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Earlier, the Supreme Court commenced a three-day civil appeals session, during which a total of 13 civil matters are being heard. The session started today, Monday, October 26, and will conclude on Monday, November 2, 2026. Proceedings are being presided over by different panels consisting; Lady Justice Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, Lady Justice Percy Night Tuhaise, Justice Mike Chibita, Lady Justice Elizabeth Musoke, Justice Stephen Musota, Justice Christopher Madrama Izama, Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, Lady Justice Monica Mugenyi, and Justice Kibeedi Muzamiru Mutangula. According to the cause list signed by HW Ayebare Tumwebaze (Registrar, Supreme Court), cases being heard cover a wide range of civil disputes, most of which are land-related. They include the cases of Kakooza Jesca vs Joy Kiyaaga Rwenzigye, Robert Rwenzigye and Eric; Idd Saupe Sekaddu vs Kakeeto Muhamood aka Sseka Mutu; Hope Katongole and Milly Katongole vs Agatha Kalanzi; and Vivo Energy Uganda Limited vs Shire Petroleum Company Limited. Other cases on the cause list include DFCU Bank Limited vs Ronald Bwambale; Namakula Baiga Stella and Belinda Nakiganda Lutaya vs Stirling Civil Engineering Limited; Hon. Henry Muganwa Kajura vs Commissioner for Land Registration; and Attorney General and Ben Kabagambe vs Herbert Kabagambe. Appellants and their legal representatives were present in Court

Staff and justice-sector stakeholders at Kawempe Chief Magistrate’s Court on Friday evening held a warm send-off for retired Magistrate Grade II HW Steven Johnson Waidhuba, celebrating his dedication, integrity and contribution to the administration of justice. Hosted by the Kawempe Chief Magistrate, HW Doreen Ainembabazi, at 5As Restaurant on Lumumba Avenue, the ceremony brought together judicial officers, court staff and representatives of institutions under the Administration of Justice Programme. The Deputy Head of the Criminal Division, Justice Emmanuel Baguma presided as Guest of Honour. HW Waidhuba retired from the Judiciary Service in May 2026 following the amendment of the Magistrates Courts Act. In their tributes, colleagues and stakeholders hailed his professionalism, humility and kindness, highlighting the cordial working relationships he maintained throughout his service at Kawempe. Speaking on behalf of judicial officers, HW Angela Ayola commended his dedication to juvenile justice and his promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution. Ms Aisha, representing court staff, described him as organised and meticulous, and appreciated the guidance he offered to those who reached out to him. The Resident State Attorney for Kawempe, Mr Timothy Aduti, commended HW Waidhuba’s professionalism and effective cooperation with State Attorneys. HW Ainembabazi described him as a committed team player who promoted unity among staff and served court users with humility and kindness. The General Secretary of the Uganda Judicial Officers Association (UJOA), HW Mallen Obizu, commended his leadership and professionalism, recalling their service together on the Association’s Executive. UJOA President HW Daphine Ayebare praised his ability to articulate the concerns of those he represented. She described him as an eloquent and humble leader who consistently advocated for his constituency. In his remarks, Justice Baguma recalled a working relationship with HW Waidhuba spanning more than 30 years, including their time at Mukono Chief Magistrate’s Court. He commended the retired magistrate’s integrity, punctuality, teamwork and strong performance. Justice Baguma thanked HW Ainembabazi for bringing staff and stakeholders together to honour their colleague, describing the gesture as a demonstration of good leadership. He encouraged judicial officers to seek mentors, build supportive professional and social networks, and exercise patience as they grow in service. He also commended the UJOA leadership and urged its members to continue serving the interests of the Association. An emotional HW Waidhuba, accompanied by his wife, thanked the court staff and stakeholders for organising the ceremony and for the support they had extended to him during his service. He also expressed appreciation to Justice Baguma for gracing the occasion. The ceremony was attended by State Attorney Ms Ingrid Ashaba Ogwang; the Officer in Charge of Kanyanya Police Station, who represented the District Police Commander and led the police delegation; representatives of the Uganda Prisons Service and LDC Legal Aid Clinic; and mediators attached to the Court. Justice Baguma gifted HW Waidhuba and his wife a cow and presided over the presentation of gifts from Kawempe court staff and the UJOA President. The evening concluded with cake cutting

