By Kerry Howard Mwesigwa.
In a momentous stride towards digital transformation, the High Court Commercial Division is poised to revolutionize its legal procedures by embracing electronic signing of court documents. Spearheaded by Justice Stephen Mubiru, the division’s head, this transformative decision comes on the heels of a recent staff meeting held on August 1, 2023. By adopting the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), the court is set to streamline legal proceedings, providing an efficient and accessible experience for advocates and court users.
The shift to electronic signing marks a significant departure from traditional paperwork, as the court moves towards expediting case handling and reducing reliance on physical filings. This transformative initiative covers all court documents, including orders, decrees, notices, and summons, which will now be processed and signed electronically.
The advantages of this move are multifaceted, bringing forth faster processing times and enhanced convenience for both advocates and court users. With a strong commitment to efficient service delivery, the court has pledged to process all submitted documents, accompanied by proof of E-payment, within an impressive 36-hour timeframe.
Justice Stephen Mubiru, the driving force behind this technological leap, envisions the judiciary aligning with the demands of the digital age, thus improving access to justice for all stakeholders involved. The adoption of modern technology through ECCMIS aims to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in delivering justice, setting a precedent for other legal entities to follow suit in promoting a more digitized and streamlined legal landscape.
In a notice issued to all court members, the High Court Commercial Division has mandated that all pleadings be embossed with an electronic signature. This mandate underscores the court’s firm commitment to embracing digital innovation to ensure a seamless and accessible legal process.
The introduction of electronic signing is expected to mark a turning point in the way legal proceedings are conducted within the division. With the High Court Commercial Division taking this momentous step, it paves the way for other legal bodies to embrace technology and embark on their journey towards a more efficient and digitized future.
