Justice sector stakeholders in the Bushenyi High Court Circuit have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening coordination, reducing case backlog, and improving access to justice following a Regional Coordination Committee (RCC) meeting held at the High Court on Thursday.
The meeting, chaired by Resident Judge Justice Amos Kwizera, brought together representatives from key justice institutions and local government leaders from across the circuit to assess progress and discuss strategies for improving service delivery.
In his opening remarks, Justice Kwizera welcomed participants and congratulated recently elected and sworn-in political leaders. He emphasized the importance of the RCC as a platform for enhancing collaboration among justice actors and called for sustained partnership in promoting access to justice within the region.
Justice Kwizera also briefed stakeholders on recent legal reforms that expanded the pecuniary jurisdiction of Magistrates’ Courts. Under the new arrangement, civil matters valued below Shs 200 million will now be handled by subordinate courts.
He explained that eligible cases currently pending before the High Court would be transferred to the appropriate lower courts in accordance with the amended law, a move expected to improve efficiency in case management.
The Resident Judge further reported that the High Court had successfully concluded a criminal session during which 50 cases were heard and disposed of.
He announced that another criminal session is scheduled to commence later this month as part of ongoing efforts to tackle case backlog.
Representatives from the Uganda Prisons Service commended the High Court for conducting regular criminal sessions, noting that the initiative has significantly reduced both case backlog and prison congestion.
However, they highlighted the need for additional measures to address overcrowding in prison facilities.
During the meeting, stakeholders agreed on the need to expedite the hearing and disposal of cases and advocated for increased use of diversion mechanisms in handling qualifying petty offences.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), working closely with the Uganda Police Force, was encouraged to refer more suitable cases to Local Council Courts to promote quicker resolution of disputes.
Participants also underscored the importance of strengthening Local Council Courts as a means of enhancing access to justice at the community level while easing pressure on the formal justice system.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to continue working together to ensure efficient, accessible, and people-centered justice services across the Bushenyi High Court Circuit.
