Judiciary creates five more High Court Circuits

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The Judiciary has created more five High Court Circuits countrywide, bringing the total number to 29.

The new circuits are Entebbe, Kumi, Lugazi, Patongo and Wakiso.

According to a press statement by the Judiciary dated April 24, 2025, the development is a major stride in the implementation of the Judiciary’s transformational agenda, which prioritises taking judicial services closer to the people and ensuring timely and efficient access to justice for all Ugandans.

The Chief Justice, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, emphasised the Judiciary’s commitment to increasing access to justice through the expansion of its physical presence.

“We have already deployed Judges to the High Court Circuits gazetted in 2023— Entebbe, Lugazi and Wakiso in Buganda, Patongo in Acholi, and Kumi in Teso. This reflects our firm resolve to reduce the burden on existing courts and serve the public more effectively. We plan to further expand to Ibanda and Ntungamo in Ankole, Moyo in West Nile, and Rakai in Buganda in the coming Financial Year,” he said.

The Acting Chief Registrar, Pamella Ocaya Lamunu, confirmed that registries for the new courts are fully operational and are now accepting case filings.

“All matters falling within the jurisdiction of these new circuits can now be filed directly there. In particular, for cases under Entebbe and Wakiso—which were previously handled by the Divisions of the High Court—will now be managed locally, ensuring a more streamlined and accessible process for litigants,” she said.

Lamunu said that Entebbe and Wakiso have also been equipped with the Electronic Court Case Management Information System, enabling electronic filing, digital case management, and virtual hearings, thus streamlining processes and improving efficiency.

The Chief Registrar elaborated that, for Lugazi, case files that were originally filed under the Mukono High Court have been transferred to the new court.

Similarly, the Soroti High Court has transferred to Kumi the cases that fall under its jurisdiction. Additionally, Kitgum High Court has transmitted case files to Patongo High Court.

Judges deployed

Justice Flavia Nabakooza will handle cases in Entebbe Municipality and Busiro County South; Justice Mary Ikit will handle cases in Kumi, Bukedea, Ngora and Kumi; Dr Winfred Nabisinde will handle cases in Buikwe and Buvuma.

George Okello will handle cases in Patongo Pader, Abim, Otuke and Agago; while justices Sarah Langa Siu, Grace Flavia and Grace Lamuno will handle cases in Busiro County East, Busiro County North and Nasana Municipality, in Wakiso district.