(L-R): Sir Geoffrey Vos (Master of Rolls and President of the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales) and Chief Justice, Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo
Earlier, Sir Geoffrey Vos, Master of Rolls and President of the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales, paid a courtesy call on the Chief Justice, Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo, at the Supreme Court in Kampala.
Sir Vos was accompanied by Mr. Omid Reza Nazari, International Strategy Manager at the Secretariat of the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts (SIFoCC).Also present was Justice Andrew Khaukha, Executive Director Judicial Training Institute.
The visit provided a valuable platform for comparative discussions on the judicial systems of Uganda and the United Kingdom, particularly focusing on the operations of the Supreme Court in both jurisdictions. The two judicial leaders exchanged views on the functioning of appellate courts in their respective countries.
The dialogue also deliberated on judicial processes, institutional challenges, and approaches to case management. The Chief Justice outlined the structure and functioning of Uganda's appellate system, with particular emphasis on the Supreme Court's session-based operations and pre-hearing procedures.
He further elaborated on the historical evolution of Uganda's Judiciary from its colonial foundations, including the legacy of the East African Court of Appeal. He explained the dual role of the Supreme Court of Uganda as both the final appellate court and the court of first and final instance in presidential election petitions. The Chief Justice also underscored the Court's focus on legal and constitutional questions in appeals.
Additionally, he discussed efforts to reduce case backlog at the Supreme Court and ensure timely delivery of judgments, highlighting challenges such as disruptions arising from retirements and deaths, which have affected the Court’s bench capacity.
Justice Owiny - Dollo noted the Judiciary's embrace of technological advancements, including electronic filing systems and digital transcription services aimed at enhancing efficiency.
In his remarks, Sir Vos emphasized the value of international judicial engagement in broadening perspectives and enhancing decision-making. He expressed admiration for Uganda's Judiciary, particularly the unique composition of its Commercial Division, which he commended for its female majority.
Sir Vos praised Uganda's commitment to digital reforms and noted how similar tools a retransforming courts in England and Wales. He shared insights from the UK, where judges are generally expected to deliver rulings within three months, with failure to comply potentially amounting to misconduct.
He further explained UK appellate hierarchy, explaining that while the Supreme Court hears only around 40 cases annually, the Court of Appeal handles the vast majority of important appeals.
Both the Chief Justice and Sir Vos affirmed the importance of shared principles and the Judiciaries' role in advancing justice across borders.
Posted 26th, May 2025
