Acting Principal Judge Presides Over Hoima High Court Open Day, Addresses Public Concerns on Bail and Case Delays
The Acting Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga, yesterday presided over the Hoima High Court Open Day, held at the Hoima High Court grounds.
The event brought together judicial officers, stakeholders from justice institutions, religious leaders, and members of the public to engage in dialogue on justice delivery and challenges affecting court users.
In her address, Lady Justice Kajuga emphasized the significance of the open day as a platform for public engagement, reaffirming the Judiciary's commitment to accountability and access to justice.
She reminded participants that judicial power belongs to the people, emphasizing that the Judiciary exists to serve them and must uphold their values, norms, and aspirations.
Commending Hoima High Court for the positive feedback received from the public, she welcomed the absence of corruption allegations. At the same time, she urged judicial officers to work diligently to eliminate delays, stressing the importance of timely communication with litigants and the constitutional requirement to deliver judgments within 60 days.
On case backlog, Lady Justice Kajuga acknowledged the strain caused by Uganda's limited number of High Court judges only 80 serving a large population. She explained that efforts are underway to recruit more judges and establish additional circuits. Responding to calls for another judge in Hoima, she pledged support but noted budgetary limitations.
She further encouraged wider use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), particularly mediation, as a cost-effective and faster means of dispute resolution. On the issue of bail, she urged judicial officers to be realistic in setting conditions, cautioning against imposing terms that frustrate access to justice.
Looking ahead to the2026 elections, the Acting Principal Judge assured the public that the Judiciary is well-prepared, with plans in place to train judicial officers in handling election-related disputes.
Justice Vincent Opyene, Resident Judge of Hoima High Court Circuit, thanked stakeholders for attending and highlighted the challenges his court faces, particularly backlog. He explained that the court is prioritizing a "first in, first out" approach and has scheduled dates for pending judgments to ensure timely delivery.
He pointed to plea bargaining as a key strategy in decongesting prisons, noting that 70 cases were concluded during the last session. Justice Opyene also emphasized mediation, especially in land and family disputes, where collaboration with local religious leaders has proven effective.
On land cases, he said many disputes involve institutions such as the National Forestry Authority, Uganda National Roads Authority, and Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, and that mediation efforts are ongoing. He added that technology is being increasingly adopted through online hearings, reducing travel costs and expanding access to justice.
HW Katushabe Prossy, Registrar of the High Court, reiterated that the open day was about listening to public concerns. She explained the workings of the Small Claims Procedure and clarified issues relating to compensation in criminal cases.
Mr. Baryabaza Aron, representing advocates in Hoima, applauded the establishment of the High Courtin the region but urged the Judiciary to construct permanent premises to address the rising demand.
Hoima City Mayor, Mr. Brian Kaboyo, encouraged the court to accept land allocated for new premises, located six kilometers from the city center, assuring that the area would be prioritized for development. He also called for digital systems to track repeat offenders and assist judges in making informed rulings.
Speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Rev. John Kitalibara highlighted the region's escalating land disputes linked to population growth and economic activity. He called for more judicial officers and faster case handling to avoid instances where litigants die before resolution. He also raised concerns about overcrowded prisons.
Mr. Mucwa Deo, LC1Chairperson of Kijungu Cell, appealed for timely refunds of bail money and resolution of long-pending cases, some dating back over 30 years. He also requested installation of security cameras at the court.
The day provided a constructive platform for dialogue between the Judiciary and the people of Hoima on issues central to justice delivery.
The event was moderated by HW Bamwite Emmanuel, Assistant Registrar of Hoima High Court, and HW Kuniihira George, Chief Magistrate of Hoima.
Posted 16th, September 2025
