Kampala Uganda. In a move to deepen access to justice across the country, the Judiciary has announced the creation of 18 new High Court circuits, bringing the total number to 38.
In a press release issued on January 24, 2024, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, highlighted that this development is part of the Judiciary’s ongoing transformation agenda.
The Chief Justice, exercising his powers under section 19 (2) of the Judicature Act, collaborated with Principal Judge Flavian Zeija to issue statutory instrument N0.94 of 2023.
This instrument not only creates new High Court circuits but also reorganises the existing ones, reflecting a commitment to streamlining judicial services and making them more accessible to the public.
The ongoing transformation agenda is dedicated to improving the accessibility of justice services throughout Uganda. “We are, therefore, establishing more courts to meaningfully enable the population to access justice,” remarked Dollo.
Between August 2022 and the present, 10 new high court circuits have been operationalised, bringing the total number to 24. However, with the issuance of the new statutory instrument, the total number now stands at 38.
This effectively revokes the Judicature (Designation of the High Court Circuits) Instrument, 2016, No.55 of 2016, which had previously established 20 circuits.
According to Sarah Langa Siu, Judiciary Chief Registrar, the 18 newly created High Court Circuits encompass various regions across the country. These include Apac, Bugiri, Bushenyi, Dokolo, Entebbe, Ibanda, Kasese, and Kiboga, among others.
Notably, Bushenyi, Kasese, Kiboga, and Kitgum have been operationalised under their mother circuits and are scheduled for formal launch later this quarter.
The move to expand and reorganise the High Court circuits aligns with the Judiciary’s commitment to ensuring swift and accessible justice for all citizens.
Through the new approach, the Judiciary aims to make legal remedies more accessible, eliminating geographical barriers that could otherwise hinder individuals from prompt access.
This development is poised to have a positive impact on the legal landscape of Uganda, fostering a more inclusive and efficient justice system that caters to the diverse needs of the population.
As these new circuits become fully operational, it is anticipated that they will contribute significantly to the realisation of the Judiciary’s transformation agenda and the overarching goal of enhancing access to justice throughout the country.
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