MUGABE R
The Chief Justice of Uganda, Justice Flavian Zeija, has revealed that government is planning to prioritize mediation and mobile court sessions as key approaches to improve conflict resolution and expand access to justice across the country.
Speaking on 15 April 2026, during a familiarization tour at Rukungiri High Court in Rukungiri Municipality, where he was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Pius Bigirima, Justice Zeija noted that the reforms aim to address delays in justice delivery, particularly for disadvantaged communities.
He emphasized ongoing government efforts to strengthen alternative dispute resolution by empowering religious and cultural leaders to help mediate conflicts within their communities. He also highlighted plans to introduce mobile court sessions in remote areas to ensure that justice services reach people who cannot easily access traditional court facilities.
The Resident Judge of Rukungiri High Court circuit, Justice Susan Kanyaange, welcomed the Chief Justice and raised several challenges affecting service delivery, including shortage of staff, inadequate court equipment, limited transport for Nyarushanje Magistrates Court, insufficient funds for mediators, and the absence of a remand home for juveniles.
Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner Buroni Kikanshemeza called for the swift appointment of a new Chief Magistrate for Rukungiri, noting that the vacancy has increased pressure on nearby courts, particularly Ntungamo.
Rukungiri Municipality Mayor, His Worship Charles Makuru, commended the Judiciary for establishing the Rukungiri High Court and a Lands Division, and appealed for the creation of a Constitutional Affairs Division to further improve service delivery within the justice system.
Counsel Bwagi Jonathan of Bwagi and Co. Advocates urged for increased court sessions to reduce case backlog, minimize delays in justice, and address concerns over missing or misplaced case files.