Construction of the Tororo High Court building is nearing completion, with the contractor reaffirming a commitment to hand over the facility to the Judiciary’s technical team by November 30, 2026. During the final site meeting held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, stakeholders inspected the building, assessed progress and identified outstanding works requiring attention before handover. The meeting followed the contractor’s commitment, made in September, to complete the project by the end of November. The inspection highlighted the need to connect the building’s drainage system to the main drainage network and address the height of the water tank stand to ensure water reaches the second floor. Other areas requiring attention included access ramps at two doors of the VIP latrine and one toilet entrance inside the main building. Stakeholders also noted that the installed fans were noisy and could disrupt court proceedings. Compound works remain outstanding. The Commissioner Engineering and Technical Services, Eng. George Turyakira, commended the contractor for the progress made and urged the team to rectify all identified gaps within the agreed timeframe. The Managing Director of the contracting company, Mr Robinson Reeka, assured stakeholders that the remaining minor works and required corrections would be completed within one month. He reaffirmed that the building would be handed over by November 30, 2026. Tororo District LC V Chairperson, Mr John Okea, reported that the request for additional land for parking was still being processed and pledged to work towards securing approval soon. Present at the meeting; HW Hellen Edimu, Assistant Registrar; Magistrate HW Ronald Yiga; Mr Jimmy Okello Winy, Contract Manager in the Judiciary; Mr Samuel Muganga, an architect in the Judiciary; Mr Edgar Taremwa, Site Engineer; and Mr Ashraf, Site Clerk.

The Judiciary, through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Registry, has concluded 73 criminal cases using plea bargaining during a three-day camp held at Kitalya Prison from Wednesday, 21 October, to Friday, 23 October 2026, reducing the prison’s remand population by eight per cent. The Camp brought together judicial officers, prosecutors, defence counsel and prison authorities to facilitate the timely resolution of criminal cases, address case backlog and enhance access to justice for inmates. A total of 148 inmates registered for plea bargaining, with 75 case files subjected to negotiations. Of these, 73 plea agreements were concluded, resulting in convictions, while negotiations in two cases were unsuccessful, representing a 97.3 per cent success rate among the cases negotiated. The camp was presided over by the Plea Bargain Focal Judge, Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga; Justice Gadenya Paul Wolimbwa of the Criminal Division; Justice Tadeo Asiimwe, Resident Judge of the Mubende Circuit; and Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, Focal Judge for Alternative Dispute Resolution and Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute (JTI). Other officials in attendance included the Registrar of the ADR Registry, HW Justine Atukwasa; Assistant Registrar, Mediation, HW Daniel Lubowa; and Senior Principal Magistrate, ADR, HW Daniel Bwambale. HW Bwambale, who is responsible for plea bargaining at the ADR Registry, said preparations for the Camp included online training organised by JTI for key stakeholders to strengthen their understanding of plea bargaining and enhance their readiness for the exercise. He added that pre-session engagements among judicial officers, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and defence counsel contributed to the efficient handling of case files, with 54 cases concluded on the first day. The concluded cases involved offences including aggravated defilement, rape, aggravated robbery, murder, aggravated trafficking and manslaughter. The sentences imposed ranged from periods equivalent to time already spent on remand to 27 years’ imprisonment. The exercise also addressed long-standing cases, with 12 confirmed backlog cases disposed of. A further 13 cases registered in 2024 could qualify as backlog, subject to verification of the respective remand dates. Three inmates were released after receiving sentences equivalent to the periods they had already spent on remand. The impact of the Camp was reflected in the prison’s remand population figures. According to the camp report, Kitalya Prison had 911 inmates on remand before the exercise. Following the conclusion of the cases, the number dropped to 838, representing an eight per cent reduction. The Officer in Charge of Kitalya Prison, Senior Superintendent of Prison Hassan Walangalira, noted that the facility held 2,714 inmates against its designed capacity of 2,000 before the Camp, underscoring the need for sustained interventions to expedite case disposal and ease congestion in correctional facilities. Throughout the negotiations, emphasis was placed on victim participation to ensure that victims’ interests were considered in reaching agreements between accused persons and the prosecution on appropriate sentences. Plea bargaining is an alternative criminal justice mechanism that facilitates the timely resolution of criminal cases, reduces case backlog and prison congestion, and enables accused persons to take responsibility for their actions. It also provides an opportunity for victims to participate in the justice process. The Kitalya Camp demonstrates the Judiciary’s continued commitment to improving case management, strengthening the use of plea bargaining and advancing timely access to justice. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the Judicature (Plea Bargain) Rules, 2016, the Judiciary Strategic Plan 2025–2030 and the broader vision of delivering justice that listens, serves and restores.

