September 19, 2023
KAMPALA, – Uganda’s Chief Justice, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, has led a second review of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala. This event is a key step in Uganda’s journey towards modernizing its judicial processes and embracing technology for enhanced efficiency and transparency.
The Judiciary leadership has introduced several ICT innovations, including video conferencing, court recording systems, and now the Electronic Court Case Management Information System. These advancements aim to streamline court operations and improve access to justice.
During the ECCMIS review meeting, Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo emphasized the importance of this technological leap, stating, “There is no turning back, and therefore it is critical to have a legal framework for ECCMIS.” This sentiment underscores the Judiciary’s commitment to embracing digital solutions that enhance the delivery of justice.
The Electronic Court Case Management Information System has introduced various advantages to Uganda’s legal landscape. These include reducing perceived corruption, mitigating forgery of documents, providing quick access to legal resources, minimizing case file losses, and granting instant access to court records. ECCMIS also allows for the convenient e-filing of court documents, simplifying processes for both legal practitioners and court users.
One notable development is the introduction of ECCMIS kiosks and a toll-free helpline, which have been established to assist court users in utilizing the system effectively. These user-friendly features are designed to make the transition to electronic case management as smooth as possible.
The ECCMIS benefits extend to increased revenue collection, higher case filing rates, and a surge in e-payments, which collectively contribute to the efficiency and financial sustainability of the Judiciary.
The primary purpose of this ECCMIS review was to assess the system’s performance and collaboratively address any challenges that have been encountered during its implementation. Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo emphasized the importance of learning from past experiences to ensure that any issues are resolved and do not recur during the next phase of implementation.
As Uganda continues to modernize its judicial processes and harness the power of technology, the ECCMIS represents a significant step forward in achieving a more transparent, efficient, and accessible justice system.
