We appreciate feedback from the public especially court users. Reach us any time on our toll free line 0800111900/0800225587 to give us feedback about our services or staff. Help us to serve you better.

Happening now: Day Two of the ECCMIS training for the second group of non-judicial officers from Mpigi High Court, Mpigi Chief Magistrates Court, Butambala, Gomba, Nsangi, Kajjansi, Kasangati, Bujjuko and Buwama Magistrates Courts is underway. The facilitator, Mr Brian Oryema, a Computer Programmer, is taking participants through a hands-on session on the ECCMIS Civil Case Process Demonstration and the Practical Roles of Different Court Users. Later in the day, Ms Flavia Chandiru, Senior Systems Administrator, will take participants through a practical introduction to the ECCMIS Criminal Case Process. The ECCMIS Technical Committee, comprising Systems Administrators and Computer Programmers, is providing technical support to the participants throughout the training

Happening Now: The Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, is chairing a review meeting of the Mediation Programme at the Court of Appeal. The hybrid meeting, featuring both physical and online attendance, is taking place at the Court of Appeal’s Conference Hall in Kampala. It aims to review the implementation of mediation at the Court, including reports on activities undertaken under the programme, such as the Mediation Fortnight, feedback on the programme, recommendations, and best practices identified to strengthen mediation at the Court. It will be followed by a training session for mediators attached to the Court of Appeal, where Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire (Justice of the Court of Appeal and Court Administrator) will make a presentation on Appellate Mediation in the Ugandan Context, and Justice Richard Buteera (Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus) will present on Practical Aspects of Appellate Mediation vs Trial Mediation. There will also be a presentation on the Role of a Mediator: Moving Parties from Positions to Interests in Appellate Disputes by Senior Counsel Francis Gimara. HW Nanteza Zulaika (Deputy Registrar, Court of Appeal) will guide participants through a presentation on Case Selection and Suitability. The meeting is attended by Justices of the Court of Appeal, Registrars, Magistrates, and mediators attached to the Court. The meeting is being moderated by HW Nanteza

Kabale High Court has held a criminal pre-session meeting ahead of a month-long session scheduled for November–December 2026, with 43 cases listed and priority given to matters involving older persons, women and children. The meeting, held yesterday brought together criminal justice stakeholders to coordinate preparations for the session. The cause list includes murder, aggravated defilement, rape, aggravated robbery and aggravated trafficking in children. During the discussions, the presiding Judge, Justice Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere, emphasised time management and effective coordination of witnesses, including police officers, to ensure proceedings run smoothly. He urged the Uganda Police Force in Kabale to sensitise its officers on proper evidence management to prevent discrepancies during forensic testing that could cause unnecessary delays. Stakeholders agreed to work together to minimise delays and ensure the session is completed within the shortest practicable time. The meeting was attended by representatives of Ndorwa Main Prison, the Uganda Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, alongside advocates appointed on State Brief, the Justice for Children Coordinator for Kigezi and court assessors. During the meeting, Chief State Attorney Grace Nabagala introduced the new Resident State Attorney, Ms Emily Mutuzo, to the Judge and stakeholders, noting that she had already assumed duty at the station

Earlier today, the Governing Council of the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) held its 5th meeting at the Institute’s premises in Nakawa. The meeting was chaired by the Council Chairperson, Justice Mike Chibita, and brought together members to consider matters relating to the Institute’s work. Among the items on the agenda was the presentation of the draft training curriculum for the Council’s review and consideration. The meeting provided a platform for members to deliberate on the presentations and consider matters relating to the Institute’s training mandate. In attendance were Justice Kibedi Muzamiru, Lady Justice Florence Nakachwa, Justice Gadenya Paul Wolimbwa, Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, HW Agnes Alum, Dr. Pamela Kalyegira-Tibihikirra, Mr. George Omunyokol, Dr. Ronald Naluwairo and Mr. Pius Perry Biribonwoha. Also present was the Acting Registrar of JTI, HW Lillian Bucyana. Dr. Henry Onoria of ALP Advocates and Ms. Harriet Mutonyi of the International Network for Advancing Science and Policy

