The Hon. Chief Justice, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny Dollo, emphasized the Judiciary’s commitment to increasing access to justice through the expansion of its physical presence.
The Judiciary of Uganda has operationalized five additional High Court Circuits Entebbe, Kumi, Lugazi, Patongo, and Wakiso bringing the total number of operational High Court Circuits across the country to 29.
This development is a major stride in the implementation of the Judiciary’s Transformational Agenda, which prioritizes taking judicial services closer to the people they serve and ensuring timely and efficient access to justice for all Ugandans.
The Hon. Chief Justice, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny Dollo, emphasized the Judiciary’s commitment to increasing access to justice through the expansion of its physical presence.
“We have already deployed Judges to the High Court Circuits gazetted in 2023-Entebbe, Lugazi and Wakiso in Buganda, Patongo in Acholi, and Kumi in Teso. This reflects our firm resolve to reduce the burden on existing courts and serve the public more effectively. We plan to further expand to Ibanda and Ntungamo in Ankole, Moyo in West Nile, and Rakai in Buganda in the coming Financial Year,” he said.
Her Worship Pamella Lamunu Ocaya, the Acting Chief Registrar, confirmed that Registries for the new courts are fully operational and are now accepting case filings.
“All matters falling within the jurisdiction of these new circuits can now be filed directly there. In particular, for cases under Entebbe and Wakiso-which were previously handled by the Divisions of the High Court-will now be managed locally, ensuring a more streamlined and accessible process for litigants,” she said.
Adding that Entebbe and Wakiso have also been equipped with the Electronic Court Case Management Information System, enabling electronic filing, digital case management, and virtual hearings where applicable further streamlining processes and improving efficiency.
The Chief Registrar elaborated that, for Lugazi, case files that were originally filed under the Mukono High Court have been transferred to the new court. Similarly, Soroti High Court has transferred to Kumi the cases that fall under its jurisdiction. Additionally, Kitgum High Court has transmitted case files to Patongo High Court.
Below is the list of the newly operationalized High Court Circuits;
OPERATIONALIZED HIGH COURT CIRCUITS
Name of Circuit | Area of Circuit
Entebbe | Entebbe Municipality and Busiro County South | Hon. Lady Justice Flavia Nabakooza
Kumi | Bukedea, Ngora and Kumi | Hon. Lady Justice Mary Ikit
Lugazi | Buikwe and Buvuma | Hon. Lady Justice Dr Winfred Nabisinde
Patongo | Pader, Abim, Otuke and Agago | Hon. Justice George Okello
Wakiso | Busiro County East, Busiro County North and Nansana Municipality | Hon. Lady Justice Sarah Langa Siu and Hon. Lady Justice Flavia Grace Lamuno