Members of the Rules and Law Reform Committee at the Serena Resort, Kigo
Today, members of the Rules and Law Reform Committees have gathered for a joint retreat at Lake Victoria Serena Resort, Kigo. This two-day retreat is dedicated to discussing and reviewing key legislative reforms aimed at improving judicial efficiency.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Justice, represented by the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Richard Buteera, highlighted the significance of the retreat.
He emphasized that the meeting would focus on reviewing a number of draft Rules and Practice Directions sanctioned by the Law Reform Committee. These include the Judicature (Cases of Persons with Disabilities) Rules, 2025, the Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules, 2025, the Human Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2025,the Constitution (Operation of Mobile Courts) Practice Directions, 2025, and the Constitution (Guidelines for Child-Friendly Standards and Procedures)(Practice) Directions, 2025.
Justice Buteera congratulated members of the Law Reform Committee who have been elevated in service. He acknowledged Hon. Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija as the Deputy Chief Justice designate, Hon. Lady Justice Florence Nakachwa Dollo, Hon. Justice Musa Ssekaana, Hon. Lady Justice Sarah Langa Siu, and Hon. Justice Andrew Khaukha on their new appointments, expressing confidence that their expertise would continue to benefit the Judiciary in their new roles.
Reflecting on the Committees' accomplishments since 2022, Justice Buteera noted the passage of several key legal instruments, including the Judicature (Legal Representation at the Expense of the State) Rules, 2022, the Judicature (Court Bailiffs)Rules, 2022, the Judicature (Amicus Curiae) Rules, 2022, the Constitution (Bail Guidelines for Courts of Judicature) (Practice) Directions, 2022, and the Judicature (Electronic Filing, Service & Virtual Proceedings) Rules, 2024.
The Chief Justice, however, sought an update on the status of the Judicature (Court Fees) Rules,2022, and the Constitution (Sentencing Guidelines) (Practice) Directions, 2022,which were previously considered nearly four years ago. As his term of office approaches its conclusion in January next year, he urged the technical team to expedite all pending matters to ensure that the remaining instruments are gazetted within the year.
In his remarks, the Principal Judge, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, commended the participants for their dedication despite the short notice. He reiterated the importance of the retreat in addressing legislative gaps that contribute to case backlog, as identified in the Judiciary Case Backlog Monitoring Committee Report of 2019.The report highlighted inefficiencies in court rules and legislation as major obstacles to the timely resolution of cases.
Justice Zeija underscored the Judiciary Law Reform Committee's commitment to identifying and bridging these gaps to enhance judicial effectiveness.
He noted that over the past five years, the Committee has processed numerous proposals for Court Rules and Practice Directions, many of which are under review at this retreat. He praised both past and present Committee members for their dedication to shaping a legal framework that is more responsive to the needs of justice.
During the retreat, various presentations will be made to guide discussions and provide critical insights into the proposed reforms. The retreat is being moderated by the Judiciary Public Relations Officer, HW James Ereemye Jumire Mawanda.
Posted 5th, March 2025
