existing justice system to address disputes arising from displacement, migration and vulnerability while upholding judicial independence, fairness and the rule of law. He said the training reflected JTI’s mandate to strengthen judicial competence through continuous professional development, research and capacity building, enabling judicial officers and other justice actors to respond effectively to emerging areas of judicial practice. He explained that the Arua training was the third under the initiative, following earlier programmes in Gulu, which covered Northern Uganda, including Adjumani and Kiryandongo, and Fort Portal, which covered refugee-hosting districts in Western Uganda, including Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, Kamwenge, Mbarara and Isingiro. The current training focuses on the West Nile sub-region, including Yumbe, Madi-Okollo, Terego, Koboko, Maracha, Moyo and Obongi, where the substantial refugee population places additional demands on justice delivery. Citing refugee population statistics, Justice Chibita noted that West Nile hosted 652,668 refugees, while Northern Uganda, including Kiryandongo and Adjumani, had 508,628. Western Uganda, covering areas such as Isingiro, Rwamwanja, Kyangwali and Kamwenge, hosted 704,112 refugees. He further highlighted the scale of the refugee population in Yumbe District, where Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement hosted 210,524 refugees and asylum seekers as of July 31, 2026, according to statistics attributed to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). He said these figures underscored the need to equip justice actors to handle disputes involving land, family relations, civil and criminal matters, nationality, displacement and relations between refugees and host communities. Justice Chibita encouraged participants to draw on their practical experiences and share lessons from working with refugee-hosting communities to enrich discussions and inform the development of future JTI training programmes. He said the training had been designed to combine the applicable legal and policy framework with an understanding of refugees’ lived experiences and the practical demands of adjudicating disputes in these settings

TV engagement: Her Worship Jessica Chemeri, Deputy Registrar at the Commercial Division, was hosted on Gugudde TV this afternoon for an interactive live talk show on the Court’s upcoming Mediation Fortnight. Scheduled for November 16–30, 2026, the fortnight will focus on insurance disputes, intellectual property matters and appeals

The Family Division of the High Court, in collaboration with the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Registry and with support from the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), today held a roundtable to review its mediation performance and prepare for the forthcoming Mediation Settlement Fortnight under the theme “Give Mediation a Chance.” Held at the Court of Appeal Building Conference Hall, the engagement brought together judicial officers, retired Justices, accredited mediators, members of the Bar and other justice sector stakeholders to share experiences, identify challenges and agree on practical measures to improve the resolution of family disputes. Opening the roundtable, Justice Mike Chibita, Chairperson of the JTI Governing Council, said the engagement followed consultations between the Judiciary leadership and the Council on extending mediation support to courts across the country. He explained that the Chief Justice had directed the ADR Registry to support courts in mediating cases, noting that stakeholder engagements provided an opportunity to identify obstacles and develop practical solutions. Justice Chibita commended the Family Division for consistently recording the highest number of successful mediations in the High Court. He attributed effective mediation to adequate preparation, cooperation between the court and parties, and the involvement of those supporting the process. He emphasised that success in family mediation extended beyond financial considerations and the number of files closed. “The measure of success goes beyond the number of files closed to the number of families that leave court at peace and whether the settlements reached stand the test of time,” he observed. Justice Chibita noted that mediation had become an integral part of the Judiciary’s case management and justice delivery efforts, supported by the National Alternative Dispute Resolution Policy, 2025. He called for a coordinated approach as settlement fortnights become a regular feature of court operations. Justice Chibita challenged participants to identify what had worked in previous settlement fortnights, what required improvement and which approaches should be discontinued. Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, Focal Judge for ADR and Executive Director of JTI, said the roundtable sought to strengthen collaboration between the Family Division, the ADR Registry and other stakeholders. He noted that increasing the uptake of mediation required deliberate efforts to address challenges and create opportunities for dialogue among judicial officers, practitioners and court users. *Family Division reviews mediation performance* The Head of the Family Division, Justice John Eudes Keitirima, anchored his remarks on Article 126(2) of the Constitution, highlighting the principles of equal access to justice, timely determination of disputes, reconciliation and substantive justice. He said mediation enabled parties to participate directly in resolving their disputes and reach mutually acceptable solutions. Successful mediation, he added, could also reduce the number of cases proceeding to the appellate courts. Justice Keitirima urged judicial officers to consider all matters filed in the Division for mediation, regardless of their complexity. He cited disputes that had spent between 10 and 15 years in the court system as examples of cases that could potentially benefit from a negotiated settlement. He reported that the Division had more than 7,800 cases being handled by six judges and registrars. Of the 1,103 cases referred for mediation, 587 had been concluded, comprising 175 full settlements, 17 partial settlements and 395 unsuccessful mediations. A further 516 cases remained pending. He acknowledged that the Division had not yet achieved its target of recording more successful than unsuccessful mediations and called for renewed efforts