The Judiciary is training a second group of non-judicial officers from nine court stations in Cluster 10 ahead of the planned November 2026 rollout of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS). The training combines theoretical sessions with practical exercises to equip participants with the skills to manage court processes electronically, support court users and improve service delivery. Participating officers are drawn from Mpigi High Court, Mpigi Chief Magistrate’s Court and the Magistrates’ Courts of Butambala, Gomba, Nsangi, Kajjansi, Kasangati, Bujjuko and Buwama. Opening the training, the Commissioner for Human Resource Management, Ms Apophia N. Tumwine, emphasised the central role of non-judicial officers in the successful adoption of ECCMIS, describing them as its operational backbone. She commended the ECCMIS Project Manager, Mr Joseph Ssinabulya, and his team for their implementation efforts, noting that the System had been deployed in 56 court stations across the country. These include the High Court circuits of Luwero, Wakiso, Entebbe, Lugazi, Mukono, Jinja, Kiboga, Mbarara and Gulu. Ms Tumwine described the forthcoming rollout as another milestone in the Judiciary’s efforts to modernise court processes and deliver justice more efficiently, transparently and equitably. “As we gather here today, we are not merely attending a technical workshop. We are participating in a decisive phase of the Judiciary’s transformation, one that will fundamentally change how justice is delivered in Cluster 10 Courts and beyond,” she said. She reminded participants that their responsibilities extended beyond operating the System. Its success, she said, would depend on their willingness to learn, apply their skills and support colleagues and court users. The training covers electronic case registration and filing, e-payment reconciliation, updating case records, uploading and downloading documents, tracking case information and generating reports to support decision-making and accountability. Acknowledging the challenges of moving from paper-based processes to a digital system, Ms Tumwine encouraged participants to ask questions, practise diligently and remain committed to learning. She noted that ECCMIS had contributed to increased case registration, improved case clearance rates and enhanced non-tax revenue collection through electronic payments. She added that the ability to track cases, receive timely notifications and access services with fewer physical visits could strengthen public trust in the justice system. Ms Tumwine urged the officers to champion ECCMIS at their respective stations, stressing that technology required committed and capable users to deliver results. “The month of November is not far away. Let us ensure that when ECCMIS goes live in your courts, it goes live with officers who are ready, capable and committed,” she said. Mr Ssinabulya introduced participants to the System’s main features and functionalities, with particular emphasis on their practical application in daily court operations. Participants said they hoped to gain confidence in using ECCMIS, understand the responsibilities of different system users and develop skills in managing electronic records and preparing and submitting returns. They also expressed interest in improving their computer skills and learning how to guide court users and support fellow staff. The training is facilitated by Ms Flavia Chandiru, Senior Systems Administrator, and Mr Brian Oryema, Computer Programmer. Ms Samalie Nakabanda, Systems Administrator, moderated the sessions

