Uganda: Abodo Urges Stronger Legal and Operational Standards in New Judiciary Practice Directions

Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo has called for proposed Judiciary practice directions to be firmly grounded in law, operationally practical, and administratively efficient, while advancing access to justice and improved case management across the justice system.

She made the remarks while chairing the first Quarter Four meeting of the Financial Year 2025/2026 for the Law Reform Committee held on Thursday afternoon at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala.

Lady Justice Abodo thanked members for attending both physically and online, noting the importance of the session in shaping key reforms within the Judiciary.

She underscored the significance of the two draft instruments under review, explaining that agenda item six had been introduced due to its urgency.

The Committee was tasked to examine the Draft Magistrates' Courts (Transfer and Management of Files) Practice Directions, 2026, and the Draft Constitution (Management of Exhibits) (Practice) Directions, 2026.

"The proposed practice directions must be legally sound, operationally practical, administratively efficient, and responsive to the broader objective of enhancing access to justice and effective case management within the Judiciary," she said.

Lady Justice Abodo further emphasised the need for careful consideration of transition mechanisms in the transfer of case files, warning that poor implementation could create serious operational challenges for the Judiciary.

She also highlighted the importance of accountability safeguards, integrity of files and exhibits, proper registry management, and realistic implementation timelines.

According to her, the Judiciary must assess whether its registries are adequately prepared to handle the anticipated movement of physical files, cautioning against reforms that merely shift backlog from one station to another without improving efficiency.

During the meeting, a presentation on the Draft Magistrates' Courts (Transfer and Management of Files) Practice Directions, 2026 was made by John Paul Edoku.

Review of the Draft Constitution (Management of Exhibits) (Practice) Directions, 2026, incorporating recommendations from the previous meeting, was deferred to a later date.

Read the original article on Nile Post.