DCJ Tours Fort Portal, Mubende High Courts, Calls for Reforms to Improve Justice Delivery
The Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, has toured Fort Portal and Mubende High Court Circuits, assessing infrastructure and operational challenges while reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to reforms aimed at improving access to justice and reducing delays in case disposal.
Justice Kazibwe first visited Fort Portal High Court, where he was received by the Head of Circuit, Justice Vincent Emmy Mugabo. He was accompanied by HW Allen Rukundo Owembabazi, Registrar of the Court of Appeal; HW Faisal Umar Mulalira, Private Legal Secretary to the Deputy Chief Justice; HW Matenga Dawa Francis, Deputy Registrar, Fort Portal; and HW Brian Mwanja, Personal Assistant to the Deputy Chief Justice.
During the tour, the Deputy Chief Justice inspected court chambers, registries, archives, the childcare centre, and other facilities within the court premises.
Justice Mugabo highlighted a number of operational challenges facing the Circuit, including inadequate archive space, staffing gaps, the need for dedicated sessions for Kamwenge and Kitagwenda courts, and the absence of a perimeter fence to enhance security at the court premises.
He also briefed the Deputy Chief Justice on the functioning of the childcare centre, explaining that it supports breastfeeding mothers and provides a child-friendly environment for child victims and witnesses to testify remotely in a protected setting. He noted, however, that some children experience anxiety due to unfamiliarity with the equipment used during testimony.
Later, Justice Kazibwe visited Mubende High Court Circuit, where he was received by the Resident Judge, Justice Tadeo Asiimwe; HW Rogers Kinobe Binega, Deputy Registrar; and HW Noah Norbert Ssajjabbi, Chief Magistrate.
The Deputy Chief Justice commended judicial officers and support staff within the Circuit for their dedication and emphasized the importance of sustained reforms to enhance service delivery.
He observed that the redistribution of jurisdictions, including the incorporation of Kyegegwa District into Mubende High Court Circuit, had contributed to a heavier caseload and called for a review of jurisdictional mapping, including in other circuits experiencing similar pressures.
Speaking during the visit, Justice Asiimwe noted that the Deputy Chief Justice’s visit reflected the strong working relationship within the Judiciary and underscored the importance of continued engagement and institutional support.
In a briefing to the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Asiimwe reported that Mubende High Court Circuit currently has more than 2,000 pending cases, about 1,000 of which are criminal matters. He noted that land and family disputes constitute a significant portion of the remaining caseload.
He explained that while family matters have been relatively well managed, with the Circuit recording zero backlog in that category, the overall workload remains high and requires additional judicial support.
Justice Asiimwe appealed for the deployment of at least four judges to conduct sessions in Mityana, Mubende, and Kyegegwa to help reduce case backlog within the Circui
He also highlighted logistical challenges arising from remand inmates being held in different prisons, including distant facilities such as Kigo Prison, which complicates the management of criminal cases.
Justice Asiimwe further expressed concern about the centralized handling of plea bargaining, advocating for greater decentralization and allocation of funds to enable circuits to conduct their own plea bargain sessions.
He also called for a review of outdated court fees rules and harmonization of amendments to the Magistrates Courts Act with related legislation, including the Registration of Titles Act and the Succession Act, warning that inconsistencies could create legal and procedural complications.
On Alternative Dispute Resolution, Justice Asiimwe noted the absence of trained mediators within the Circuit and called for capacity building and improved remuneration for court-annexed mediators to strengthen participation and effectiveness.
He also pointed to infrastructure challenges, including inadequate office and archive space, but welcomed progress made in securing land for the construction of a permanent High Court building in Mubende. He further disclosed that the district is in the process of providing land for a Regional Court of Appeal.
The visit concluded on a celebratory note as judicial officers, support staff, and advocates at Mubende High Court cut a cake in honour of Justice Kazibwe’s appointment as Deputy Chief Justice.
Posted 18th, June 2026
