Participants at the Judiciary High Court Quarterly Review
The Case Management Committee chaired by the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, has kicked off the two-day Case Backlog Quarterly Retreat at the Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe, bringing together Heads of Divisions and Circuits of the High Court from across the country.
The Retreat, running from 19th to 20th June 2025, is aimed at reviewing performance for the third quarter of the Financial Year 2024/25 and developing strategies to enhance the efficiency of justice delivery.
The Retreat was officially opened by the Deputy Chief Justice and Chairperson of the Judiciary’s Case Management Committee, who emphasized the retreat's role in fostering institutional growth and accountability. He recalled initiating the High Court Quarterly Performance Review Retreats during his tenure as Principal Judge, expressing satisfaction at seeing the initiative thrive under his current leadership.
Justice Zeija underscored the importance of using the retreat as a platform to refine data management practices, share best practices, and identify areas needing improvement. He stressed that maintaining accurate and reliable data is a shared responsibility and called on judicial officers to routinely update, verify, and audit data at their respective court stations to uphold performance integrity.
In addressing the persistent challenge of case backlog, the Deputy Chief Justice encouraged Judicial Officers to conduct quarterly case settlement activities such as mediation and plea bargaining using available court resources rather than waiting for special session funding. He noted that such initiatives are vital to easing the burden of pending cases and promoting timely justice.
Justice Zeija also acknowledged the Judiciary's investments in ICT infrastructure and the promotion of alternative justice mechanisms. However, he noted that operational capacity remains dependent on government budget allocations. He announced a transition to a fully electronic system for submission of performance reports beginning with the next retreat, stating that hard copy submissions would no longer be accepted. The new approach, he explained, will streamline the process, enable earlier submissions, and minimize last-minute alterations.
In her remarks, the Acting Principal Judge, Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga, thanked participants for attending, particularly those joining the Retreat for the first time. She congratulated the Deputy Chief Justice on presiding over his first retreat in his new capacity and emphasized the importance of the Retreat as a space for self-assessment, growth, and goal setting. She acknowledged the presence of newly operationalized High Court Circuits, noting that while they were not expected to present performance reports this quarter, their participation would provide them with exposure and learning opportunities.
Justice Okuo called for a spirit of collective responsibility, collaboration, and openness in the deliberations. She underscored the significance of feedback, accountability, and proper case management in enhancing service delivery across the Judiciary.
The Acting Chief Registrar, HW Pamella Lamunu Ocaya, described the retreat as both a responsibility and a privilege. She reminded participants that behind every performance metric lies a real-life story-a case representing a life affected, a community shaped, and a trust placed in the judicial system. She urged judicial officers to engage with openness, critical thinking, and a renewed sense of commitment to justice, transparency, and efficiency.
Moderated by the Judiciary's Public Relations Officer, HW James Ereemye Jumire Mawanda, the Retreat includes presentations, peer reviews, and collaborative sessions intended to drive performance and improve justice delivery in the High Court and subordinate courts.
Posted 19th, June 2025
