The Acting Chief Justice, Dr. Flavian Zeija, has chaired a meeting of the Planning, Development and Finance Committee to deliberate on the Draft Judiciary Sixth Strategic Plan for the Financial Years 2025/2026–2029/2030.
Held at the Court of Appeal Conference Hall in Kampala on Tuesday, the meeting focused on reviewing the draft strategic plan aimed at aligning the Judiciary with Uganda’s National Transformation Agenda as articulated in Vision 2040, the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), and other relevant national, regional and global frameworks.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Zeija welcomed members and described the meeting as a critical milestone in shaping the future direction of the Judiciary.
He noted that the strategic plan reflects a shared commitment to building an independent, efficient, effective and accessible justice system, and emphasised that members’ participation underscored their collective responsibility in steering institutional reform.
The Acting Chief Justice explained that the meeting was intended to critically examine the proposed goals, objectives, strategies and interventions in the draft plan, as well as the assumptions underpinning them.
He urged members to provide constructive input to ensure the final plan is realistic, responsive and capable of addressing emerging realities, including economic pressures, climate vulnerabilities, developments in the oil and gas sector, regional integration and shifting global dynamics.
Dr. Zeija underscored the importance of refining the draft to ensure it fully responds to the Judiciary’s constitutional mandate and the needs of court users.
He noted that the draft plan is the product of extensive reflection, wide stakeholder consultations, and a thorough analysis of institutional challenges and opportunities.
He further stressed the need for strong alignment with NDP IV, the Judiciary’s core values and international frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.
Calling for open and candid engagement, he observed that the strength of the strategic plan lies in the diversity of perspectives and the quality of ideas contributed.
“As we deliberate, let us remain firmly anchored in our constitutional mandate and the lived realities of court users. Our goal is not merely to produce a document, but to forge a clear action roadmap that will guide decision-making, resource allocation and reform initiatives over the next five years,” Dr. Zeija said.
The draft Strategic Plan was presented by Dr. Operemo Vincent of the National Planning Authority, accompanied by Dr. Atim Patricia, a legal expert.
During the meeting, members raised concerns regarding land allocated or offered to the Judiciary, including land in Gulu and Arua, and emphasised the need to document all such land and fast-track the acquisition of land titles.
The proposed construction of the Luwero High Court building at Nakaseke was also discussed.
Members further deliberated on the construction of institutional housing for staff, noting that accommodation planning should cater for both judicial officers and non-judicial staff at various stations.
It was agreed that the Policy and Planning Department would prepare budget implications for institutional housing to guide decision-making, with reference made to comparable arrangements in other jurisdictions, including Tanzania.
ICT-related challenges were also highlighted, particularly the absence of the Court Case Administration System (CCAS) in some Magistrates’ Courts. Members agreed that the Deputy Chief Justice would convene a meeting with the ICT Department to address these gaps.
The issue of judicial attire was also discussed, with members resolving to constitute a committee to review the current design of judicial attire, including wigs for judges.
