Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo has credited alternative justice mechanisms and digital reforms for easing case backlog, reducing prison congestion and improving efficiency within Uganda's justice system.
Speaking at the 2nd National Court Open Day in Kampala, Owiny-Dollo said the Judiciary has deliberately shifted towards less adversarial and more reconciliatory approaches to justice through the Alternative Justice System launched in 2023.
"The Judiciary has since redirected its energy to ensuring that justice is less expensive, more timely and more reconciliatory than antagonistic," he said.
He explained that plea bargaining, mediation and small claims courts have helped save judicial time and resources that would otherwise be spent on lengthy trials involving multiple witnesses and exhibits.
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"These alternative modes of dispute resolution have undoubtedly helped in reducing case backlog and decongestion of prisons," Owiny-Dollo said, urging the public to embrace the reforms.
"You have a life to live after the case," he added.
The Chief Justice also pointed to the growing use of technology in case management as a major milestone in improving access to justice.
He said the Electronic Court Case Management and Information System, which was introduced in March 2022, has now been rolled out across all courts in Kampala, with several High Court circuits upcountry joining the system.
Owiny-Dollo said the Judiciary has installed systems aimed at cutting out unnecessary procedures that promote delays in filing, hearing and delivery of judgments.
To support digital operations, he said the Judicature Electronic Filing, Service and Virtual Proceedings Rules of 2024 were enacted to guide litigants and lawyers on the use of electronic services.
On infrastructure, the Chief Justice said recent statutory instruments have expanded High Court circuits from 20 to 38 and magisterial areas from 80 to 157, bringing courts closer to communities and reducing travel costs and delays.
He said the increased presence of courts has also led to a steady rise in the number of cases filed each year, driven by public awareness and improved confidence in the justice system.
Owiny-Dollo acknowledged that the growing demand has stretched available resources.
"We continue to grapple with a limited resource envelope," he said, noting that increased access to courts must be matched with additional funding and innovation.
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Despite the challenges, he assured Ugandans of the Judiciary's commitment to administering justice fairly and efficiently, stressing that a functional justice system is essential for economic growth, investment and national stability.
