The Judiciary has officially opened five new high court circuits in different regions in the country in a move to speed up the access to justice.
Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, in a statement released on Thursday, April 24, 2025 confirmed the new development underscoring the judiciary’s dedication to expanding its physical presence to enhance the pursuit for justice.
The judiciary has operationalized five additional High Court Circuits: Entebbe, Kumi, Lugazi, Patongo, and Wakiso.
According to the CJ Owiny-Dollo, the additional High Court circuits reflect their ongoing efforts to enhance access to justice, reduce case backlogs, and improve judicial service delivery across the country.
“We have already deployed judges to the High Court Circuits gazetted in 2023, Entebbe, Lugazi, and Wakiso in Buganda, Patongo in Acholi, and Kumi in Teso. This reflects our resolve to reduce the burden of existing courts and serve the public effectively,” Owiny-Dollo said.
“We plan to further expand to Ibanda and Ntungamo in Ankole, Moyo in West Nile, and Rakai in Buganda in the coming financial year,” he added.
The Acting Chief Register, Pamella Lamunu Ocaya, confirmed that the registries for the new courts are fully operational and now accepting case filings.
“All matters falling within the jurisdiction of these new circuits can now be filed directly there. In particular, for cases under Entebbe and Wakiso which were previously handled by the Divisions of the High Court will now be managed locally, ensuring a more streamlined and accessible process for litigants,” she said.
Lamunu mentioned that Entebbe and Wakiso now have access to the Electronic Court Case Management Information System, which facilitates digital case management, electronic videography, and virtual hearings when appropriate, further streamlining processes and improving efficiency.
However, she clarified that Lugazi, case files that were originally filed under the Mukono High Court have been transferred to the new courts.
In a similar vein, cases that are under the jurisdiction of the Soroti High Court have been relocated to Kumi. The case file has also been forwarded to the Patongo High Court by the Kitgum High Court.
This expansion brings the total number of High Court Circuits to 29, marking a significant milestone in the Judiciary’s efforts to decentralize judicial services.
