In a significant move to enhance the judiciary's efficiency, Parliament has granted leave to Mukono North Legislator Abdalah Kiwanuka to introduce the Magistrates Courts Amendment Bill 2024.

This private member's bill according to the mover seeks to increase the pecuniary jurisdiction of magistrates courts and address related matters.

"The Magistrates Courts Amendment Bill 2024 aims at increasing the pecuniary jurisdiction of the magistrates courts in Uganda," said Abdalah Kiwanuka during the Thursday Parliamentary sitting, chaired by Speaker Anita Among.

Some of the proposed amendments include Magistrates Courts increase pecuniary jurisdiction from 50 million to 200 million Ugandan shillings, Magistrates Courts Grade One Increase pecuniary jurisdiction from 20 million to 100 million, Magistrates Court Grade Two Increase pecuniary jurisdiction from 500,000 shillings to 50 million

The bill has received widespread support from legislators, including Bunyole East MP Yusuf Mutembuli, who believes it will help address the case backlog at the High Court.

"Once passed, this bill will greatly alleviate the case backlog at the High Court," said Mutembuli.

To Bugiri Municipality Mp Asuman Basalirwa says increasing the pecuniary jurisdiction of magistrates courts, the bill aims to streamline the judicial process and reduce the workload of higher courts. Basalirwa saya this development is a significant step towards enhancing Uganda's judicial system.