Justice ministry opens Kabale regional office to expand legal access

KABALE - The government of Uganda has taken a significant step towards improving access to justice with the official opening of a new regional office of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in Kabale Municipality.

The facility, which will serve the wider Kigezi sub-region, is part of the ministry’s broader strategy to decentralise legal services and bring them closer to the people.

The newly inaugurated office, located at Plot 25, Jackson Road on Makanga Hill near White Horse Inn, also houses the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Its establishment marks the first milestone in the Ministry’s Strategic Plan 2025 to 2030, which seeks to expand legal service delivery through the creation of five additional regional offices across the country.

The newly inaugurated office, located at Plot 25, Jackson Road on Makanga Hill near White Horse Inn, also houses the Attorney General’s Chambers. (Courtesy Photos)

Presiding over the commissioning, Chief Justice Flavian Zeija described the development as a major advancement in strengthening the rule of law and addressing long-standing barriers that have hindered access to justice in the Kigezi sub-region.

“This regional hub will address challenges related to distance and bureaucracy that have, for years, limited timely access to legal services,” he said. “It will also ensure that local governments receive prompt legal guidance, enabling them to make sound administrative decisions.”

For many residents in the region, the opening of the Kabale office comes as a relief. Previously, individuals seeking government legal services were required to travel to Mbarara, a journey that often proved costly and time-consuming.

The new office is expected to eliminate this burden by offering services closer to the community.

Presiding over the commissioning, Chief Justice Flavian Zeija described the development as a major advancement in strengthening the rule of law and addressing long-standing barriers that have hindered access to justice in the Kigezi sub-region. (Courtesy Photos)

Among the services to be provided are legal advisory support, civil litigation, legislative drafting assistance, management of succession matters, public trustee functions and the regulation of legal practice and education.

Officials say these services will play a critical role in improving the efficiency of legal processes and promoting socio-economic development in the region.

The presence of the Attorney General’s Chambers in Kabale is also expected to improve the handling of government-related cases.

According to officials, it will facilitate the prompt filing of pleadings, ensure consistent court attendance by state attorneys and encourage the settlement of disputes involving government entities before they escalate into prolonged litigation.

Kabale High Court resident judge Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere welcomed the initiative, noting that it responds to the growing demand for legal services in the Kigezi sub-region.

He emphasised that improving access to justice has been one of his key priorities since assuming office.

“The establishment of this office is timely and necessary,” he said. “It will significantly reduce the challenges faced by people seeking legal redress and strengthen the administration of justice in this region.”

Justice Ssemogerere also urged staff deployed to the new office to uphold professionalism and efficiency in service delivery.

He encouraged them to build on the foundation laid by the Mbarara regional office, which has served the region for years.

Local leaders echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of the new facility in addressing community needs. Kabale District Council Speaker Flavia Nyinakiiza Kanagizi noted that the office is a response to increasing demand for Ministry services in the area.

She emphasised that expanding access to justice has been a key priority for local leadership and expressed optimism that the new office will bridge existing gaps in service delivery.

“This development reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that our people can access justice more easily and efficiently,” Kanagizi said. “The staff here must recognise the responsibility they carry and deliver services with dedication and integrity.”

The Kabale Regional Office becomes the latest addition to the ministry’s growing network of decentralised service centres. It builds on existing regional offices in Gulu, Soroti, Mbale, Arua, Mbarara, Fort Portal and Moroto.

Additional offices have also been established in Hoima, Masaka, Iganga and Lira as part of the same strategic expansion.

Officials say the decentralisation effort is designed not only to improve service delivery but also to promote timely resolution of disputes and strengthen public confidence in the justice system.

By bringing services closer to the people, the Ministry aims to ensure that justice is accessible, efficient and responsive to the needs of all Ugandans.

As operations begin in Kabale, stakeholders remain hopeful that the new office will transform legal service delivery in the Kigezi region, making justice more accessible and reinforcing the rule of law at the grassroots level.