By Kerry Howard Mwesigwa
In a milestone event, the Chief Justice of Uganda, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, has inaugurated the new premises of Mukono High Court. The court’s new home is situated on Kampala-Jinja Road, next to the Mukono District Headquarters, approximately 13 kilometres from Kampala. The ceremony was attended by the Principal Judge, Dr. Flavian Zeija, and the Court’s Judges, including Justice David Matovu (Head of Circuit), Lady Justice Florence Nakachwa, and Lady Justice Christine Kaahwa.
During the commissioning ceremony, the judiciary expressed its commitment to resolving the backlog of cases that have accumulated over the years. Mukono High Court Circuit was identified as one of the most overloaded courts in the country, with a backlog of 3070 cases. To address this issue, the court will now be run like a Division of the HC, as announced by PJ Dr Flavian Zeija.
Justice David Matovu, the Senior Resident Judge of Mukono High Court Circuit, also urged members of the public to file cases that require the attention of Judicial Officers. He further encouraged the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms to help reduce the backlog of cases.
The commissioning of the new court is a significant milestone in Uganda’s justice system. With state-of-the-art technology and modern facilities, the judiciary is better equipped to handle the caseload and improve the efficiency of justice delivery. The new premises of Mukono High Court are a clear indication of the government’s commitment to improving access to justice for all Ugandans.
Dr. Roswitha Kremser, the Head of the Australian Embassy Development Cooperation in Uganda, expressed her confidence that the new court building would bring justice closer to the people. The commissioning of the Mukono High Court is a cause for celebration and hope for the future of justice in Uganda. It is a significant step towards realizing the constitutional right of every Ugandan to access justice.