The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, conducted ad hoc inspections at Kakira Magistrate’s Court in Jinja District, Bugiri Chief Magistrate’s Court and Kaiti Magistrate’s Court in Namutumba District to assess case management, working conditions and staff welfare. During the visits, she interacted with judicial officers and staff, inspected court facilities and received updates on challenges affecting service delivery. At Bugiri Chief Magistrate’s Court, the Principal Judge was received by Chief Magistrate HW Aloysius Natwijuka and Magistrate HW Jerry Oyirwoth, who briefed her on their respective workloads. HW Natwijuka reported approximately 120 matters, while HW Oyirwoth reported 300. HW Natwijuka said matters commonly brought before the court included customary land disputes and defilement cases. He also highlighted teenage pregnancy as a concern in the area. He noted that relatively few complex land disputes reached court because strong clan structures helped resolve many disputes within communities. He requested an additional magistrate and proposed that a visiting Chief Magistrate could support the station to expedite case disposal. The judicial officers reported unreliable electricity following the breakdown of the court’s solar power system and a lack of internet connectivity, which had forced them to use personal phones to facilitate work on election petitions. Access to justice for island communities also featured prominently. HW Natwijuka said the court received many cases from the islands, including Buvuma, which he reported fell within its jurisdiction. However, the absence of court facilities and the high cost of canoe transport made these communities difficult to serve. He proposed acquiring a larger Judiciary boat to transport judicial officers, prosecutors and police officers, together with tents and chairs, for periodic court sessions on the islands. Staff raised concerns about inadequate computers, poor-quality furniture and the lack of replacement uniforms. Process servers, drivers and office attendants said they had received uniforms only once. They also requested support for motorcycle maintenance to facilitate service of court process. Participants further proposed greater use of community service, particularly in matters involving juveniles. The staff commended the magistrates for their dedication and thanked the Principal Judge for listening to their concerns. They described the visit as encouraging and an assurance that Judiciary management remained attentive to staff serving at distant stations. At Kaiti Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate HW Ambrose Mugweri received the Principal Judge and guided her around the premises. He highlighted the court’s ageing building, inadequate furniture and limited storage space. He explained that the open nature of the court hall posed security risks, making it difficult to safeguard any new furniture. HW Mugweri also reported that the court lacked computers and relied on external typing bureaus to prepare documents. Thanking the Principal Judge for her concern for staff welfare, he noted that improved working conditions would contribute to better performance and service delivery. The Principal Judge also visited Kakira Magistrate’s Court. No judicial officer was present at the time of the inspection, and one staff member arrived as the Principal Judge was leaving. During her engagements with judicial officers and staff at the different courts, Justice Abodo commended their commitment to delivering justice despite the challenges and encouraged them to sustain their efforts. She urged them to engage with the communities they serve, understand local justice mechanisms and act as Judiciary ambassadors through professionalism and good customer care. The Principal Judge assured staff that concerns relating to salaries, allowances, infrastructure and working tools were receiving attention

The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has called for coordinated Administration of Justice Programme action to address delays at Iganga High Court, where more than 1,300 cases are pending before a single resident judge. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting at Iganga High Court yesterday, Justice Abodo proposed special court sessions, stronger investigations, timely production of accused persons and improved court and prison facilities to strengthen the administration of justice. The circuit serves 11 districts, several municipalities and island communities, placing considerable demand on its limited staffing and infrastructure. “Justice must be felt, not just seen,” she said, urging judicial officers and other stakeholders to demonstrate fairness, professionalism and efficiency. Justice Abodo called on judicial officers to scrutinise applications for adjournment and coordinate with prisons to ensure accused persons are produced in court on time. She also emphasised the need for prosecutors to guide police investigations and for institutions to work together to address delays. On plea bargaining, she stressed that participation must be voluntary and based on informed consent, and that the process should only apply where an accused person committed the offence. *Heavy workload and investigative gaps* The Resident Judge, Justice David Batema, said Iganga, the largest High Court circuit in Busoga, had more than 1,300 cases assigned to one judge. Despite the heavy workload and health challenges, he said the Circuit’s quarterly performance remained satisfactory. He appealed for additional special sessions, noting that another session was scheduled to begin on Friday. Seven visiting judges had conducted sessions in the Circuit, although many cases had resulted in acquittals. Justice Batema commended Lady Justice Ida Nakiganda for conducting a successful criminal session and Justice Kwemara Kafuuzi for supporting the disposal of criminal cases in Mayuge. He also reported that five terrorism cases involving alleged ADF veterans had been transferred to Jinja for security reasons. Election petitions were nearing completion, with only two or three judgments pending following the deployment of additional judicial officers. The Circuit had also received files concerning reviews of LC1 elections in areas where the Electoral Commission had ordered repeat polls. Turning to investigations, Justice Batema urged police and prosecutors to draw lessons from acquittals by improving the handling of confessions and statements, presenting exhibits properly and conducting thorough investigations. He emphasised that acquittals were a legitimate outcome of judicial proceedings, noting that prosecution should pursue justice, not persecution. He cautioned against disposing of exhibits, including perishable goods and motor vehicles, without a court order, and called for proper photographic documentation. Participants cited poor exhibit handling, inadequate consultation during investigations, failure to attach Form 103, limited institutional support for plea bargaining and insufficient special sessions for vulnerable persons. Justice Abodo said she had conducted monthly case reviews and withdrawn matters that had been wrongly committed to court. *Staffing and infrastructure constraints* Justice Batema said the Court operates from borrowed facilities, sharing chambers, offices and a courtroom with the Chief Magistrate’s Court. He appealed for land and permanent premises to accommodate its growing workload. The meeting heard that Iganga District Administration had offered land at Nakalama. However, the land remains under a district mother title and is also claimed by the cultural leadership of Obwakyabazinga. Its subdivision requires permission from the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government

