Judiciary ICT Committee Advances Review of Draft Five-Year ICT Strategy at Kigo Retreat
Some members of Judiciary ICT and Documentation Committee at Kigo
The Judiciary ICT and Documentation Committee this afternoon continued Day One of its two-day retreat at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa, Kigo, where members started off with review process of the Draft Judiciary ICT Strategy for FYs 2025/2026-2029/2030.
Earlier, the Committee Chairperson, Justice Christopher Madrama, addressed participants, noting that the morning's intensive deliberations on the forthcoming Judiciary ICT Policy 2025 had laid a firm foundation for the Strategy review. He emphasized that the draft Strategy will operationalize the Policy and serve as a critical roadmap for the Judiciary's digital transformation in the next five years, one that must align fully with the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV).
Justice Madrama highlighted that the Strategy is anchored on seven core pillars, ranging from modernization of court systems to adoption of Artificial Intelligence in judicial processes. With an estimated financial requirement exceeding UGX 291 billion, he stressed the importance of rigorous scrutiny to ensure practical implementation, affordability, and value for money.
Justice Madrama urged members to validate the feasibility of proposals by examining the Judiciary’s current infrastructure and capacity realities. The strategy, he noted, must deliver improved efficiency, transparency, and a narrowed digital divide for court users. He encouraged members to interrogate assumptions, probe implementation work plans, and confirm that each activity and budget line is directly linked to clear, measurable outcomes.
A central concern raised was the pace of the ECCMIS (Electronic Court Case Management Information System)rollout. Justice Madrama warned that the current connectivity level of 44%remains the greatest obstacle to digital progress. He called for concrete plans to expand LAN/WAN connectivity to all 279 court stations, and for sustained investments in the Judiciary's solar energy programme to stabilize power supply at remote courts.
On data security and digital resilience, he underscored the urgency of improving cybersecurity, enhancing data governance, and establishing a functional hot Backup and Disaster Recovery Site. He also referenced the forthcoming ICT Forensic Audit, noting that its recommendations will be critical in guiding reforms.
Turning to innovation, Justice Madrama encouraged the Judiciary to build on insights from recent international benchmarking, especially in emerging technologies. He noted the acquisition of70 AI-powered transcription licenses, which are expected to advance automation in court recording and transcription. He also emphasized the need for a clear framework for Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), observing that with nearly 95%of disputes resolved outside formal courts, technology presents a vital opportunity to expand access to justice.
He reminded members that the Retreat marks a shift from policy aspirations to implementation realities, calling for sharp attention to logistics, budget implications, timelines, and performance indicators. He concluded by urging participants to ensure that the final ICT Strategy is actionable, financially sound, and future-focused, before inviting the Head of the ICT Department to proceed with the presentation.
Mr. David Sunday Kikabi, Head of ICT, began the presentation of the Draft Judiciary ICT Strategy FY2025/2026-2029/2030. He clarified that while the ICT Policy sets out principles and direction, the Strategy outlines the concrete actions required for execution. He noted that the draft, shared earlier with Committee Members, is organized into five comprehensive chapters detailing the plan's architecture.
Mr. Kikabi's presentation continued into the afternoon and will run through tomorrow as the Committee examines the Strategy in detail across thematic sessions.
Posted 18th, November 2025
