The Acting Principal Judge, Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga, has launched Phase One of the Daily Hearing of Criminal Cases Pilot Project, targeting gender-based violence (GBV) and other priority cases in five High Court Circuits that include Mbarara, Luwero, Wakiso, Entebbe, and Mukono.
The hybrid launch event brought together Judges from the participating circuits, Registrars, and representatives from the International Development Law Organisation (IDLO), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Justice Centres Uganda, Uganda Law Society, and other key justice institutions.
In her remarks, Justice Okuo commended the stakeholders for their commitment, particularly appreciating IDLO’s support. She emphasized that daily hearings must uphold due process, protect the presumption of innocence, and ensure access to legal representation.
Justice Okuo expressed optimism that the initiative will help reduce prolonged pre-trial detention, which often destabilizes families and communities, while restoring public confidence in the justice system.
“This should not remain a pilot but become a routine practice replicated across the country to deliver justice for the most vulnerable,” she said.
She assured the public that while the pilot focuses on criminal cases, civil and miscellaneous matters will continue to be handled in the participating courts to avoid disruption.
IDLO Country Manager, Barbara Kilei, welcomed the project, noting that while GBV is the main focus, it should also address economic and land-related crimes that impact communities and national development.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, John Baptist Asiimwe, described the project as a significant step toward timely justice, but cautioned that its success will depend on effective coordination among all criminal justice actors.
He highlighted challenges such as staff shortages, witness facilitation, and the need for close collaboration with the Police, Prisons, and defense lawyers.
The meeting agreed on several next steps, including: Strengthening coordination through a leadership structure, Joint identification and cause-listing of cases, Conducting stakeholder visits to prisons to sensitize inmates and appointing a DPP focal person to oversee project implementation.
The pilot is being implemented under the Access to Justice for Sustainable Development Programme, supported by IDLO, and will run for two years.
Phase One officially begins on November 3, 2025, with monthly reviews to track progress and replicate best practices nationwide.
The launch was moderated by HW John Paul Edoku, Registrar for Planning, Research, and Development.
