Judiciary deserves recognition for transforming justice delivery

By Ben Ssebuguzi

Public Opinion, a leading field-based research organisation, recently recognised the Judiciary, one of the crucial arms of government, for its contribution to sustainable development and judicial reforms.

Among the most notable reforms for which the Judiciary was recognised are the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism and the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), both of which have significantly improved the administration of justice in Uganda.

Judiciary Permanent Secretary, Mr Pius Bigirimana, contends that ADR, a system championed by President Yoweri Museveni and vigorously promoted by former Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, is destined to reduce case backlog because it is rooted in what he describes as “Africa’s original justice system” based on mediation, plea bargaining, reconciliation and the restoration of harmony.

Bigirimana speaks passionately about how, as the Accounting Officer, he intends to support these efforts by ensuring that mediation rooms are incorporated into all new court facilities under construction. He has also emphasised the need to provide funding for the training and accreditation of mediators already deployed in various courts across the country. It should be noted that this service is offered free of charge, with the Judiciary meeting the costs of the mediators.

When it comes to ECCMIS and its contribution to reducing case backlog, Dr Bigirimana has left a notable mark, having overseen the conclusion and signing of the contract that ushered in the system. The automated platform, which tracks the entire history of a case, has streamlined court processes by reducing direct human interaction, thereby minimising opportunities for corruption.

Since its commissioning in October 2021, it has been reported that case filing rates have increased by 20.6 percent, while the average case completion rate has risen by 17.5 percent. This has enhanced efficiency in case management and strengthened investment-enabling mechanisms that support job creation and economic growth.

The efficiency of the judicial system remains critical in creating a favourable business environment and attracting foreign direct investment. Globally, hundreds of billions of dollars remain tied up in arbitration and commercial disputes. In Uganda, the Chief Justice recently revealed that approximately Shs7 trillion remains tied up in cases before the Commercial Court, limiting capital available for production and employment creation.

Beyond ECCMIS and ADR, the Judiciary has undertaken several other reforms that have improved service delivery.

These include strengthening the Inspectorate of Courts in the fight against corruption, introducing toll-free reporting lines, and installing surveillance cameras within court premises. The Judiciary has also expanded court infrastructure through the construction of the twin-tower Supreme Court and Court of Appeal complex, as well as regional court facilities.

Magisterial areas have increased from 82 to 157, while magistrates’ courts have equally expanded from 82 to 157, ensuring that virtually every district is now headed by a magistrate. This expansion contributes to the socio-economic transformation agenda that President Museveni has consistently championed.

Other reforms introduced to improve case management and service delivery include the Small Claims Procedure, special court sessions and other innovative approaches aimed at increasing access to justice.

In this Kisanja No Sleep era as articulated by President Museveni, the Judiciary will continue to play an integral role in the attainment of Uganda Vision 2040 and the broader strategic objective of growing the economy to a GDP of USD 500 billion within the next 15 years.

Long live President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Long live Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija. Long live Pius Bigirimana.

The writer is a Researcher in the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).