Hon. Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo, Chief Justice (middle) at the ground breaking ceremony in Gulu
History was made yesterday in the heart of Gulu City as the Chief Justice, Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo, led a momentous groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Gulu Regional Court of Appeal, the very first regional appellate court in Uganda. The air was thick with anticipation and pride as judicial officers, local leaders, justice sector stakeholders, civil society actors, and excited members of the public gathered on site in Gulu City to witness what many called a turning point in the nation's legal journey.
This was no ordinary ceremony. It was a bold stride toward decentralizing justice and bringing the wheels of appellate service closer to the people who need it most. For Northern Uganda, it was a proud and emotional moment, an affirmation that the long wait for meaningful access to appellate justice was finally bearing fruit.
With conviction in his voice and vision in his words, the Chief Justice described the event as a milestone not only for the Judiciary, but for the nation at large. He painted a picture of transformation, one where citizens no longer have to make long, costly trips to Kampala to pursue justice. "You should pride yourselves on being witnesses to history today," he declared, eyes sweeping across the crowd. "And not just any history, but a monumental one, for this is the first time Uganda is breaking ground for regional Court of Appeal infrastructure."
Amid applause, he saluted the people of Northern Uganda, and extended deep appreciation to the President and Parliament for standing firmly behind the Judiciary's decentralization strategy. His reflections, both personal and institutional, painted a candid portrait of Judiciary rising as a cornerstone of development, peace, and national cohesion. He passionately argued that justice is not a luxury, but a pillar of order, stability, and economic progress.
Chief Justice Owiny -Dollo reminded Judicial Officers and the legal fraternity that while buildings provide the shelter for justice, it is integrity, diligence, and professionalism that breathe life into the system. "You are the software," he said with emphasis, "and the heart of justice beats through your conduct."
Adding his voice to the celebration, the Deputy Chief Justice, Dr. Flavian Zeija, hailed the ground breaking as a triumph for the Judiciary and the people of the Acholi and Lango sub-regions. With warmth and candor, he lauded the Gulu City and District leadership for their bold and generous decision to donate land for the project without hesitation. Their action, he said, was a sign of deep-rooted understanding of the people’s needs and aspirations.
Justice Zeijare affirmed the Judiciary's vision to establish the Gulu Court of Appeal as a permanent institution-one that would serve appellate matters from across the region, including Gulu, Apac, Dokolo, Kitgum, Lira, and Patongo. He announced that the court will have resident justices on the ground to ensure that justice is not just available, but continuously flowing. The burden of travelling to Kampala, he noted, will soon be a thing of the past.
He went further to draw attention to the economic ripple effect the court would create. With justices and court staff stationed in Gulu, the demand for housing, goods, and services will rise, creating opportunities for local businesses and communities. This courthouse, he said, will not only dispense justice but will also become a hub of growth, pride, and opportunity.
Representing the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary, the Under Secretary Finance and Administration, Ms Maureen Kasande gave the audience a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the journey that led to the day's ceremony. With clarity and poise, she described the intense planning and coordination involved-from seeking Government approval and securing land, to finalizing designs and identifying a suitable contractor.
She announced that the project was awarded to the trusted consortium of Seyani Brothers & Co. and Siyani Parbat Construction, the same team that brought to life the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal buildings in Kampala. The project, entirely funded by the Government of Uganda, will rise into a magnificent six-storey structure over the next 18 months. When complete, it will feature spacious courtrooms ,judges' chambers, a modern conference hall, wellness and childcare facilities, and a vibrant cafeteria to serve all who walk through its doors.
She emphasized that quality and accountability are paramount. To that end, a comprehensive oversight framework is already in place, including an independent supervision team, a Judiciary contract manager, a monitoring committee, and the Judiciary's own Infrastructure Sub-committee.
As the sun shone over the gathering, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, the Director of PublicProsecutions, took the podium with a stirring message. She spoke of victims and accused persons alike, individuals whose lives hang in balance while they await justice that often feels distant and delayed. Her voice carried both resolve and empathy as she stated, "Let this Court of Appeal rise as a symbol of hope, that justice is not only promised, but truly delivered."
Adding a deeply personal dimension to the event was the Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya. A daughter of Gulu herself, she stood on familiar ground, not just professionally, but emotionally. She reminisced about her childhood in the very neighborhood where the new Court will now stand, and her words brought tears and smiles in equal measure. "This is more than a building. It is a construction of hope, equity, and justice," she said, urging all actors to ensure it becomes a working institution and not a shrine of prestige.
She celebrated the Judiciary's transformation agenda and expressed optimism that the new court would help clear backlogs, enhance efficiency, and restore public faith in the justice system.
Hon. Betty Aol Ocan, Woman Member of Parliament for Gulu City, echoed these sentiments with passionate advocacy for the people. She recounted the hardships ordinary citizens endure when seeking justice in far-off Kampala, and praised the Judiciary for taking a monumental step toward bridging that gap. With a call for inclusivity, she urged the contractor to employ local labour and source materials locally, ensuring that the project directly benefits the community from the ground up.
Gulu's Resident City Commissioner, Mr. Ambrose Onoria, captured the moment succinctly, calling the court a beacon of accountability and justice. He applauded the Judiciary's community-focused engagement and called the development a victory not just for Gulu, but for the entire Government.
In similar spirit, Ms. Vicky Atim, Vice Chairperson of Gulu District, voiced the local government's joy and enthusiasm for the project. She expressed hope that Gulu's triumph would set the stage for similar investments in other regions of the country.
The day's programme was steered by the Judiciary's Public Relations Officer, HW Ereemye James Jumire Mawanda.
Posted 22nd, July 2025
