JUDICIARY Latest Features

Members of the ICT Documentation Committee at the Marina Conference Hall, the Serena Kigo

A two-day retreat for the Judiciary's Information and Communication Technology and Documentation Committee has today kicked off at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort &Spa in Kigo, marking a critical step in shaping the institution's digital transformation agenda. The retreat, organised in partnership with Centenary Technology Services (CTS), brings together key stakeholders for presentations, technical discussions, and validation of the Judiciary’s ICT priorities.

Speaking at the opening, the Committee Chairperson, Justice Christopher Madrama, described the retreat as a defining moment for Uganda's justice system. He said the meeting was convened with "deep appreciation and a profound sense of responsibility," stressing that the outcome will shape the Judiciary’s digital future for the next five years. He noted that the tranquil setting of Serena Kigo was chosen to allow participants to engage in deep reflection and meaningful deliberation away from the pressures of daily court work.

Justice Madrama explained that there treat stems from the Committee's fourth meeting held in May, where members agreed that the Judiciary had reached a critical point in its digital journey. He emphasized the need for the institution to move beyond automating traditional processes and embrace full transformation of justice delivery through technology. Central to the retreat’s mandate is the review and finalization of two strategic documents: The Judiciary ICT Policy 2025 and the ICT Strategy for FY2025/26-2029/2030, which he described as the architectural blueprints for "Digital Justice for All."

He highlighted key achievements already registered, including the elevation of ICT to a strategic business unit and the successful rollout of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) in 35 courts. He also pointed to the recent publication of the Judicature (Electronic Filing, Service, and Virtual Proceedings) Rules, 2025 in the Uganda Gazette, which legally anchors digital court operations.

However, he cautioned that significant challenges remain. A recent assessment placed the Judiciary at Level 1 (Initial) on the global ICT service maturity scale. Persistent constraints include limited ICT infrastructure across the 279 operational courts, mistrust in the official email system, fragmented technologies, and power instability that disrupts digital operations. He acknowledged the Committee's progress, including the acquisition of 70 licences for AI-powered automatic transcription software, inspired by a benchmarking visit to Tanzania.

On the draft ICT Policy 2025,Justice Madrama said it provides a governance structure for ICT, introduces stronger information security measures, and lays the foundation for responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in judicial processes. The accompanying ICT Strategy for 2025-2030, costed at over UGX 291 billion, outlines interventions such as scaling up ECCMIS to all courts, strengthening connectivity in partnership with NITA-U, investing in solar power solutions, and exploring emerging technologies such as Online Dispute Resolution, virtual reality court tools, and improved research capacity.

Justice Madrama urged participants to engage with strategic focus and professionalism to ensure that by the end of the retreat, both documents are ready for executive approval and immediate roll-out.

Representing Centenary Technology Services, Mr. Osbert Osamai, Head of Innovation and Digital Service, applauded the Judiciary for its commitment to digital transformation. He reaffirmed CTS's readiness to support the process, introducing the CTS technical team leading the presentations: Mr. Emmanuel Mugabi, Ms. Nawa Namudiba, and Mr. Michael Byamukama. He said the sessions would focus on validating the ICT Policy and preparing the ground for detailed review of the ICT Strategy.

During the discussions, Committee members identified areas needing further refinement, including better alignment with Judiciary strategic frameworks, enhanced responsiveness to emerging technologies, and strengthened standardization of ICT tools across courts. Members also recommended wider consultations and clearer implementation plans supported by measurable indicators. They proposed a dedicated workshop to ensure a more exhaustive review of the policy.

Background

The ICT and Documentation Committee was established under Statutory Instruments Supplement No. 42 of 24 November2023, in accordance with the Administration of the Judiciary Act, 2020.Comprising 22 members and chaired by a Justice of the Supreme Court, the Committee advises the Chief Justice on ICT matters, oversees digital and intellectual infrastructure, guides records and law reporting, and addresses risks associated with ICT adoption across the Judiciary.