Uganda’s Judiciary has started a major review of High Court circuit boundaries in an effort to make justice services more accessible, efficient and responsive to the needs of citizens across the country.The review seeks to examine whether the current arrangement of High Court circuits is effectively serving communities or whether changes are needed to address challenges affecting litigants, lawyers and court officials.
The assessment follows concerns raised by different stakeholders over difficulties linked to the current clustering system, including long distances, transport challenges and administrative limitations faced by some court users.Principal Judge Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo announced the review during a consultative engagement held at the Judiciary headquarters, bringing together officials with knowledge and experience in the creation and implementation of the existing circuit framework.Justice Abodo said the process will be based on evidence and practical realities, adding that experiences gathered from visits to various High Court stations revealed areas where the current structure may need improvement.
She pointed out that although the clustering of High Court circuits under Statutory Instrument No. 94 of 2023 was introduced to improve justice delivery, some challenges have emerged during implementation, requiring a careful review.The Judiciary will assess several issues, including the distance citizens travel to reach courts, availability of infrastructure, workload distribution, population coverage, staffing levels, security considerations and geographical factors.
Concerns from areas such as Rakai, Lango and Karamoja will also form part of the assessment as stakeholders seek circuit arrangements that bring courts closer to communities.The review will further examine proposed High Court circuits that have not yet been operationalised, with the Judiciary aiming to establish boundaries that improve efficiency, reduce delays and strengthen access to justice for all Ugandans.The consultation involved senior judicial officials, including Justice Sarah Langa Siu, Chief Registrar Agnes Alum and other Judiciary representatives who provided insights to guide the process of reshaping the High Court circuit structure.
