The Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, has officially opened a three-day Court of Appeal Civil Appeals Session in Kabale District, a historic first for the region.
The session, running from November 11th to 13th, 2025, will handle 42 civil appeals and is presided over by a panel comprising Justice Dr. Zeija, Justice John Mike Musisi, and Justice Musa Ssekaana.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting on Tuesday, Justice Zeija explained that while Kabale has hosted annual criminal appeals sessions since 2023, this marks the first civil appeals session to be held there.
He noted that the Court of Appeal had long focused on criminal appeals, but following stakeholder requests, regional civil appeal sessions were introduced in 2023. Kabale now becomes the fifth regional host after Gulu, Mbarara, Jinja, and Fort Portal.
Justice Zeija emphasized that regionalizing civil sessions reduces travel and litigation costs for litigants while bringing justice closer to the people.
He revealed that the Judiciary plans to establish regional circuits of the Court of Appeal, already approved for Gulu, Mbarara, Mbale, Masaka, Fort Portal, Arua, Jinja, and Mubende. Construction has begun in Gulu and Mbarara, with others to follow as funds and land become available.
Addressing the Judiciary’s workload, Justice Zeija acknowledged the heavy case backlog resulting from limited manpower but assured the public that the appointing authority will soon fill all 35 positions of Justices as provided by law.
“The future of justice delivery at the Court of Appeal looks bright,” he remarked, commending advocates and other stakeholders for their cooperation and timely submissions.
Highlighting ongoing reforms, the Deputy Chief Justice noted that the Court of Appeal is now fully paperless, with all filings, payments, and judgments processed electronically through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS).
The Court also uses audio-visual technology to conduct remote hearings, a move he said enhances efficiency and transparency.
Justice Zeija further urged stakeholders to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, including mediation, reconciliation, plea bargaining, and the Small Claims Procedure, to reduce case backlogs and provide quicker, fairer outcomes.
He reminded all courts to hold at least one case settlement fortnight per quarter.
The Resident Judge of Kabale High Court, Justice Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere, hailed Justice Zeija for his leadership and continued support.
He reported progress in handling civil, land, and family cases, citing collaboration with institutions such as the Attorney General’s Office, Ministry of Lands, and Ministry of Labour to address land disputes, child protection, and welfare issues affecting vulnerable persons.
Justice Ssemogerere also commended the Kabale Office of the Ministry of Lands for its vital role in facilitating land-related case resolution and reaffirmed the Circuit’s commitment to strengthening access to justice in the region.
