From digital case filing and mediation to new court infrastructure and culturally rooted justice mechanisms, the Third National Court Open Day gave the public a closer look at the reforms transforming justice delivery in Uganda.
Educating the public about court processes and ongoing judicial reforms took centre stage at the Third National Court Open Day, held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Held under the theme, “Delivering Inclusive, Efficient and Effective Justice,” the event reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to openness, accountability and people-centred justice.
Hundreds of members of the public attended the event, where the Judiciary showcased reforms aimed at strengthening access to justice. Among them was the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), a digital platform that automates and tracks the different stages of a case.
More than 88 exhibitors participated, including the Judicial Service Commission, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Inspectorate of Government, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Uganda Police Force and Uganda Prisons Service. The institutions guided the public on their mandates, court procedures and services available across the justice chain.
Taking the courts beyond the courtroom
In an address delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, the Chief Justice, Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, described the National Court Open Day as an important platform through which the Judiciary engages court users and justice-sector stakeholders.
He said the event enables the public to interact with the courts outside the formal courtroom setting and obtain information about judicial services, court processes and mechanisms for resolving disputes.
The Chief Justice observed that a justice system cannot be truly inclusive if people do not understand it, cannot access it or do not feel empowered to engage with it.
“We shall continue to strengthen this culture of openness and accountability because the courts belong to the people of Uganda,” he said.
The Principal Judge, Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, explained that the initiative is grounded in the Constitution and reflects the Judiciary’s responsibility to serve and remain accountable to the people.
Bringing justice closer
The Chief Justice highlighted the Judiciary’s continued investment in infrastructure, including the Judiciary Headquarters, which houses the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal; the regional Courts of Appeal under construction in Gulu and Mbarara; and several High Court Circuits undergoing construction and renovation.
He also pointed to the Alternative Justice System Strategy, launched in June 2023, which incorporates appropriate cultural and customary values into the justice system.
“Through this approach, we are expanding opportunities for people to resolve disputes through mechanisms that are less expensive, more timely and, where appropriate, more reconciliatory than conventional litigation,” he said.
Stakeholders welcome the initiative
Ms Beate Farukuoye, Deputy Head of the Austrian Development Cooperation, commended the Judiciary for institutionalising the National Court Open Day as a platform for public engagement, information-sharing and stronger relations with the communities it serves.
“We look forward to continued collaboration in promoting an inclusive, accessible and effective justice system for all,” she said.
Mr Augustine Kizito Mutumba, head of the clan chiefs in Buganda, said the event had improved their understanding of court procedures and judicial reforms. He particularly welcomed the revitalisation of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms.
“I thank the Judiciary for reintroducing ADR mechanisms because they are well rooted in our cultures,” he said.
Dr Aisha Bukenya of Mavid Pharmaceuticals shared the practical impact of mediation, explaining that it had helped resolve a dispute that had remained in court since 1995.
“I thank the Judiciary for strengthening mediation. This has helped us resolve our dispute, which had been in court since 1995. However, I appeal to the Judiciary to ensure that these innovations are not compromised,” she said.
The Third National Court Open Day enabled the public to engage directly with judicial officers, court administrators and justice-sector institutions. It also allowed the Judiciary to explain its reforms, demonstrate its services and receive feedback from the people it serves.
The event underscored that access to justice requires not only the presence of courts, but also a public that understands the justice system, knows where to obtain assistance and feels empowered to engage with it.
Posted 10th, September 2026