The Court of Appeal in Kampala today commenced a two-day session to hear 23 civil appeals. The session will conclude tomorrow, Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The Justices handling the session are Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Justice Christopher Gashirabake, Lady Justice Margret Tibulya and Lady Justice Cornelia Kakooza Sabiiti. According to the cause list signed by the Deputy Registrar of the Court of Appeal, HW Natukunda Janeva, the appeals concern land disputes, breach of contract, claims for damages, wrongful termination, mortgages, defamation, compensation and divorce, among other matters. Appellants and their legal representatives attended the opening day’s proceedings. The session forms part of the Court’s ongoing efforts to expedite the disposal of appeals, reduce case backlog and improve access to justice

The Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, has called for coordinated action to improve juvenile justice, address shortages of State Attorneys and strengthen constructive engagement between the Judiciary and the Uganda Law Society (ULS). He made the remarks today while opening a two-day Court of Appeal criminal session at Fort Portal High Court. The session, running from October 20 to 21, 2026, is hearing 30 criminal appeals before a panel comprising the Deputy Chief Justice, Lady Justice Irene Mulyagonja and Justice Jesse Byaruhanga. Addressing justice sector stakeholders, Justice Kazibwe commended the Head of Fort Portal High Court Circuit, Justice Vincent Emmy Mugabo, for presenting a detailed report on the Circuit’s performance and operational challenges. He said the report provided a useful basis for identifying areas requiring intervention. The Deputy Chief Justice expressed concern about the limited number of remand homes and difficulties in transporting children to court. He urged stakeholders to collectively advocate for practical measures to improve children’s welfare and access to justice. “We must, as a country and as stakeholders in this sector, do something about children. The situation is getting worse, and we need to make our voices heard about children,” he said. On prosecution services, Justice Kazibwe noted that shortages of State Attorneys were affecting court operations and delaying case disposal. He called for a shared effort to address the staffing gaps, emphasising that effective justice delivery depends on adequately resourced institutions throughout the justice system. “The fight is for all of us. Let us all carry that cross and work together to strengthen the system so that the flow of justice is even,” he said. He commended the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for enabling junior State Attorneys to attend the session, noting that exposure to appellate proceedings provides valuable practical learning and mentorship. Responding to concerns raised by the ULS representative about pending appeals involving the Society, the Deputy Chief Justice said the matters were being handled and reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to constructive engagement. He emphasised that the Judiciary and the Bar share a responsibility to serve the people of Uganda and should address their differences through dialogue. He also acknowledged that the Judiciary has shortcomings and benefits from constructive feedback. “We have no fight with the Uganda Law Society,” he said. “What we call for is constructive engagement.” Justice Kazibwe urged leaders in the legal profession to demonstrate mutual respect, exercise restraint in public statements and set a positive example. He also encouraged the use of mediation and other appropriate Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to resolve disputes. He thanked Police, Prisons, the ODPP, advocates and other stakeholders for their cooperation, describing justice delivery as a chain whose effectiveness depends on every institution playing its part. The Deputy Chief Justice further encouraged stakeholders to publicise court judgments through local media, particularly decisions involving serious offences, to improve public understanding and support crime prevention. Lady Justice Mulyagonja highlighted the need for more court sessions to address prison congestion and expedite criminal proceedings. Referring to the Circuit’s report of 990 convicts and 767 remand prisoners at Katojo Main Prison, she cautioned that prolonged delays could undermine the availability of evidence. “The more people stay on remand, the less evidence you will have when you are disposing of their cases,” she said