This is false, Hon. CJ Emeritus Benjamin Odoki is alive and well

Staff of the Judiciary have this evening turned up in large numbers for this evening’s weekly aerobics session at the Judiciary Headquarters, which was followed by a shared meal and fellowship. The Chief Justice, Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, thanked staff for taking part and encouraged them to attend regularly as part of maintaining good health. “Thank you so much for this wonderful aerobics session. I am sure that after exercising, you feel lighter, and that is the purpose. I encourage you to attend these sessions because aerobics is one of the best cardiovascular activities you can engage in,” he said. The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, commended staff for prioritising their wellbeing and recognised those who had consistently participated in the sessions. “Thank you all for making your health a priority. I also thank those who have benefited from consistently attending these sessions. Please keep prioritising your health because your health is your wealth,” she said. The Commissioner for Human Resource Management, Ms Apophia Tumwine, appreciated the strong turnout and thanked the Chief Justice for his continued encouragement and support for the initiative. “Thank you so much for turning up in big numbers. My Lord, thank you so much for keeping the fire burning,” she said. The evening concluded with a shared meal, giving staff an opportunity to interact and strengthen collegiality

This morning the Judiciary, in partnership with Pepperdine University, held a Juvenile Justice Roundtable at the Court of Appeal Conference Hall in Kampala, presided over by the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi. Organised by the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), the Roundtable brings together judicial officers and justice sector stakeholders to discuss practical and coordinated measures to strengthen the administration of juvenile justice ahead of the upcoming Special Sessions for handling juvenile cases. Discussions were focusing on reducing the number of children held in remand homes, addressing the backlog of pending juvenile cases, preventing unnecessary admissions to remand homes, and ensuring timely, child-sensitive justice for children in conflict with the law. The engagement also sought to develop time-bound action plans to address prolonged detention and support the effective implementation of the forthcoming Special Sessions. Participants included Judges from the International Crimes Division, Criminal Division and the Gulu, Patongo, Kitgum and Mbale High Court Circuits; Registrars; Chief Magistrates; and representatives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Uganda Law Society, development partners, civil society organisations, legal aid service providers, probation officers, remand home administrators, Pepperdine Advocates and other justice sector stakeholders. Also Present was the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo; JTI Executive Director, Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha; the Chief Registrar HW Agnes Alum, the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Odumbi James Owere; Commissioner for Youth and Children Affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ms. Emily Ajiambo, who is representing the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs; and International Development Law Organization (IDLO) Country Manager, Ms. Wachia Barbara Kilei. The sessions were chaired by the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo; Lady Justice Susan Okalany of the International Crimes Division; and the moderator is HW Mulalira Faisal Umar, Private Legal Secretary to the Deputy Chief Justice. The Roundtable underscores the importance of coordinated action among justice sector institutions and stakeholders in reducing prolonged detention, expediting juvenile cases and promoting timely, child-sensitive justice for children in conflict with the law

