Owiny-Dollo calls for funding to operationalise 38 high Court circuits

Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has appealed for financial support to operationalise 38 newly gazetted High Court circuits, aimed at improving access to justice across the country.
Speaking at the 7th Chief Justice Benedicto Kiwanuka Memorial Lecture held at the Judiciary headquarters in Kampala, Owiny-Dollo emphasised that each district in Uganda has now been designated as a magisterial area, with every county-constituency assigned a Magistrate Grade One Court.
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However, the Chief Justice stressed that without adequate funding, these courts cannot become fully functional.
“We seek for funds to operationalise these courts so that justice seekers can access justice at a faster and cheaper cost,” the Chief Justice noted, underscoring the urgency of the matter.
He further highlighted efforts to simplify court processes and incorporate ICT innovations to enhance efficiency and transparency.
Owiny-Dollo pointed out that the introduction of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) has revolutionised case handling, providing 24/7 access to case files, improving case disposal rates, and promoting transparency through online payment methods.
“Virtual hearings are now a reality, which has reduced litigation costs and promoted efficiency,” he said.
He noted additional benefits such as enhanced security for court files and improved communication between courts and litigants via instant notifications.
The Chief Justice also announced a robust pursuit of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, including Mediation, Small Claims Courts, and Plea Bargaining, which are intended to provide quicker and more flexible justice solutions.
With support from Pepperdine University, retired judges and civil servants have been trained to assist in these initiatives.
The memorial lecture, held annually to honor Uganda’s first Chief Justice, Benedicto Kiwanuka, attracted notable figures, including Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, who was the chief guest.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera reflected on Kiwanuka’s legacy of championing the rule of law and human rights before his tragic kidnapping and likely murder in 1972.
Justice Buteera highlighted the Judiciary’s ongoing focus on a people-centered approach to justice, in line with the lecture's theme, “Benedicto Kiwanuka: Promoting a People-Centred Approach to Justice.”
He called for collaboration from stakeholders to ensure justice for all Ugandans, while lauding the executive and legislative arms of government for their support of the Judiciary’s transformation agenda.
Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Deputy Principal of the School of Law at Makerere University, emphasised the importance of making justice accessible and meaningful for ordinary Ugandans.
The event also saw retired Principal Judge James Ogoola and retired Deputy Chief Justice Seith Manyindo honored with the Chief Justice Benedicto Kiwanuka Life Achievement Awards for their notable contributions to the rule of law.
The Judiciary's transformation agenda, as highlighted by Owiny-Dollo, aims to reduce case backlogs and improve access to justice by building more courthouses, employing more personnel, and embracing ICT innovations.
The Chief Justice also pledged continued efforts to fight corruption within the Judiciary through a strengthened inspectorate division, ensuring that the rule of law remains a guiding principle in all judicial operations.
The lecture, which began with a procession of Justices, Judges, Registrars, and Magistrates, was attended by senior Judiciary officials, advocates, and other stakeholders from Uganda’s legal fraternity.