Nabweru, Wakiso — The Chief Justice of Uganda, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija has called on legislators in the 12th Parliament to increase funding for the Judiciary to help address case backlog and improve service delivery across courts of law.
Speaking while officiating at the Wakiso Court Open Day, an event aimed at creating direct interaction between court users and judicial officers, Justice Zeija emphasized that adequate financing and increased staffing remain key to improving access to justice and reducing delays in case disposal.
He noted that the Judiciary continues to face a shortage of judicial officers, which affects efficiency in handling cases.
“At the moment, I have 88 High Court judges, but we need at least 150. Even this court is supposed to have three to four judges despite its current space limitations. In the next financial year, we are not recruiting more judicial officers because the required budget has not been provided,” Justice Zeija said.
He further pointed out that although the Judiciary’s budget had recently increased to 0.6 percent of the national budget, it had for years remained at only 0.3 percent, compared to Parliament’s allocation of 1.6 percent.
According to him, increasing the Judiciary budget would significantly improve court operations and reduce case backlog.
On corruption, Justice Zeija warned judicial officers against engaging in unethical practices, stressing that the Judiciary under his leadership has no room for corruption, laziness, or poor performance.
He observed that in the past, some judicial officers received inducements in different forms, creating fear and mistrust among members of the public seeking justice.
However, he commended officials at Wakiso Court for maintaining integrity and earning public confidence.
Justice Zeija also revealed that once adequate funding is secured, the Judiciary would consider operationalizing a new court circuit in Wakiso District after assessing the need.
The Head of Wakiso High Court Circuit, Sarah Langa Siu, reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to fighting corruption.
“We are a no-corruption zone and have zero tolerance for corruption. The Chief Justice brought us here to serve Ugandans, and we are already paid for that service. We are not interested in bribes,” she said.
She cautioned the public against individuals claiming to solicit money on behalf of judicial officers, saying such people act independently.
Justice Langa Siu also appealed for support in securing a permanent home for the Wakiso High Court Circuit, noting that the court currently handles more than 4,000 cases under constrained conditions.
Meanwhile, Zambaali Bulasio Mukasa commended the Judiciary for bringing services closer to communities but urged authorities to increase the number of judicial officers to reduce delays in handling cases.
He noted that public engagement initiatives help people understand court processes and also expose fraudsters who exploit vulnerable citizens by falsely promising to fast-track cases.
He also suggested that local leaders be empowered to mediate and resolve minor disputes at community level.
The Wakiso District LCV Chairperson, Ian Kyeyune, pledged to work with Judiciary leadership to secure land for the construction of a permanent home for the Wakiso High Court Circuit.
Chief Registrar Agnes Alum assured court users that the Judiciary remains committed to strengthening court operations, improving inspections and supervision, and promoting accountability within the justice system.
She further explained that amendments to the Magistrates Courts Act had expanded the jurisdiction of magistrates, with Chief Magistrates now able to handle cases worth up to Shs200 million and Grade One Magistrates handling cases worth up to Shs100 million.
She said the changes are expected to shift some cases from the High Court back to lower courts, easing pressure and reducing case backlog.
During the open day, members of the public raised concerns about court operations, sought guidance on case filing procedures, and presented complaints related to delayed cases. While many concerns were addressed immediately, others were referred to relevant offices for further action.
