September 29, 2023
KAMPALA, Uganda – The Judiciary Council, under the guidance of Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, convened at Kampala Serena Hotel on September 28, 2023, for its quarterly meeting. This significant gathering marked another stride in Uganda’s journey towards making justice more accessible to its citizens.
The Judiciary Council, a vital organ established under the Administration of the Judiciary Act, 2020, holds a key role in shaping the policies and administration of the country’s legal system. Its mandate encompasses advising on various aspects, including planning and development, ethics and integrity, financial matters, staff welfare and development, and the overall administration of justice.
During this latest meeting, the Judiciary Council made groundbreaking decisions that promise to transform the way justice is delivered across the nation. Two key instruments, the Magistrates Courts (Magistrates Courts and Magisterial Areas) Instrument, 2023, and the Judicature (Designation of High Court Circuits) Instrument, 2023, were approved. These instruments signify a significant expansion of both magisterial and high court services, a move inspired by the Judiciary’s unwavering commitment to bringing justice closer to the people it serves.
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, in a recent address during the Ben Kiwanuka Memorial lecture on September 21, 2023, passionately emphasized the urgent need to increase the number of magisterial areas and high court circuits. His commitment to this cause was unmistakable, as he pledged to make it a reality.
One of Uganda’s most pressing challenges in the realm of justice has been the daunting case backlog and the scarcity of judicial officers to handle these cases. Many communities have been left without access to local courts, forcing citizens to undertake arduous journeys to seek justice. However, the expansion of magisterial areas and high court circuits promises to change this narrative, ushering in an era where justice is readily accessible to all.
These steps by the Judiciary Council align with Uganda’s broader transformational agenda. By ensuring physical access to justice is a reality, the council is not only addressing practical concerns but also offering a glimmer of hope to those who have long yearned for justice to be within reach.
