Chief Justice, Attorney General Drive Push for Integrated, Efficient Justice System
The Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, together with members of the Judiciary Top Management, today held a high-level engagement with the Attorney General, Mr. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, and senior officials from the Attorney General's Chambers, in a move aimed at strengthening collaboration across the justice sector.
The meeting, held at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala, focused on addressing operational challenges, enhancing coordination, and improving service delivery among key justice institutions.
In his remarks, the Chief Justice emphasized the need for a holistic approach to strengthening the justice system, cautioning against building capacity in one institution without corresponding support to others.
"We must avoid strengthening one arm of the justice system while leaving others behind. A coordinated approach is essential for effective service delivery," he noted, highlighting the staffing challenges faced by the Attorney General's Chambers and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
On digital transformation, the Chief Justice directed that a technical team from the Judiciary's IT Department be assigned to work with the Attorney General's Chambers to review existing systems and explore integration with the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), with a view to improving efficiency and coordination.
Addressing prison congestion, he observed that delays in committing suspects to trial remain a major contributing factor. He proposed the establishment of a technical committee, led by the Principal Judge, to review cases of inmates on remand and develop practical interventions to ease congestion.
The Chief Justice also raised concerns about the relationship between the Bar and the Bench, reiterating that membership to the Uganda Law Society is voluntary and should not be forced.
On the execution of court decisions, he expressed concern over continued on-compliance despite an existing circular, warning that further administrative measures would be taken to ensure adherence.
He commended the Attorney General for building a strong and effective team and called for regular engagements to sustain collaboration between the two institutions.
The Attorney General expressed appreciation to the Judiciary for its continued support, noting that his Chambers is in the process of settling into its new premises in Naguru. He expressed optimism that justice sector institutions could eventually be co-located to enhance coordination.
He congratulated the Chief Justice and the Principal Judge on their recent appointments, describing the meeting as timely and important for strengthening institutional linkages.
Mr. Kiwanuka highlighted key challenges affecting his Chambers, including staffing constraints and delays in receiving court notices due to system inefficiencies. He welcomed the proposal to integrate and centralize systems such as ECCMIS and supported the establishment of a joint technical team to review and improve existing platforms.
On prison decongestion, he endorsed the proposal for a Judiciary-led technical committee to review cases of inmates on remand and develop sustainable solutions.
He also raised concerns regarding discipline within the legal profession and the need to clearly distinguish institutional offices from individual officeholders.
Regarding execution of court decisions, the Attorney General called for harmonization, noting instances where lower courts have not aligned with Constitutional Court rulings. He proposed the issuance of a fresh administrative directive to address the inconsistencies.
The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, welcomed the engagement and supported the establishment of the technical review committee. She emphasized the need to also examine cases handled by State Attorneys that have not progressed to committal and indicated that a Circular would be issued to guide execution processes.
She commended the Attorney General for his leadership and the strength of his team.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from both institutions, including the Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya; the Solicitor General, Mr.Pius Perry Biribonwoha; Mr Charles Ouma, Mr Martin Mwambutsya, Mr Richard Adrole, Ms Racheal Rwomushana. The Deputy Registrar/Private Legal Secretary tothe Chief Justice, Dr Alex Mushabe Karocho; the Personal Assistant to the Chief Justice, HW Julius Mwesigye; and the Personal Assistant to the Principal Judge, HW Edger Nyakairu, were also in attendance.
Posted 24th, March 2026