This morning key stakeholders serving nine court stations in Cluster 10 underwent a one-day, hands-on training in the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) ahead of its planned rollout in November 2026. The training aims to equip participants with practical skills to use the system in their day-to-day work and prepare them for electronic court processes. The ECCMIS Project Manager, Mr Joseph Ssinabulya, introduced participants to the System’s key features and functionalities, emphasising their practical application. The sessions were facilitated by Ms Flavia Chandiru, Senior Systems Administrator, and Mr Brian Oryema, a Computer Programmer, with Ms Samalie Nakabanda, Systems Administrator, moderating

Earlier: HW Nusulah Nankya, Assistant Registrar of Moroto High Court, was earlier hosted on Totore FM to sensitise the public about the Court’s upcoming Open Day, scheduled for November 10, 2026.

The Chief Magistrate of the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court, HW Gladys Kamasanyu, is among the delegates representing Uganda at the Seventeenth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) in Yerevan, Armenia. The conference, which opened on October 19 and runs until October 30, 2026, is being held under the theme “Taking Action for Nature.” It brings together governments, experts and civil society representatives to advance collective action on biodiversity conservation and strengthen international cooperation in protecting nature for future generations. Participants will review progress in implementing international commitments to conserve biodiversity, restore ecosystems and protect endangered plant and animal species. HW Kamasanyu’s participation brings a judicial perspective to the discussions, drawing on her role at the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court

The Court of Appeal has reported 60 successful mediations between January and October 2026 as it strengthens efforts to promote appellate mediation and equip mediators with practical dispute-resolution skills. During the same period, the Court closed 27 applications, recorded 171 failed mediations and carried forward 197 appeals under the mediation programme. The figures were presented during a mediation review meeting chaired by the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, at the Court of Appeal Conference Hall in Kampala earlier today. The meeting, attended both physically and virtually, reviewed the programme’s implementation, examined challenges and considered proposals to increase the uptake of Alternative Dispute Resolution at the Court. HW Nanteza Zulaika, Deputy Registrar of the Court of Appeal, presented reports on the Case Settlement Fortnight held mid-year and the programme’s overall performance. Members noted a steady increase in requests from court users to refer their cases to mediation. They resolved to intensify efforts to expedite case disposal without compromising quality, with the aim of improving efficiency and effectiveness in the administration of justice. The review meeting was followed by training for mediators attached to the Court, focusing on the knowledge and practical skills required to resolve disputes at the appellate level. Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Justice of the Court of Appeal and Court Administrator, presented on Appellate Mediation in the Ugandan Context. The Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus, Justice Richard Buteera, addressed Practical Aspects of Appellate Mediation versus Trial Mediation. Senior Counsel Francis Gimara discussed The Role of a Mediator: Moving Parties from Positions to Interests in Appellate Disputes, while HW Nanteza presented on Case Selection and Suitability for Mediation. She also moderated the training. In his closing remarks, Justice Kazibwe said the engagements had strengthened participants’ commitment to mediation and deepened their understanding of its role in resolving disputes. He thanked participants for their contributions, describing the engagement as the first of its kind at the Court of Appeal, and pledged to hold similar sessions in future. The Deputy Chief Justice welcomed the new team of court-annexed mediators and thanked them for accepting to serve. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting their work and encouraged them to approach his office whenever they required guidance or assistance. He also announced plans to extend the training to advocates to build their understanding and encourage greater acceptance of appellate mediation. The engagements brought together all Justices of the Court of Appeal, Registrars and mediators attached to the Court. The Chief Justice Emeritus, Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo, participated virtually. Other participants included retired Justice Remmy Kasule; Mr Maxim Mutabingwa; Mr George Omunyukolo; Mr Anaclet Turyakira; and Ms Norah Matovu, all mediators attached to the Court. Also present were the Registrar of the Court of Appeal, HW Allen Rukundo Owembabazi; Deputy Registrars HW Natukunda Janeva, HW Mugala Jane; HW Mulalira Faisal Umar, Private Legal Secretary to the Deputy Chief Justice; and HW Mwanja Brian, Personal Assistant to the Deputy Chief Justice

