Parliament is expected to consider the proposals as it continues scrutinizing the Magistrates Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called on Parliament to expand both the civil and criminal jurisdiction of Magistrates Courts, arguing that the move will improve access to justice and reduce case backlogs.
The proposal was presented by Denis Kusasira, Chairperson of the Judicial Affairs Committee at ULS, during his appearance before Parliament’s Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee. He was submitting the Society’s views on the Magistrates Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which is currently under consideration.
Kusasira told legislators that Magistrates Courts should be empowered to handle all criminal cases except those related to terrorism and treason. He argued that limiting their mandate undermines their effectiveness despite their central role in the justice system.
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“Magistrates Courts in our view are actually more important than the High Court. They are closer to the people. They are the ones dealing with many cases and court census will show you that they actually carry the largest backlog of cases. They sit every day; they are in all jurisdictions. Why should we limit them to handle very petty cases?” Kusasira said.
He further proposed that Chief Magistrates be granted authority to try all offences, including those that attract a maximum penalty of death, with the exception of terrorism and treason.
In addition to criminal jurisdiction, the Law Society is also pushing for an increase in the pecuniary limits of Magistrates Courts in civil matters. Under the proposal, Chief Magistrates would handle cases valued at up to sh300m, Senior Principal Magistrates up to sh150m, Principal Magistrates up to sh100m, and Senior Magistrates up to sh50m.
ULS argues that enhancing the financial jurisdiction of lower courts will ease pressure on the High Court and speed up the resolution of commercial and civil disputes.
The recommendations come amid ongoing efforts to reform Uganda’s justice system and address persistent delays in case disposal.
Parliament is expected to consider the proposals as it continues scrutinizing the Magistrates Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