Ongoing: Training in the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) continued today for 39 non-judicial officers from nine courts ahead of the system’s rollout and go-live on November 9, 2026. The participating courts are Mpigi High Court and the Chief Magistrates’ Courts of Mpigi, Butambala, Gomba, Nsangi, Kajjansi, Kasangati; and Bujjuko and Buwama Magistrates Courts. The two-day training, which began yesterday and concludes today, aims to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to use ECCMIS effectively. Ms Flavia Chandiru continued today; guiding participants through the ECCMIS civil case process, with practical exercises on the roles of different court users. Mr Brian Oryema, a Computer Programmer, is scheduled to lead a practical session on the ECCMIS criminal case process. Topics include electronic filing and registration, payment of bail and fines, case allocation, document creation, scheduling court sittings, and preparation of summonses and notices. The session will also cover electronic notifications, updating case status, judgments and rulings, applications, appeals and executions, supported by demonstrations and practical exercises. Ms Musanase Geogina, a System Administrator, is moderating today’s sessions

The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has conducted ad hoc inspections at Njeru Magistrates Court in Buikwe District, Jinja High Court and Katende Magistrates Court in Jinja District, to assess case management, working conditions and staff welfare. The visits provided an opportunity for judicial officers and support staff to engage directly with the Judiciary’s leadership on progress and priorities for improving service delivery. At Njeru Magistrates Court, Magistrates HW Egessa Wilberforce Masaaka and HW Kibeedi Peace welcomed the visit, describing it as reassuring and an opportunity for leadership to appreciate conditions at the station. HW Egessa highlighted limited chambers and registry space, as well as inadequate shelving and storage for files and exhibits. He requested for air conditioning, desktop computers, additional staff and transport support to facilitate court operations, noting that staff transfers had increased pressure on the remaining personnel. He also emphasised the importance of motivation, regular feedback and field visits in supporting staff performance and improving working conditions. At Jinja High Court, Justice Lawrence Gidudu thanked the Principal Judge for the visit and commended HW Fiona Sheila Angura, the Jinja Chief Magistrate also Acting Assistant Registrar, for transforming the registry. Justice Gidudu raised concerns about cases involving alleged fraudulent powers of attorney purportedly notarised abroad, including in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. He noted that the Court lacked the capacity to verify such documents. The Judge highlighted concerns about the credibility of some recruited mediators and sentencing disparities, noting that inmates held in the same prison compare sentences imposed for similar offences. The court reported a backlog of approximately 1,000 cases, including more than 500 criminal matters, and requested a dedicated criminal sessions plan to support backlog reduction and prison decongestion. The discussions also highlighted difficulties faced by convicted persons who lack advocates to pursue appeals. Staff requested additional space for the High Court and Chief Magistrates Court, which share premises, and completion of the generator installation to provide backup during power outages. At Katende Magistrates Court, HW Zako Dorcas and HW Kintu Christine welcomed the Principal Judge and described the visit as a source of motivation and an indication of management’s concern for staff welfare. HW Zako highlighted staffing constraints, noting that process servers were undertaking additional administrative duties, a clerk serving multiple courts was available only two to three days a week, and a police prosecutor attended twice a week. She also requested additional furniture for staff and court users, together with more storage equipment for files. The team called for further staff training and public sensitisation on the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS). They reported that some court users from rural communities struggled to understand the new processes and sometimes failed to return. Staff also requested uniforms for process servers, explaining that the absence of uniforms or clear identification made it difficult for the public to recognise them as court officials. Throughout the visits, Lady Justice Abodo recognised the contribution of registry and support staff, emphasising that effective registry operations are critical to the smooth functioning of courts. She thanked the teams for their resilience and commitment despite the constraints and assured them that the Judiciary would continue to address the administrative, logistical, staffing and welfare concerns raised