The Supreme Court has today resolved a seven-year commercial dispute valued at US$17 million (approximately UGX 71.49 billion) through mediation, bringing to a close 34 matters (arising from the dispute) before courts in Uganda, England and Wales. The mediation was conducted before Lady Justice Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza (Justice of the Supreme Court), at the Supreme Court in Kampala. The case, Civil Appeal No. 28 of 2025, through Mediation No. 2 of 2026, has led to the resolution of 34 matters before courts in Uganda and abroad. These include 18 matters in the High Court of Uganda, 13 matters in the Supreme Court of Uganda, and three claims before courts in England and Wales. The dispute arose from a Term Facility Agreement dated 11 December 2014, as amended, between the parties. It culminated in arbitration proceedings before the International Chamber of Commerce and the subsequent issuance of an arbitral award. The parties were thereafter involved in various court proceedings in Uganda, England and Wales. Speaking after the mediation, Lady Justice Prof. Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza thanked the parties and their advocates for their willingness to engage and for remaining calm throughout the mediation process. She congratulated them on bringing the seven-year dispute to a peaceful conclusion and encouraged business entities to resolve their differences through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), which she noted offers faster and more cost-effective results. In his remarks, Dr. Kirunda Robert, one of the lawyers in the matter, described the mediation as groundbreaking, noting that it had resolved 34 matters in Uganda and abroad. He emphasized the importance of mediation in protecting clients’ interests and delivering faster justice. “Settling commercial cases through mediation protects clients’ interests while delivering faster justice,” he said. He also stressed that prolonged commercial litigation drains corporate budgets through legal fees and thanked the mediator for her wise counsel throughout the process, which he noted led to a strategic commercial outcome. One of the parties in the matter also thanked the mediator for the successful mediation, noting that it had saved costs, was time-efficient, and preserved business relationships between them as parties. Present was HW Alex Mushabe Karocho (Private Legal Secretary to the Chief Justice), who conducted the pre-mediation meeting with the assistance of HW Norah Baluka (Research Magistrate attached to Lady Justice Prof. Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza), and Ms. Patience Alina (Court Clerk)

Happening now: Day Two of the ECCMIS training for the second group of non-judicial officers from Mpigi High Court, Mpigi Chief Magistrates Court, Butambala, Gomba, Nsangi, Kajjansi, Kasangati, Bujjuko and Buwama Magistrates Courts is underway. The facilitator, Mr Brian Oryema, a Computer Programmer, is taking participants through a hands-on session on the ECCMIS Civil Case Process Demonstration and the Practical Roles of Different Court Users. Later in the day, Ms Flavia Chandiru, Senior Systems Administrator, will take participants through a practical introduction to the ECCMIS Criminal Case Process. The ECCMIS Technical Committee, comprising Systems Administrators and Computer Programmers, is providing technical support to the participants throughout the training

Happening Now: The Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, is chairing a review meeting of the Mediation Programme at the Court of Appeal. The hybrid meeting, featuring both physical and online attendance, is taking place at the Court of Appeal’s Conference Hall in Kampala. It aims to review the implementation of mediation at the Court, including reports on activities undertaken under the programme, such as the Mediation Fortnight, feedback on the programme, recommendations, and best practices identified to strengthen mediation at the Court. It will be followed by a training session for mediators attached to the Court of Appeal, where Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire (Justice of the Court of Appeal and Court Administrator) will make a presentation on Appellate Mediation in the Ugandan Context, and Justice Richard Buteera (Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus) will present on Practical Aspects of Appellate Mediation vs Trial Mediation. There will also be a presentation on the Role of a Mediator: Moving Parties from Positions to Interests in Appellate Disputes by Senior Counsel Francis Gimara. HW Nanteza Zulaika (Deputy Registrar, Court of Appeal) will guide participants through a presentation on Case Selection and Suitability. The meeting is attended by Justices of the Court of Appeal, Registrars, Magistrates, and mediators attached to the Court. The meeting is being moderated by HW Nanteza

