The judiciary has reaffirmed its commitment to bringing High Court and appellate services closer to Ugandans in upcountry areas, in a move aimed at improving access to justice and reducing congestion in courts and prisons.
Deputy Chief Justice Flavian Zeija made the remarks on Tuesday during the second National Courts Open Day 2025 held at the Kololo Independence Grounds.
The event brought together judicial administrators, court users, law students, and other justice sector stakeholders.
Zeija said decentralisation of court services remains a key priority for the Judiciary to ensure that justice is accessible, affordable, and timely for all citizens.
“We want the public to understand that the work of administering justice is not an easy one. Whenever justice is delivered, some are made happy, and those who are not. We have received complaints from the public regarding the ethical conduct of some judges, registrars, and magistrates,” Zeija said.
He revealed that the Judiciary has expanded High Court circuits to Kitgum, Kasese, Patongo, Lugazi, and Kumi, increasing the number of High Court stations from 20 to 38. Additionally, the number of magistrates’ court areas has increased from 80 to 157, resulting in a total of 696 magistrates’ courts nationwide.
The Deputy Chief Justice also disclosed that the Court of Appeal has commenced operations in Jinja and Mbarara. Plans, he said, have been finalised to extend similar services to Arua, Fort Portal, Gulu, and Mbale.
“These developments are intended to limit the long distances that court users have been travelling to Kampala in search of justice,” he noted.
Zeija expressed concern about the limited financial resources allocated to the Judiciary, despite its constitutional mandate to uphold the rule of law and administer justice.
He warned that, although access to courts has improved nationwide, the number of registered cases continues to rise, contributing to a heavy case backlog and congestion in prisons and police cells.
On issues of misconduct within the Judiciary, Zeija said a disciplinary committee headed by Justice Steven Musota has been established to investigate allegations against judicial officers.
“Any errant member of the Judiciary found guilty of unethical conduct will be punished. We are working tirelessly to stamp out corruption and indiscipline,” he said.
Participants, including law students and members of the public, welcomed the National Courts Open Day, saying it provided a rare opportunity to engage judicial officers directly and express concerns such as delays in the delivery of justice.
During the event, several institutions showcased their work, including the Family Division, Commercial Division, Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Industrial Court, Tax Appeals Tribunal, Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court, Anti-Corruption Court, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, and the Uganda Court Bailiffs Association.
Organisers said the Open Day is intended to demystify the justice system and strengthen public trust through openness, dialogue, and accountability.
