The Chief Justice, Dr. Flavian Zeija, has called for a fundamental shift in judicial mindset, urging judicial officers to embrace proactive case management practices as a critical step toward reducing case backlog and improving the timely delivery of justice.
Speaking at the opening of a one-day Civil Trial Procedure training held at the Court of Appeal Building Conference Hall yesterday, the Chief Justice emphasized that the training goes beyond procedural knowledge and is intended to drive a transformation in judicial culture.
The training, organized by the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), brought together Judges, Registrars, Chief Magistrates, and Magistrates Grade One from Northern Uganda, including participants from Gulu, Lira, Kitgum and Patongo High Court Circuits. Also in attendance was Ms. Ruth Mputeni, Chief Corporate Affairs and Public Relations Officer of the Malawi Judiciary, who is in Uganda on a benchmarking visit.
In his remarks, Justice Zeija stressed that persistent case backlog continues to erode public confidence in the justice system. He reminded judicial officers that under Article 126 of the Constitution, judicial power is derived from the people, who expect an efficient, transparent, and responsive Judiciary.
He pointed to the Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules, 2019, alongside Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), as key instruments for reform. The Chief Justice highlighted the importance of structured case management tools such as the Summons for Directions, which requires plaintiffs to take action within 28 days after the last pleading, failing which the suit automatically abates, ensuring that only serious claims proceed.
He further noted that pre-filed witness statements eliminate trial by ambush and streamline hearings, while the expanded role of Registrars in managing pre-trial processes ensures that cases reaching judges are ready for hearing. He added that digital systems such as the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) are enhancing efficiency through improved documentation and real-time tracking of cases.
On dispute resolution, the Chief Justice noted the central role of ADR, urging judicial officers to identify and refer suitable cases to mediation at the earliest opportunity. He also encouraged the integration of Alternative Justice Systems, particularly in Northern Uganda where cultural dispute resolution mechanisms are deeply rooted. He directed the Focal Judge for ADR to provide quarterly implementation reports.
Justice Zeija further called for practical measures to improve efficiency, including minimizing adjournments, conducting day-to-day hearings, and fully utilizing the Summons for Directions framework. He urged judicial officers to adopt a mediator mindset and reposition courts as spaces of resolution rather than prolonged litigation.
Closing the training, the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, described the session as timely and transformative. She noted that while courts determine disputes, they do not always resolve underlying conflicts, and expressed optimism that mediation will increasingly become the primary mode of dispute resolution.
Justice Abodo also emphasized the importance of judicial wellness, noting the mental and emotional toll of prolonged litigation on both judicial officers and litigants. She encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained and champion efficient case management practices in their respective stations.
The Chairperson of the JTI Governing Council, Justice Mike Chibita, commended the Institute's role in strengthening judicial capacity, describing civil procedure as fundamental to the administration of justice and likening continuous training to sharpening the tools of judicial work.
The Executive Director of JTI, Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, explained that the training was designed to address inconsistencies in the application of the Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules, 2019, particularly regarding Summons for Directions and mediation, with regional trainings aimed at harmonizing practice across the Judiciary.
Representing the Acting Chief Registrar, Registrar Special Duties HW Ssali Harriet Nalukwago highlighted the growing demand for efficient, people-centered justice amid increasing caseloads, expressing confidence that the training would enhance practical application of civil procedure rules.
The training was facilitated by a team of senior judicial officers, including Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus Richard Buteera, Supreme Court’s Justice Christopher Izama Madrama, Court of Appeal's Justice Musa Ssekaana, Head of Gulu High CourtCircuit, Justice Phillip.
Posted 24th, March 2026
