By Willy Chowoo
Gulu – Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo Chigamoi has confirmed that plans are underway to operationalize the Gulu and Mbarara Court of Appeal circuits this year, despite the absence of permanent structures. The government had earlier announced the expansion of the Court of Appeal to Gulu, Mbarara, and Mbale to enhance access to justice.
In August 2023, Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo announced the establishment of two Court of Appeal circuits in Gulu and Mbarara, a move aimed at bringing appellate services closer to the people and reducing the burden of traveling long distances to Kampala.
Speaking in Gulu City on Monday, February 17, 2025, during the launch of the Acholi Education Scholarship, the Chief Justice emphasized that although construction is not yet complete, the judiciary will proceed with the operationalization of the two circuits.
Gulu Court of Appeal will serve the Greater North, covering the Karamoja, Lango, Acholi, and West Nile subregions. The Chief Justice also revealed that, after Gulu and Mbarara, the judiciary will eventually open a Court of Appeal circuit in Mbale.
As part of ongoing judicial decentralization, the judiciary has restructured existing circuits and established new ones to improve access to justice. The Chief Justice announced that the new arrangement will include three resident judges to handle High Court cases, with headquarters in Patongo, Kitgum, and Gulu.
This restructuring will see cases from Pader, Abim, Otuke, and Agago districts, which were previously under the jurisdiction of the Gulu, Moroto, and Lira High Court circuits, transferred to the newly created Patongo High Court Circuit. Additionally, cases from Greater Pajule, Acholibur, and Atanga will now be heard at Kitgum High Court Circuit.
According to the Chief Justice, the new judicial structure will significantly reduce the distances complainants must travel to attend court sessions and follow up on their cases.
“Many people have been disadvantaged by long distances, making it difficult for them to attend court sessions as required,” he noted.
Meanwhile, on February 6, 2025, President Yoweri Museveni made key appointments to Uganda’s judiciary, particularly the Court of Appeal. He appointed eight new justices as part of efforts to strengthen the judicial system by filling critical positions with experienced legal professionals.
These justices are set to be sworn in on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The Chief Justice welcomed the appointments, saying they will help reduce the backlog of pending appeals at the Court of Appeal.
These initiatives are part of the judiciary’s commitment to decentralize its services, ensuring that justice is accessible to all citizens, regardless of their geographical location.
