CJ Owiny-Dollo request for more judges’ recruitment

By Rachael Najjuma

30^th Jan 2023

The Chief Justice of Uganda Alphonse Owiny-Dollo has commended the Judiciary for doing a tremendous job of minimizing on the case backlog thus appealed to the President to continue supporting the Judiciary so that it does not lose the gains registered.

He said this while speaking at the 24th Annual Judges’ Conference at Mestil Hotel Kampala that is held under the theme; “The Judiciary Transformation Agenda, Enhanced Delivery of Justice” starting on Monday 30th and ending on the 2nd of February 2023.

He further asked the President who was the Chief Guest at the function to continue recruiting more judges so that there is no increase of case backlog more so at the High Court level which is already overwhelmed by the cases handled at first instance where now 3,586 completed by the Magistrates Grade One have been appealed and are pending hearing at High Court.

On the issue of corruption, the Chief Justice has revealed how they have already registered commendable results with the Electronic Court Case Management Information System which was launched on 1^st March 2022 in seven pilot courts namely; Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Anti-Corruption Division, Commercial Division, Lands Division, Civil Division and Mengo Chief Magistrate Court and Luweero High Court.

He says the system has improved efficiency and record-keeping and also reduced chances of physical contact with court staff which in itself has reduced opportunities of corruption.