Kabale High Court has held a criminal pre-session meeting ahead of a month-long session scheduled for November–December 2026, with 43 cases listed and priority given to matters involving older persons, women and children. The meeting, held yesterday brought together criminal justice stakeholders to coordinate preparations for the session. The cause list includes murder, aggravated defilement, rape, aggravated robbery and aggravated trafficking in children. During the discussions, the presiding Judge, Justice Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere, emphasised time management and effective coordination of witnesses, including police officers, to ensure proceedings run smoothly. He urged the Uganda Police Force in Kabale to sensitise its officers on proper evidence management to prevent discrepancies during forensic testing that could cause unnecessary delays. Stakeholders agreed to work together to minimise delays and ensure the session is completed within the shortest practicable time. The meeting was attended by representatives of Ndorwa Main Prison, the Uganda Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, alongside advocates appointed on State Brief, the Justice for Children Coordinator for Kigezi and court assessors. During the meeting, Chief State Attorney Grace Nabagala introduced the new Resident State Attorney, Ms Emily Mutuzo, to the Judge and stakeholders, noting that she had already assumed duty at the station

Earlier today, the Governing Council of the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) held its 5th meeting at the Institute’s premises in Nakawa. The meeting was chaired by the Council Chairperson, Justice Mike Chibita, and brought together members to consider matters relating to the Institute’s work. Among the items on the agenda was the presentation of the draft training curriculum for the Council’s review and consideration. The meeting provided a platform for members to deliberate on the presentations and consider matters relating to the Institute’s training mandate. In attendance were Justice Kibedi Muzamiru, Lady Justice Florence Nakachwa, Justice Gadenya Paul Wolimbwa, Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, HW Agnes Alum, Dr. Pamela Kalyegira-Tibihikirra, Mr. George Omunyokol, Dr. Ronald Naluwairo and Mr. Pius Perry Biribonwoha. Also present was the Acting Registrar of JTI, HW Lillian Bucyana. Dr. Henry Onoria of ALP Advocates and Ms. Harriet Mutonyi of the International Network for Advancing Science and Policy

The Judiciary is training a second group of non-judicial officers from nine court stations in Cluster 10 ahead of the planned November 2026 rollout of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS). The training combines theoretical sessions with practical exercises to equip participants with the skills to manage court processes electronically, support court users and improve service delivery. Participating officers are drawn from Mpigi High Court, Mpigi Chief Magistrate’s Court and the Magistrates’ Courts of Butambala, Gomba, Nsangi, Kajjansi, Kasangati, Bujjuko and Buwama. Opening the training, the Commissioner for Human Resource Management, Ms Apophia N. Tumwine, emphasised the central role of non-judicial officers in the successful adoption of ECCMIS, describing them as its operational backbone. She commended the ECCMIS Project Manager, Mr Joseph Ssinabulya, and his team for their implementation efforts, noting that the System had been deployed in 56 court stations across the country. These include the High Court circuits of Luwero, Wakiso, Entebbe, Lugazi, Mukono, Jinja, Kiboga, Mbarara and Gulu. Ms Tumwine described the forthcoming rollout as another milestone in the Judiciary’s efforts to modernise court processes and deliver justice more efficiently, transparently and equitably. “As we gather here today, we are not merely attending a technical workshop. We are participating in a decisive phase of the Judiciary’s transformation, one that will fundamentally change how justice is delivered in Cluster 10 Courts and beyond,” she said. She reminded participants that their responsibilities extended beyond operating the System. Its success, she said, would depend on their willingness to learn, apply their skills and support colleagues and court users. The training covers electronic case registration and filing, e-payment reconciliation, updating case records, uploading and downloading documents, tracking case information and generating reports to support decision-making and accountability. Acknowledging the challenges of moving from paper-based processes to a digital system, Ms Tumwine encouraged participants to ask questions, practise diligently and remain committed to learning. She noted that ECCMIS had contributed to increased case registration, improved case clearance rates and enhanced non-tax revenue collection through electronic payments. She added that the ability to track cases, receive timely notifications and access services with fewer physical visits could strengthen public trust in the justice system. Ms Tumwine urged the officers to champion ECCMIS at their respective stations, stressing that technology required committed and capable users to deliver results. “The month of November is not far away. Let us ensure that when ECCMIS goes live in your courts, it goes live with officers who are ready, capable and committed,” she said. Mr Ssinabulya introduced participants to the System’s main features and functionalities, with particular emphasis on their practical application in daily court operations. Participants said they hoped to gain confidence in using ECCMIS, understand the responsibilities of different system users and develop skills in managing electronic records and preparing and submitting returns. They also expressed interest in improving their computer skills and learning how to guide court users and support fellow staff. The training is facilitated by Ms Flavia Chandiru, Senior Systems Administrator, and Mr Brian Oryema, Computer Programmer. Ms Samalie Nakabanda, Systems Administrator, moderated the sessions

