Deputy Chief Justice Zeija calls for discipline, efficiency in case management

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Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ) Dr Flavian Zeija has urged judicial officers to uphold discipline, accountability and efficiency in managing cases.

"The growing number of filings against limited manpower requires a shift from business as usual. We must enhance efficiency through deliberate capacity building. Every training must be results-oriented, producing measurable improvements in performance and case disposal,” he said.

His remarks were delivered on October 27, 2025, by the head of the Criminal Division of the High Court, Justice David Matovu, during the opening of a three-day case management training workshop for judicial officers from the central region at the Court of Appeal Building in Kampala.

Zeija, who also chairs the Judiciary Case Management Committee, reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to continuous professional development.

He cited the 2024/25 Judiciary Annual Performance Report, which shows that case backlog still accounts for about 20% of the total caseload.

He emphasised that strengthening case management, judgment writing, and the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is crucial for improving case flow and public confidence in the justice system.

“This training could not have come at a better time,” he said.

“Effective case management prevents delays, well-reasoned judgments enhance public confidence, and ADR offers faster, less adversarial ways to resolve disputes.”

The DCJ also cited the success of initiatives such as the Settlement Fortnight, which has boosted the use of ADR, noting that people, procedures, and systems remain the main causes of delays, “with the people factor being the most significant.”

Backlog

In her remarks, Acting Chief Registrar Pamella Lamunu Ocaya said average case disposal time has improved from 1,074 days in FY 2021/22 to 891 days in FY 2024/25. However, she said backlog still accounts for 24.2% of pending cases.

“We cannot afford to wait until backlog becomes unmanageable,” she warned. “We must adopt strategies that streamline proceedings, minimise disruptions, and actively promote settlement.”

She commended the JTI for organising the Central Region training, following successful sessions in Gulu, Mbarara, and Mbale, and called for institutionalised mentorship and joint training to strengthen peer learning.

The three-day workshop has attracted judges, registrars, chief magistrates, and magistrates grade I from Entebbe, Wakiso, Mpigi, Kira, Kasangati, Nabweru, Nsangi, Kajjansi, Nakawa, and the Anti-Corruption Division.