Judiciary Opens Its Doors to the Public, Calls for Accountability and Shared Responsibility in Justice Delivery
The Judiciary on today held its Second National Court Open Day at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, using the platform to reaffirm its commitment to accountability, transparency, and improved access to justice under the theme: "Enhancing Judicial Accountability and Access to Justice."
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Chief Justice, Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny -Dollo, the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, underscored that the Judiciary exists to serve the people and derives its authority directly from them. He reminded the public that justice is not a distant or closed process, but a shared national responsibility grounded in the Constitution.
"The Judiciary is the arm of government entrusted with judicial authority to adjudicate disputes and enforce the laws of Uganda," Justice Owiny - Dollo said, emphasizing its central role in promoting the rule of law, human rights,social and economic justice, morality, and peace.
He explained that the National Court Open Day was deliberately designed to take justice beyond the courtroom, creating space for direct interaction between Judicial Officers, court administrators, justice sector actors, and the public. Citing Article 126 of the Constitution, he noted that judicial power belongs to the people of Uganda and must be exercised transparently and accountably in their name.
"This platform enables citizens to ask questions, access information, and give feedback on how justice is administered. Accountability flows both ways, the Judiciary must explain its work, and the public has a right and duty to engage," he said.
To strengthen this engagement, management teams from the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court divisions, the Industrial Court, and Magistrates' Courts within Kampala participated in the Open Day. Several stakeholders in the administration of justice set up stalls to provide information and respond to public concerns.
The Chief Justice used the occasion to update the public on key reforms aimed at improving service delivery. He highlighted the operationalisation of the new Judiciary Headquarters, where the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal are now permanently housed, noting that the modern facilities have enhanced accessibility, security, and efficiency, including support for virtual hearings and services for persons with disabilities.
He further pointed to the Judiciary's shift toward Alternative Justice Systems, following the launch of the Alternative Justice System Strategy in June 2023.Approaches such as mediation, plea bargaining, and the Small Claims Procedure, he said, have made justice faster, more affordable, and less adversarial, while contributing to backlog reduction and prison decongestion.
On digital transformation, the Chief Justice reported that the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) is fully operational in all courts within Kampala and is being rolled out to High Court circuits nationwide. He noted that the Judicature (Electronic Filing, Service and Virtual Proceedings)Rules, 2024 now provide a firm legal framework for e-filing, virtual hearings, and electronic delivery of judgments.
Addressing integrity, Chief Justice reaffirmed the Judiciary's zero-tolerance stance on corruption and misconduct, emphasizing the roles of the Judiciary Disciplinary Committee and the Inspectorate of Courts. He urged members of the public to report complaints, assuring them of investigation and redress.
Justice Owiny - Dollo also highlighted the expansion of court infrastructure as a key driver of access to justice. He noted that High Court circuits have increased from 20 to 38, while Magisterial Areas have grown from 80 to 157, supported by696 Magistrates Grade I Courts. New circuits in Kitgum, Kasese, Patongo, Lugazi, and Kumi have reduced travel distances and costs for court users, while plans are underway to decentralize Court of Appeal services, with construction ongoing in Gulu and Mbarara.
While acknowledging progress, he cautioned that rising demand and limited resources remain a challenge, calling for continued public cooperation and constructive engagement to improve justice delivery.
In her remarks, the Principal Judge and Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, described the National Court Open Day as a transformative initiative that opens up the Judiciary to scrutiny and dialogue. She said sustained engagement with citizens is essential to building trust and ensuring that justice services respond to the real needs of the people.
Development partners also welcomed the initiative. Mr. Ian King, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Uganda, said the Open Day strengthens transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the justice system, while promoting inclusion and legal awareness, especially for vulnerable groups. He reaffirmed UNDP's support to justice reforms under Sustainable Development Goal 16, with backing from Denmark and Luxembourg.
Similarly, the Acting Head of UNODC, Ms. Diva Mukisa, hailed the institutionalisation of the National Court Open Day, describing it as a flagship platform that demystifies court processes and promotes meaningful public participation. She reiterated UNODC’s partnership with the Judiciary, supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in strengthening crime prevention and criminal justice.
The event featured interactive question-and-answer sessions, exhibition stalls, and the use of a QR code to collect public feedback, reinforcing the Judiciary's message that justice must be open, accountable, and people-centered.
As the day concluded, the Judiciary called upon all Ugandans to actively engage with and support the justice system, noting that fair, timely, and accessible justice is fundamental to economic growth, investment, and national development.
Posted 15th, December 2025
