The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA) has officially commissioned a new regional office in Hoima, a move aimed at bringing legal and justice services closer to the people of the Bunyoro sub-region while supporting the rapidly growing economic activities in the Albertine region.
The new office marks another milestone in the Ministry’s decentralization agenda, which seeks to improve access to justice, strengthen service delivery, and increase public awareness of the Ministry’s role across the country.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Deputy Solicitor General, Charles Ouma, described the establishment of the Hoima office as the “birth” of a new institution, noting that it emerged from the continued efforts of the Gulu and Tooro regional offices, which previously handled legal matters arising from Hoima and neighboring districts.
He commended the two regional offices for sustaining operations despite challenges related to distance, heavy workloads, and staffing limitations.
“The establishment of this office will ease pressure on the existing regional offices while ensuring faster and more efficient delivery of justice services to the people of Hoima and surrounding areas,” Ouma said.
Bringing Justice Services Closer to the People
The Deputy Solicitor General said the opening of regional offices forms part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to decentralize legal services and improve public access to government legal institutions.
He noted that many Ugandans have often confused the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs with the Judiciary, yet the Ministry plays a distinct role as a provider of legal services to government and the broader justice system.
According to Ouma, regional expansion will improve visibility of Ministry services, strengthen coordination with local governments, and enhance responsiveness to citizens seeking legal assistance.
Among the services now being brought closer to residents of Hoima are those offered by the Administrator General, including administration of estates, wills, letters of administration, and management of matters relating to deceased persons’ estates.
Ouma explained that decentralizing these services will significantly reduce delays for clients who previously had to travel long distances to access assistance.
He added that staffing at the Hoima office will gradually be strengthened to meet growing demand for services in the region.
New Headquarters Reflect Institutional Growth
The Deputy Solicitor General also highlighted the Ministry’s broader institutional transformation, noting that MoJCA recently relocated to its new headquarters in Nakasero, bringing together several allied justice sector institutions under one location.
He described the move as part of the Ministry’s journey toward improved coordination, institutional growth, and enhanced efficiency in executing its mandate.
Ouma further called for stronger collaboration among justice sector institutions and applauded judicial officers for their continued support despite increasing workloads and operational pressures.
Hoima’s Growing Caseload Demands Faster Intervention
Delivering remarks as chief guest, Resident Judge Justice Vincent Opyene welcomed the establishment of the office, describing it as a timely intervention for the Hoima High Court, which is currently handling numerous land, compensation, and development-related disputes linked to the region’s rapid economic transformation.
Justice Opyene revealed that the court is currently managing about 47 major cases involving more than 5,000 people, many of them connected to compensation and development projects in Hoima District.
“These matters require quick attention and resolution so that people can fully feel the impact of the Attorney General’s presence in Hoima,” he said.
The Resident Judge praised officials from the Gulu and Tooro regional offices for their dedication, noting that they frequently traveled long distances to represent the Attorney General’s Chambers in cases before the Hoima High Court.
He also commended the newly deployed Regional Head, Mr. Isaac Singura, and his team for the impact they have made within just two months of operation.
Justice Opyene revealed that the court and the new regional office had already agreed to prioritize mediation in suitable cases as a strategy to accelerate dispute resolution and reduce case backlog.
“We shall begin with mediation for parties willing to settle amicably and thereafter proceed with scheduling matters for hearing,” he noted.
He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between the Judiciary and the Attorney General’s Chambers would significantly improve efficiency in handling cases in the region.
Supporting Economic Growth in the Albertine Region
Officials said the establishment of the Hoima regional office comes at a crucial time when the Albertine region is experiencing rapid economic growth driven by oil and gas activities, infrastructure development, urban expansion, and rising investment opportunities.
Government believes improved access to legal and justice services will play a key role in facilitating business operations, resolving disputes efficiently, protecting citizens’ rights, and promoting investor confidence.
Ouma also acknowledged the support and hospitality extended by the Bunyoro Kingdom during the establishment of the office and conveyed official greetings to the Kingdom through its Prime Minister.
More Regional Offices Planned
As part of its continued expansion programme, the Ministry announced plans to open additional regional offices in Lira and Iganga, as well as commission the newly constructed Soroti Regional Office later this year.
Officials said the Soroti office will serve as a model for future regional office construction across the country.
The expansion reflects Government’s commitment to ensuring justice services are not concentrated in Kampala alone but are accessible to citizens in all regions of Uganda.