The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, this morning conducted an ad hoc inspection at Lugazi High Court, where she assessed the progress of election petition hearings and interacted with judicial officers and support staff about their working conditions. She was received by Lady Justice Dr. Winifred Nabisinde, Lady Justice Sarah Langa Siu, the Court’s Assistant Registrar, HW Dorothy Kyampaire among other judicial officers. The Principal Judge said the visit was intended to check on the judges handling election petitions, assess how proceedings were progressing and convey the Judiciary’s appreciation for their service during a demanding period. She commended the host court and registry staff for accommodating the presiding Judges despite limited space, noting that their willingness to share chambers and other facilities demonstrated collegiality and commitment to the administration of justice. Describing the handling of election petitions as a national duty, Justice Abodo thanked the Judges for accepting the assignments alongside their existing workloads. She noted that the outcome of election disputes has a significant bearing on public confidence and stability. The Principal Judge urged the judges to observe the strict timelines governing election petitions. She acknowledged that hearings had started later than anticipated because of funding challenges but reiterated the Judiciary’s commitment to completing the exercise within the prescribed period. She tasked the Court to provide clear updates on the number of petitions being handled to support planning and resource allocation, and to promptly report any matters likely to exceed the two-week allocation. On courtroom management, Justice Abodo urged judicial officers to maintain order, manage attendance within available seating capacity and work closely with security personnel. She noted that the court’s location within a busy market required particular vigilance. She directed that proceedings should not be livestreamed and discouraged the use of phones in court in favour of notebooks. She also emphasised proper witness management to prevent witnesses from listening to one another’s testimony before giving their own evidence. The Principal Judge further urged Judges to manage the heightened emotions that often accompany election disputes while maintaining firm and fair control of proceedings. Turning to judicial wellness, Justice Abodo acknowledged that judges were working beyond normal hours and over weekends to meet the demanding timelines. She nevertheless encouraged them to protect time for rest, adhere to their weekday cause lists and avoid routinely allowing advocates’ emergencies to disrupt court schedules. She encouraged judicial officers to use available wellness facilities and create opportunities to support one another, noting that judicial work can be isolating and emotionally demanding. Justice Abodo also underscored the importance of continuous learning, professional humility and allowing the law to guide the fair determination of disputes. Recognising the contribution of registry and support staff, the Principal Judge said their logistical and administrative support was critical to the election petition exercise. She thanked them for their commitment despite the constraints under which they were working. She also indicated that the Lugazi team would be included in a judicial officers’ group that shares daily devotions, case law and professional experiences to promote learning, collegiality and wellness.During the interaction, staff raised concerns relating to welfare, working conditions and logistical challenges. The Principal Judge appreciated their candour and pledged to follow up on the issues and provide feedback. She also indicated that she would undertake more field visits to better understand conditions at court stations

Pupils from Ribbon Primary School today visited Kiboga High Court for an educational engagement on the role of the Judiciary in administering justice. The Assistant Registrar, HW Hellen Atigo, guided the pupils through the functions of the three arms of Government; the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, explaining how each contributes to the governance of Uganda. She highlighted the Judiciary’s responsibility to interpret the law, administer justice and resolve disputes in accordance with the law. She also explained its role in protecting rights and promoting accountability. HW Atigo encouraged the pupils to embrace fairness and respect for the rule of law from an early age, emphasising the importance of these values in their daily lives. Turning to career aspirations, she urged pupils interested in becoming lawyers and judges to work hard, remain disciplined and commit to their studies. She noted that the legal profession requires academic excellence alongside integrity, impartiality and a strong sense of responsibility. The visit offered the pupils first-hand exposure to the work of the courts, connecting their classroom learning with the responsibilities of public institutions and encouraging them to pursue their ambitions

This afternoon, at the Supreme Court Boardroom, the Chairperson of the Performance Management and Awards Committee and Supreme Court Justice, Justice Mike Chibita, presided over a meeting to discuss the report on the implementation of the Performance Enhancement Tool (PET) for FY 2025/26, Phase I. ​In his remarks, Justice Chibita addressed the report review and stressed that the team must ensure the organizational tool is successfully cascaded across all levels of the Judiciary, as achieving a complete rollout across every tier is critical to avoiding an incomplete implementation. He also urged members to proactively execute everything within their power to maintain momentum and ensure continuous progress despite financial limitations, calling upon them to ensure activities are executed within the set timelines. ​Presenting the implementation report, Mr. Isaac Bbosa Sserunkuma, Senior Statistician at the Judiciary, noted that the Judiciary is set to launch Phase II of the Performance Enhancement Tool (PET) for Financial Year 2026/2027, following the initial Phase I rollout that targeted Chief Magistrates and ICT staff. He added that during FY 2025/2026, implementation activities successfully trained 287 staff members—achieving an equitable gender balance of 50.2% male and 49.8% female participation—while integrating performance data with digital case management systems such as ECCMIS and CCAS. ​However, the report highlighted that field engagements revealed key operational challenges, including limited tool awareness, data quality gaps, difficulties in contacting respondents from concluded cases, and accessibility issues for users without smartphones. ​To address these gaps, it was recommended that the Judiciary prioritize continuous refresher training, more localized language translations, enhanced data quality checks, the establishment of court-level PET Champions, and strengthened confidentiality safeguards to foster a robust performance culture that improves justice delivery. ​*Phase II Rollout* ​Steered by the Performance Management and Awards Committee, PET operates on a comprehensive 360-degree appraisal model that gathers feedback from self-appraisals, supervisors, peers, subordinates, and court users to promote objectivity, accountability, and continuous professional development. Building on the initial rollout, Phase II will expand the system to onboard all Magistrates, as well as Adminsistrative staff within the Human Resource Department and the Policy & Planning Department. ​Training initiatives will also expand to include the Communications and Public Relations team, in order to ensure clear communication and stakeholder alignment, as well as continuous sensitization and information dissemination. Furthermore, following the successful translation of the tool into 11 local languages, additional languages will be prioritized to eliminate remaining accessibility barriers in the field

