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The Judicary has created more 18 High Court circuits countrywide, bringing the total number to 38.

Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo says this will deepen access to justice, according to a press release issued by the Judiciary on January 24, 2024.

“The Chief Justice has in exercise of his powers under section 19 (2) of the Judicature Act, and in consultation with the Principal Judge, Flavian Zeija, issued statutory instrument N0.94 of 2023 creating new High Court circuits and re-organising those that have been in existence,” reads part of the press release.

According to the Chief Justice, the creation of new circuits and re-organisation of the existing ones will see judicial services taken closer to the people.

He observed that the re-organisation and creation of new circuits is in line with the Judiciary’s transformation agenda which will ensure easy and quick access to justice.

“The Judiciary transformation agenda that we are now pursuing focuses on enhancing access to justice services across Uganda. We are therefore establishing more courts to meaningfully enable the population to access justice,” Owiny-Dollo says.

The Chief Justice observes that between August 2022 and to date, 10 new high court circuits have been operationalised, bringing the total number of High Court circuits to 24.

He, however, says the new instrument now creates 38 High Court circuits and consequently revokes Judicature (Designation of the High Court Circuits) Instrument, 2016, No.55 of 2016 that had created 20 circuits.

Judiciary chief registrar Sarah Langa Siu stated that the 18 newly created High Court Circuits include; Apac, Bugiri, Bushenyi, Dokolo, Entebbe, Ibanda, Kasese, and Kiboga.

Others are Kitgum, Kumi, Lugazi, Moyo, Nebbi, Ntungamo, Pallisa, Patongo, Rakai and Wakiso.

She said of the 18 newly created circuits, Bushenyi, Kasese, Kiboga, and Kitgum, have been operationalised under their mother circuits and will be formally launched this quarter.