Chief Justice Flavian Zeija has launched a renewed push to tackle case backlog in Uganda’s courts, calling on judicial officers across the country to embrace mediation and stronger case management as critical tools for delivering faster justice.
Speaking during a training session organized by the Judicial Training Institute, Zeija said delays in resolving cases continue to undermine public confidence in the judiciary and must be addressed through a cultural shift in the administration of justice.
The chief justice challenged judicial officers to move beyond traditional litigation processes and make greater use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, particularly mediation, to reduce the growing burden on courts.
“We must eliminate delays and restore public trust in the justice system,” Zeija told participants, emphasizing that timely justice remains one of the public’s biggest expectations from the judiciary.
The training focused on the implementation of the Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules, 2019, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Alternative Justice Systems, which are intended to simplify litigation processes and accelerate the disposal of cases.
Under the revised framework, litigants are required to take greater responsibility in progressing their cases. The reforms include stricter timelines and procedures designed to prevent unnecessary delays in court proceedings.
One of the key measures highlighted by the Chief Justice is the use of Summons for Directions, which requires plaintiffs to take action within prescribed timelines or risk having their cases automatically abate. The amendments also require witness statements to be filed before hearings begin, reducing delays caused by surprise evidence and lengthy trial processes.
Zeija further underscored the expanded role of court registrars, describing them as crucial managers of pre-trial processes responsible for scheduling conferences and handling interlocutory matters before cases proceed to full hearing.
A major focus of his address was mediation, which he described as an essential component of modern case management rather than an optional alternative. He urged judicial officers to identify suitable cases at an early stage and refer them for mediation where possible.
The Judiciary has increasingly embraced mediation as a means of resolving disputes more quickly and cost-effectively. Earlier this year, the Commercial Division of the High Court launched special mediation initiatives aimed at unlocking trillions of shillings tied up in commercial disputes while reducing pressure on the court system.
Zeija also called for greater accountability in the mediation process, directing that mediators should only be compensated after demonstrating meaningful engagement and submitting detailed reports on their work. Courts using the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) were instructed to ensure all mediation records are properly uploaded to improve transparency and oversight.
The Chief Justice’s latest intervention comes amid broader efforts by the Judiciary to modernize court operations through technology, strengthen alternative justice mechanisms, and improve access to timely justice for Ugandans. Recent reforms have included the rollout of digital case management systems and judgment-writing tools aimed at improving efficiency and reducing delays.
As the Judiciary intensifies its campaign against case backlog, Zeija urged judicial officers to fully embrace the available reforms and use them to improve service delivery.
He said the amended rules, mediation, and alternative justice systems should serve as effective tools in the fight against delays, helping restore public confidence and strengthen the administration of justice across the country.
