Acting Principal Judge Launches Daily Hearing Pilot Project in Five High Court Circuits
Acting Principal Judge, Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga (standing - middle)
The Acting Principal Judge, Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga, has officially launched Phase One of the Daily Hearing of Criminal Cases Pilot Project, with a focus on gender-based violence (GBV) and other priority cases in five High Court Circuits; Mbarara, Luwero, Wakiso, Entebbe, and Mukono.
The hybrid launch event brought together Judges from participating Circuits, Registrars, representatives from the International Development Law Organisation (IDLO),Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Justice Centres Uganda, Uganda Law Society, and other key justice actors.
In her remarks, Justice Okuo commended stakeholders for their commitment, singling out IDLO for its support. She stressed that daily hearings must uphold due process by safeguarding the presumption of innocence and ensuring access to legal representation. She expressed optimism that the project will reduce prolonged pre-trial detention, which often harms families and communities, and restore public trust in the justice system. "This should not remain a pilot, but a routine practice replicated across the country to deliver justice for the most vulnerable," she said.
The Ag. Principal Judge assured the public that while the pilot focuses on criminal cases, civil and miscellaneous matters will continue to be heard in the participating courts to avoid disruption.
The IDLO Country Manager, Ms. Barbara Kilei, welcomed the initiative, noting that while GBV is the main focus, the project should also consider economic crimes, especially land-related disputes which affect entire communities and national development.
The Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. John Baptist Asiimwe, described the project as a crucial step towards timely justice but warned that its success depends on the readiness and coordination of all criminal justice actors. He pointed to staffing shortages in the ODPP, witness facilitation challenges, and the need for strong collaboration with Police, Prisons, and defense lawyers.
The meeting agreed on several next steps including; strengthening coordination through a leadership structure, jointly identifying and cause-listing cases, stakeholder visits to prisons to sensitise inmates, and appointing a DPP focal person to oversee the project.
Implemented under the Access to Justice for Sustainable Development Programme, supported by IDLO, the pilot will run for two years.
Phase One is scheduled to begin on 3rd November 2025, with results to be reviewed monthly and successful practices replicated nationwide.
The launch was moderated by HW John Paul Edoku, Registrar Planning, Research and Development.
Posted 23rd, October 2025
