The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, on Tuesday conducted a familiarization and listening tour of courts under the Mpigi High Court Circuit, engaging judicial officers, staff, and key justice sector stakeholders to assess service delivery and address operational challenges.
Describing the exercise as a “listening tour,” Justice Abodo said the visit was aimed at understanding the realities on the ground and identifying practical solutions to enhance the efficiency of court operations. She emphasised the importance of proper workload management, noting that effective justice delivery begins with clear tracking and handling of cases.
She highlighted the Judiciary’s ongoing shift towards Alternative Justice Systems, particularly African-based approaches that prioritise mediation, reconciliation, and restorative justice. According to Justice Abodo, mechanisms such as plea bargaining and mediation are essential in reducing case backlog and ensuring timely access to justice.
The Principal Judge also underscored the transition to a paperless system through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), which allows filing and management of cases remotely. She added that the adoption of technologies like video conferencing will minimise the need for physical production of witnesses, saving both time and resources.
Amid the reforms, Justice Abodo urged judicial officers and staff to remain adaptable and resilient, stressing that challenges should not hinder progress. She also called for prioritisation of staff wellness, encouraging officers to maintain both physical and mental health, noting that a supported workforce is key to effective justice delivery.
Using a relatable analogy, she likened the Judiciary to a hardware and software system, explaining that while infrastructure is important, it is the people who ultimately determine how effectively the system functions.
At Gomba Chief Magistrates Court in Kanoni, Justice Abodo commended staff for maintaining service delivery despite infrastructural challenges. She emphasised the need to secure at least two acres of land for proper court development, noting that court infrastructure supports the entire justice chain, including the Police, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Uganda Prisons Service.
She also addressed the challenge of long distances, particularly for residents of Gomba West, proposing the introduction of mobile courts to bring services closer to the people. However, she noted that such initiatives require adequate transport facilitation. She further encouraged the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and the expedited handling of juvenile cases through proper classification.
The Head of the Gomba court, HW Kenneth Gimugu Kabiri, reported a caseload of 437 cases, with a backlog of three, citing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited space, and delays in securing rented premises despite valuation being completed over a year ago.
Resident State Attorney Arthur Masaba revealed that between 60 and 70 percent of cases originate from Gomba West, about 75 kilometres away, which affects access to justice as litigants often travel long distances only for matters to be adjourned.
Meanwhile, Brian Wamala raised concerns over prison congestion, noting that the facility houses 116 inmates with only 22 staff, although he acknowledged that plea bargaining has helped reduce case backlog.
Advocate Joshua Mwesigwa Senteza called for onboarding onto ECCMIS to improve efficiency in case management.
Justice Abodo concluded her visit by inspecting proposed premises for the Gomba Chief Magistrates Court, describing them as spacious and suitable for improving court operations.
