Kerry Howard Mwesigwa.
Kampala, Uganda – In a move aimed at enhancing access to justice, the Principal Judge, Dr. Flavian Zeija, has deployed 11 recently appointed Acting Judges of the High Court. This deployment comes with the establishment of three new Circuits, a development aimed at bringing legal services closer to the people of Uganda.
The deployment circular, dated August 30, outlines the creation of the new High Court Circuits. The Bushenyi Circuit, now distinct from Mbarara, the Kiboga Circuit, separated from Mubende, and the Kitgum High Court Circuit, carved out from the Gulu High Court Circuit, are set to be operationalized.
The realignment of judicial responsibilities has seen notable changes, with Lady Justice Flavia Nabakooza being assigned to the Land Division. Additionally, Justice Jamson Karemani, previously the Judiciary Public Relations Officer, has been designated as the first Judge of the Kiboga Circuit.
These initiatives are in line with the Chief Justice’s overarching vision to revolutionize the judicial system, making justice more accessible to Ugandan citizens. The establishment of these new High Court Circuits is expected to significantly alleviate the burden of long distances that individuals previously had to travel to access High Court services.
During the recent inauguration of the video conferencing facility at Gulu High Court, the Chief Justice emphasized that the operationalization of the new circuits will not only improve access to justice but also enhance efficiency in judicial proceedings.
In addition to creating new circuits, the deployment exercise has aimed at addressing workload imbalances. High workload circuits such as Fort Portal, Mbale, and Mukono have received an infusion of judicial resources through the assignment of an additional Judge. The Land Division has been assigned two new Judges, while the Commercial, Criminal, and Family Divisions each welcome one new Judge.