The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, conducted ad hoc inspections at Kakira Magistrate’s Court in Jinja District, Bugiri Chief Magistrate’s Court and Kaiti Magistrate’s Court in Namutumba District to assess case management, working conditions and staff welfare. During the visits, she interacted with judicial officers and staff, inspected court facilities and received updates on challenges affecting service delivery. At Bugiri Chief Magistrate’s Court, the Principal Judge was received by Chief Magistrate HW Aloysius Natwijuka and Magistrate HW Jerry Oyirwoth, who briefed her on their respective workloads. HW Natwijuka reported approximately 120 matters, while HW Oyirwoth reported 300. HW Natwijuka said matters commonly brought before the court included customary land disputes and defilement cases. He also highlighted teenage pregnancy as a concern in the area. He noted that relatively few complex land disputes reached court because strong clan structures helped resolve many disputes within communities. He requested an additional magistrate and proposed that a visiting Chief Magistrate could support the station to expedite case disposal. The judicial officers reported unreliable electricity following the breakdown of the court’s solar power system and a lack of internet connectivity, which had forced them to use personal phones to facilitate work on election petitions. Access to justice for island communities also featured prominently. HW Natwijuka said the court received many cases from the islands, including Buvuma, which he reported fell within its jurisdiction. However, the absence of court facilities and the high cost of canoe transport made these communities difficult to serve. He proposed acquiring a larger Judiciary boat to transport judicial officers, prosecutors and police officers, together with tents and chairs, for periodic court sessions on the islands. Staff raised concerns about inadequate computers, poor-quality furniture and the lack of replacement uniforms. Process servers, drivers and office attendants said they had received uniforms only once. They also requested support for motorcycle maintenance to facilitate service of court process. Participants further proposed greater use of community service, particularly in matters involving juveniles. The staff commended the magistrates for their dedication and thanked the Principal Judge for listening to their concerns. They described the visit as encouraging and an assurance that Judiciary management remained attentive to staff serving at distant stations. At Kaiti Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate HW Ambrose Mugweri received the Principal Judge and guided her around the premises. He highlighted the court’s ageing building, inadequate furniture and limited storage space. He explained that the open nature of the court hall posed security risks, making it difficult to safeguard any new furniture. HW Mugweri also reported that the court lacked computers and relied on external typing bureaus to prepare documents. Thanking the Principal Judge for her concern for staff welfare, he noted that improved working conditions would contribute to better performance and service delivery. The Principal Judge also visited Kakira Magistrate’s Court. No judicial officer was present at the time of the inspection, and one staff member arrived as the Principal Judge was leaving. During her engagements with judicial officers and staff at the different courts, Justice Abodo commended their commitment to delivering justice despite the challenges and encouraged them to sustain their efforts. She urged them to engage with the communities they serve, understand local justice mechanisms and act as Judiciary ambassadors through professionalism and good customer care. The Principal Judge assured staff that concerns relating to salaries, allowances, infrastructure and working tools were receiving attention