JUDICIARY Latest Features

Head of Division, Justice John Eudes Keitirima

The Family Division of the High Court earlier held a Stakeholders' and Court Users' Meeting chaired by the Head of Division, Justice John Eudes Keitirima. The engagement was held to review progress in case management, address backlog challenges, and strengthen collaboration with key partners in the administration of family justice.

In his remarks, Justice Keitirima reiterated the Division's commitment to drastically reducing backlog cases(those pending for more than two years) and critical backlog (cases pending for more than five years). He emphasized the importance of mediation as a key mechanism for dispute resolution, noting that 16 court-accredited mediators are already attached to the Division. "If we fully embrace mediation, we should be able to resolve up to 70% of our caseload," he said.

He urged lawyers to guide their clients on succession matters to avoid unnecessary litigation, observing that many families leave inheritance issues unresolved, leading to prolonged disputes. He encouraged stakeholders to make full use of the quarterly Mediation Fortnights that have now been institutionalized to foster efficiency and amicable settlements.

Justice Keitirima acknowledged the challenges faced in case management, including delayed judgments and rulings, but pledged continuous improvement. "We do not always get it right, and that is why these meetings are necessary to receive feedback and find solutions together," he remarked. He appealed to court users to first bring administrative concerns to the Division's leadership, assuring them that matters would be handled appropriately and expeditiously.

He further appreciated HW Sarah Tusiime Barungi, who has been in charge of the Division and was recently elevated to the position of full Registrar, commending her dedicated service and wishing her success in her new deployment. He also announced that two more special sessions will be held this quarter to handle pending matters, but emphasized that, moving forward, cases would not have to wait for such sessions to be heard.

The Deputy Head of Division, Lady Justice Immaculate Busingye, addressed allegations of bias by female judges against male litigants in divorce cases, dismissing such claims. She explained that, on the contrary, female petitioners often complain that the courts are too lenient with men. Lady Justice Celia Nagawa also weighed in, emphasizing that the Division applies the law impartially and dispenses justice without favor to either men or women.

Retired Supreme Court Justice Augustine Nshimye, now an accredited mediator with the Division, stressed the efficiency of working directly from pleadings during mediation to save time and avoid unnecessary repetition. He commended advocates for their growing positive attitude toward mediation, noting that while there had been initial reluctance, cooperation is now strong. He encouraged a steady flow of mediation cases and praised both the court and advocates for their zeal and commitment.

Registrar HW Sarah Tusiime Barungi urged advocates to strictly follow proper procedures in filing inventories, warning that delays and irregular filings undermine the integrity of court records. She underscored the need for collaboration in maintaining accurate documentation, which protects the image of the Family Division and the Judiciary at large. She also thanked the advocates and stakeholders for turning up in large numbers to deliberate on critical issues.

In the open discussion, Advocate Paul Mukiibi commended the Division for progress made, particularly during special sessions, which have greatly reduced backlog. He, however, raised concerns about forced mediation in divorce cases, delayed judgments, and the misplacement of original documents, including marriage certificates and wills. He called for improved communication on amendments and case redistribution.

Advocate Maxim Mutabingwa reflected on the historical tensions between the Bar and the Bench, noting improvement under the current leadership. He commended the responsiveness of both Justice Keitirima and HW Sarah Tusiime, noting that issues raised during his practice have always been addressed. He also observed that mediators, who were once hostile to advocates, have now become cooperative and efficient. 

Highlighting that most matters before the Division are divorce-related, involving custody and maintenance, he affirmed that mediation is working effectively at the Family Division, unlike in some other Divisions, and urged stakeholders to maximize its use. He, however, cautioned against judges delegating excessive work to research magistrates and stressed the need for consistent quality assurance.

Other concerns raised included non-compliance with Registrars' summons for directions, the practice of fixing multiple matters before a single judicial officer, and delays in succession matters. Stakeholders welcomed the Division's commitment to quarterly engagements and applauded efforts to modernize systems and enhance service delivery.

In attendance; Deputy Registrars, HW Didas Muhumuza, HW Samuel Olumo, and Assistant Registrar HW Juliet Komugisa; Magistrates Grade One Research attached to the Division; court staff; members of the Uganda Law Society; among others.

The meeting closed with a joint resolve by all participants to continue working together to improve justice delivery for all court users.