Judiciary High Court Quarterly Review Retreat Concludes in Jinja with Renewed Focus on Backlog Reduction and Innovation
The two-day High Court Quarterly Performance Review Retreat concluded yesterday at Jinja Nile Resort Hotel, with Judges reaffirming their commitment to reducing case backlog, embracing innovation and strengthening collaboration to improve the administration of justice.
The retreat brought together Heads and Deputy Heads of High Court Divisions and Circuits to review court performance for the third quarter of the Financial Year 2025/2026. The Judges shared experiences and identified practical strategies for enhancing service delivery.
Closing the retreat on behalf of the Deputy Chief Justice, the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, commended participants for their candid discussions, insightful presentations and dedication to improving judicial service delivery.
She emphasized that quarterly review meetings are intended to foster learning and institutional growth rather than assign blame. The Principal Judge noted that courts can benefit significantly from sharing experiences, innovations and best practices.
Lady Justice Abodo observed that despite challenges such as inadequate staffing, limited infrastructure and funding constraints, judicial officers had continued to demonstrate commitment to expanding access to justice. She encouraged courts to document innovative approaches so that successful initiatives can be replicated across the Judiciary.
The Principal Judge stressed the importance of data-driven decision-making and urged courts to utilise performance statistics to measure progress, guide planning and inform policy interventions. While acknowledging gains made in reducing case backlog, she called upon courts to sustain efforts aimed at disposing of older cases, particularly critical backlog matters that affect public confidence in the justice system.
She also encouraged greater consistency in adopting proven best practices while recognising the unique circumstances of different stations. Lady Justice Abodo urged the Judges to maximise the use of ECCMIS and other digital tools beyond reporting, describing them as valuable management instruments for planning, monitoring performance and enhancing accountability.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, she called for stronger partnerships with justice sector institutions, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Uganda Police Force, the Uganda Prisons Service and the Bar, noting that many operational challenges can be addressed through coordinated efforts. She further encouraged courts to ensure that performance presentations not only identify challenges but also propose practical solutions and indicate the support required for implementation.
Reminding participants that the Judiciary remains accountable to the people of Uganda, the Principal Judge applauded the spirit of teamwork demonstrated throughout the retreat, particularly by judges who supported colleagues in stations facing heavy workloads.
Participants recommended increased funding for criminal sessions and case management activities, expedited transfer of files following amendments to the Magistrates Courts Act, strengthened mediation through enhanced training and institutionalised settlement weeks, standardisation of court infrastructure, continuous judicial training, improved case management practices and recognition of outstanding mediators.
They also resolved to make future performance reviews more interactive and solutions-oriented, require every High Court Division and Circuit to develop disposal strategies for their oldest pending cases, facilitate deployment of judges to courts with heavier workloads, strengthen mediation follow-up mechanisms, explore regional performance review meetings and refine performance reporting templates.
The retreat concluded with an evening nature walk, providing the Judges an opportunity to unwind, strengthen collegial bonds and reflect on the commitments made over the two-day engagement before returning to their respective stations.
Posted 26th, June 2026