Earlier: The International Crimes Division of the High Court this morning commenced a week-long hearing in the murder trial of former Assistant Inspector General of Police Andrew Felix Kaweesi. The session will run until Friday, October 23, 2026. Six accused persons are standing trial in the case. The panel is headed by Justice Susan Okalany and comprises Justice Richard Wabwire Wejuli and Justice Celia Nagawa, with Justice Andrew Bashaija serving as the alternate judge. Day one featured testimony from forensic investigators from the Government Analytical Laboratory and Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS), formerly CMI. Exhibits presented in court included 47 cartridge cases and one projectile submitted by the police. Senior Counsel Henry Kunya leads the defence, while Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Thomas Jatiko represents the State. The Panel is assisted by the Court’s Deputy Registrar, HW Ivan Nkwasibwe

A two-day training of non-judicial staff from Mpigi High Court and eight magistrates’ courts has kicked off ahead of the rollout of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) in Cluster 10 courts on November 9, 2026 The training, which commenced earlier today at the Supreme Court Building Conference Hall, brings together officers from Mpigi High Court and the Chief Magistrates’ Courts of Mpigi, Butambala, Gomba, Nsangi, Kajjansi, Kasangati, and the Magistrates Courts of Bujjuko and Buwama. The training aims to equip participants with practical skills to use the system effectively ahead of its rollout and go-live at their respective courts. Speaking at the training, the Principal Information Maintenance Officer who doubles as the ECCMIS Project Manager, Mr Joseph Ssinabulya, described the exercise as an important step towards enhancing digital skills and strengthening the use of ECCMIS. He noted that it reflects the Judiciary’s commitment to improving efficiency, accuracy and transparency in digital case management. Mr Ssinabulya explained that the system automates and tracks the entire life cycle of a case, from initial filing through determination and any subsequent appeal processes. He said participants would learn to use its automation features to streamline electronic filing, case management and reporting, reduce manual work and minimise errors. They would also acquire skills to generate real-time reports to support timely decision-making and accountability. Mr Ssinabulya urged the officers to commit themselves to ensuring the smooth progression of cases through the electronic system. He encouraged them to participate actively, ask questions and make full use of the training to build the knowledge and practical skills needed in their daily work. He subsequently introduced participants to the main features and functionalities of ECCMIS. Ms Flavia Chandiru, Senior Systems Administrator, took the participants through practical civil case processes and the corresponding ECCMIS functions. The training is moderated by Ms Samalie Nakabanda, Systems Administrator

The Court of Appeal is set to conduct a two-day civil appeals session in Kampala, during which 23 matters are scheduled to be heard. The session will run from tomorrow, Tuesday, October 20, to Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Proceedings will be presided over by different panels of Justices, comprising Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Justice Christopher Gashirabake, Lady Justice Margaret Tibulya and Lady Justice Cornelia Kakooza Sabiiti. According to the cause list signed by HW Natukunda Janeva (Deputy Registrar, Court of Appeal), appeals scheduled for hearing cover a wide range of civil matters, including land, breach of contract, claims for damages, wrongful termination, mortgage, defamation, compensation and divorce, among others. The session is part of the Court’s ongoing efforts to expedite the hearing of cases, reduce case backlog, and enhance access to justice