In a significant step toward decentralizing judicial services, Uganda’s Deputy Chief Justice, Dr. Flavian Zeija, officially launched the Wakiso High Court Circuit on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Whisper Eye Reports.
The ceremony, held under the theme “Enhancing Judicial Accountability and Access to Justice,” drew judicial officers, administrators, and stakeholders, including representatives from the Uganda Law Society, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), local leaders, religious figures, and the general public.
The launch underscores the Ugandan Judiciary’s commitment to bringing justice closer to citizens, a core objective highlighted by Justice Zeija. “Taking judicial services nearer to the people is one of the Judiciary’s core objectives,” he said, describing the Wakiso High Court Circuit as a testament to this mission.
The new circuit is already handling over 2,500 cases from surrounding areas, addresses criminal, land, civil, family, and commercial matters, easing the burden on other High Court divisions.
Justice Zeija outlined ongoing judicial reforms aimed at improving efficiency, including the decentralization of the Court of Appeal to regional hubs in Mbarara, Gulu, and Mbale.
He also announced the recruitment of 35 judicial officers for the Court of Appeal and 150 for the High Court to expedite case resolutions. A proposed increase in the pecuniary jurisdiction of Chief Magistrates from UGX 50 million to UGX 200 million is expected to reduce the High Court’s caseload, allowing faster justice delivery.
Infrastructure development was another focus, with plans for a Judicial Training Institute in Nakasongola on 17 acres of land. The institute will train judicial officers in areas like Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), particularly mediation, to address case backlogs.
“Mediation needs a lot of sensitization,” Zeija emphasized, urging collaboration with lawyers, local leaders, and religious figures to promote its adoption.
Zeija also issued a stern warning against judicial misconduct, urging officers to maintain professionalism, punctuality, and integrity. “A good name is better than millions,” he said, reinforcing a zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
In remarks delivered by Lady Justice Susan Okalany, Acting Principal Judge Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga commended the Judiciary’s leadership for expanding access to justice. She emphasized judicial accountability, citing Article 126 of Uganda’s Constitution, which vests judicial power in the people. Kajuga called for fair, timely, and transparent rulings, urging officers to adopt innovations like mediation, plea bargaining, and the Small Claims Procedure to reduce delays.
Lady Justice Sarah Langa Siu, head of the Wakiso High Court Circuit, expressed gratitude to stakeholders and outlined the circuit’s commitments: zero tolerance for corruption, teamwork, excellent customer care, and the promotion of ADR. She announced plans for a Circuit Coordination Committee to collaborate with stakeholders and ensure efficient justice delivery.
Acting Chief Registrar HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya praised the Judiciary for enhancing convenience and reducing costs for litigants. She urged continued cooperation and the use of innovations to streamline justice delivery.
Local leaders and stakeholders echoed the optimism. Hon. Paul Nsubuga, Member of Parliament for Busiro North, thanked the Judiciary but raised concerns about unresolved case backlogs and the plight of 10 boys from his constituency detained without trial. Citing Article 28, he called for fair hearings and vowed to advocate for his constituents.
Representing the DPP, Ms. Rachel Bikhole pledged collaboration with the new circuit, emphasizing professionalism and integrity. Mr. Anthony Asiimwe, Vice President of the Uganda Law Society, hailed the launch as a milestone in ensuring accessible justice, while Deputy Registrar HW Faisal Mulalira reaffirmed the circuit’s commitment to client-focus
