Family Division Special Session Unlocks UGX 716 Billion, Boosts Access to Justice and Economic Empowerment
The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo (M), the Head of the Family Division, Justice John Eudes Keitirima (R)
The Family Division of the High Court has registered significant achievements following the successful completion of its Quarter One Special Session, a dedicated intervention aimed at addressing the surge in succession-related applications that followed the enactment of the Succession Amendment Act, 2022.
Speaking at the close of the Training and Review Meeting for the First Special Session, the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, noted that the increased filings, combined with the Division’s already heavy caseload, posed a risk to timely access to justice. It was on this basis that the Judiciary instituted the First Quarter Special Session, following comprehensive orientation of the Session Judges assigned to support the Family Division.
Justice Abodo expressed profound appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the Session, during which five judges handled an impressive 1,433 applications in just three weeks. She attributed this milestone to the dedication of Session Judges who held court as early as 7:00 a.m., worked extended hours, and went beyond the period of facilitation to ensure families received long-awaited justice. She announced that for the upcoming Second Special Session, a longer period of 30 days has been allocated to enable even greater impact.
The Principal Judge also commended the steadfast leadership of the Head and Deputy Head of the Family Division, the hardworking Division Judges, Registrars, Magistrates, secretaries, clerks, CT officers, process servers, interpreters, orderlies, drivers, bodyguards, and all support staff who made personal sacrifices to keep the Session running smoothly.
She noted that the combined efforts yielded far-reaching results: more than one thousand families now have clarity on their grants, numerous dormant files were revived, and public confidence in succession administration has significantly improved. Welcoming the incoming Session Judges for the Second Special Session, Justice Abodo encouraged them to remain mindful of the life-changing impact of their decisions on widows, orphans, dependents, and other beneficiaries.
She affirmed that improved facilitation, extended timelines, strengthened coordination, and continued guidance from the Family Division Judges will enable the next Session to build on the achievements and lessons of the first.
UGX716Billion Unlocked
Delivering his remarks, the Head of the Family Division, Justice John Eudes Keitirima, underscored the economic importance of the Special Session. He reiterated that the disposal of succession matters directly unlocks estates that would otherwise remain inaccessible to beneficiaries.
He highlighted the collective output of the Session Judges: Lady Justice Joyce Kavuma (320 cases), Lady Justice Olive Kazarwe (257), Lady Justice Patricia Kahigi (285), Justice Samuel Emokor(256), and Lady Justice Dr. Christine Echookit (315), noting that while the figures may vary slightly, they demonstrate the tremendous work accomplished.
Justice Keitirima explained that the average value of a modest estate in Kampala, based on a three-bedroom house on a 50x100 plot, is approximately UGX500 million. Using this conservative estimate, the disposal of 1,433 matters unlocked an estimated Shs 716 billion into the economy. He described this as a major contribution to national wealth circulation and a significant boost to household economic empowerment.
He commended the Judiciary's management for their support and called for sustained attention to issues of wealth sustainability as estates transition between generations.
Administrator General Commends Collaboration
Representing the Administrator General, Mr. Henry Kuloba applauded the Family Division for integrating the Administrator General's office into the Division's weekly judicial officers' meetings, which he said strengthens coordination and promotes shared understanding of succession-related issues.
He noted that many intending administrators are not aware of their legal responsibilities, and emphasised ongoing efforts by the Administrator General to sensitise families early during meetings-an intervention he said will enhance compliance and reduce future backlog.
Mr. Kuloba also addressed the pending Constitutional Petition No. 84 of 2023 regarding succession registers, explaining that although the matter remains undetermined, beneficiaries continue to seek remedies from the High Court under its inherent jurisdiction. This, he said, reaffirms the central role of the Judiciary in resolving succession disputes.
He further shared plans for an interlinked online system between the Administrator General and the Judiciary to facilitate seamless information sharing, curb fraud, and improve service delivery for the public.
Posted 27th, November 2025
