Describing the magistrates as her “foot soldiers,” she praised them for the significant progress made in reducing case backlog at Magistrates’ Courts.
The Chief Registrar, HW Agnes Alum, has commended Magistrates-in-Charge of Stations for their outstanding contribution to reducing case backlog and strengthening service delivery across the Judiciary, while urging them to uphold professionalism, integrity, and accountability in the administration of justice.
HW Alum made the remarks during her maiden meeting with Magistrates-in-Charge at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala. The meeting brought together judicial officers from across the country and members of Senior Management to review court performance, discuss emerging challenges, and chart a way forward for improved service delivery.
Among those in attendance were HW Thadius Ayebare Tumwebaze, Registrar of the Supreme Court; HW Lillian Bucyana, Acting Registrar of the Judicial Training Institute; HW Patricia Amoko, Private Legal Secretary to the Chief Registrar; Mr David Sunday Kikabi, Principal Information Technology Officer; Eng. Priscilla Nakiboneka, Principal Executive Engineer and Acting Head of the Engineering and Technical Services Department; and Ms Dorcus Nakunda, Senior Assistant Secretary representing the Directorate of Finance and Administration.
Welcoming the magistrates, HW Alum thanked God for the opportunity to serve as Chief Registrar and expressed appreciation to the judicial officers for honouring the invitation despite the meeting having been rescheduled.
Describing the magistrates as her “foot soldiers,” she praised them for the significant progress made in reducing case backlog at Magistrates’ Courts.
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“Thank you for the hard work and achievements you continue to register for the Judiciary. The significant progress made in backlog clearance deserves celebration. The reports indicate that backlog in your courts is now minimal, and for that, I commend you,” she said.
The Chief Registrar noted that recent reports from the Registry of Magistrates Affairs and Data Management indicate that case backlog at Magistrates’ Courts has reduced substantially and is now almost non-existent compared to other court levels.
She also applauded magistrates for effectively managing their courts and ensuring the continued delivery of judicial services across the country.
Updating the magistrates on developments since their last meeting in September 2025, HW Alum highlighted key leadership changes within the Judiciary, including the appointment of Hon. Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija as Chief Justice and Hon. Justice Moses Kawumi Kazibwe as Deputy Chief Justice. She also informed the meeting that HW Pamela Lamunu Ocaya had assumed office as Registrar of Magistrates Affairs and Data Management.
The Chief Registrar thanked HW Lamunu for successfully steering the Office of the Chief Registrar in an acting capacity for fourteen months.
She further urged magistrates to familiarise themselves with recently gazetted laws and regulations that will directly impact judicial work. These include the Administration of the Judiciary Judicial Training Institute Regulations, 2025; the Constitution (Operation of Mobile Courts) Practice Directions, 2026; the Judicature (Court-Annexed Mediation) Rules, 2026; and the Magistrates Courts (Amendment) Act, 2026.
Particular emphasis was placed on the Magistrates Courts (Amendment) Act, 2026, which significantly increases the pecuniary jurisdiction of Magistrates’ Courts. The Chief Registrar revealed that a task force is finalising practice directions to facilitate the transfer of appropriate cases from the High Court to Magistrates’ Courts under the new legal framework.
“These cases will be substantially larger than what many of you have previously handled. I therefore urge you to exercise diligence and prepare yourselves through continuous learning and capacity building,” she advised.
She also directed magistrates to ensure that all claims filed in court clearly indicate their monetary value to avoid jurisdictional challenges, particularly in land-related disputes.
HW Alum reiterated the Judiciary’s commitment to enhancing access to justice and called upon magistrates to remain focused on delivering timely, efficient, and people-centred justice services.
