Lawyers warned against requesting unnecessary case adjournments

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Faced with growing court backlogs, Justice Sarah Langa Siu has urged lawyers to minimise delays in cases by refraining from requesting unnecessary adjournments.

She made the call during the inaugural Bar-Bench meeting at Wakiso High Court Circuit. The meeting held on July 29, 2025, marked a step toward collaborative and efficient justice delivery.

The purpose of the meeting was to foster constructive dialogue between the Bench and the Bar on matters relating to the administration of justice, professional conduct and the improvement of court-user experience at Wakiso High Court.

“Uphold ethical advocacy, reduce litigation delays, and embrace digital innovations such as the Electronic Court Case Management Information System alongside alternative mechanisms like ADR and plea bargaining,” Siu, the Head of the Circuit, advised.

Siu said that access to justice must be grounded in shared responsibility.

“Let us lead together, Bench, Bar, and community, in restoring public trust and building a justice system that truly works for every Ugandan,” she said.

Wakiso High Court resident judge Grace Flavia Lamuno Birungi welcomed participants and reaffirmed the Court’s readiness to serve.

She assured court users that judicial officers in the Circuit are committed to handling cases promptly and professionally.

Faisal Umar Mulalira, the Court’s deputy registrar, thanked all attendees, both in-person and online, for embracing the court’s call for dialogue.

He encouraged candid feedback from the Bar and other stakeholders, pledging the Registry’s continued dedication to responsive and user-centred service delivery.

Representing the advocates, Counsel Edward Kato Sekabanja praised the court’s efficiency in case allocation and hearings.

He proposed that summons for directions be conducted virtually or issued online to save time, with parties only appearing to report compliance.

He also championed the idea of an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) Court Settlement Week to promote mediation and ease case backlog.

The hybrid meeting brought together members of the Bar, Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) institutions, civil society organisations, and members of the public, fostering wider engagement beyond the courtroom.

Also present were senior magistrate grade 1 Arthur Ziraba and Fiona Nakibuuka, Magistrate Grade I, both attached to Nabweru Chief Magistrate’s Court.