At the direction of Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, the Judiciary has established 18 new High Court Circuits to bring legal services closer to the people. Chief Registrar Sarah Langa Siu unveiled the names of the newly created circuits, including locations like Apac, Bugiri, and Kasese.
These additions are part of the Judiciary’s Transformation Agenda, aiming to enhance access to justice services across Uganda. Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo, in consultation with the Principal Judge, issued Statutory Instrument No.94 of 2023, reorganizing existing circuits and creating new ones.
Between August 2022 and the present, 10 new High Court Circuits have already become operational, increasing the total to 24. The recent instrument further expands this to 38 circuits, revoking the previous designation of 20 circuits in 2016.
The 18 new circuits, including locations like Entebbe, Kitgum, and Wakiso, align with the transformation agenda, ensuring swift and accessible justice. Four of these circuits, Bushenyi, Kasese, Kiboga, and Kitgum, will be formally launched this quarter.
Table: Newly Created High Court Circuits
| Circuit | Previously Operational | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|
| Apac | No | Not specified |
| Bugiri | No | Not specified |
| Bushenyi | Yes | This quarter |
| Dokolo | No | Not specified |
| Entebbe | No | Not specified |
| Ibanda | No | Not specified |
| Kasese | Yes | This quarter |
| Kiboga | Yes | This quarter |
| Kitgum | Yes | This quarter |
| Kumi | No | Not specified |
| Lugazi | No | Not specified |
| Moyo | No | Not specified |
| Nebbi | No | Not specified |
| Ntungamo | No | Not specified |
| Pallisa | No | Not specified |
| Patongo | No | Not specified |
| Rakai | No | Not specified |
| Wakiso | Yes | This quarter |
The reorganization of case files under the new circuits involves the transfer of cases from specific districts to their respective High Court Circuits, streamlining the judicial process.
