Judiciary to establish court to handle immigration cases

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The Judiciary is proposing establishing a court in Kampala that specifically handles immigration cases.

Incoming Deputy Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija said he received a letter requesting the designation of a magistrate’s court in Kampala for the prosecution of immigration offences.

He made the disclosure on February 12, 2025, while chairing a meeting of the Law Reform Committee, where members were discussing key legal matters.

The request outlined several justifications, which Zeija has asked the Chief Registrar to address at an appropriate time.

He urged the Committee to deliberate on the matter and provide a resolution.

“I have, over time, received various requests and proposals from different institutions, which I have always forwarded to the secretary of this committee for consideration. Perhaps the secretary could table all these requests and proposals at our next sitting for your input,” he said.

The meeting agenda included an overview of the National Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) policy, presented by the justice minister.

Zeija congratulated committee members who were recently appointed as acting judges of the High Court and encouraged them to continue supporting the committee as they have always done.

He further informed the committee that the Government of Uganda is embracing a robust ADR initiative, as evidenced by the Cabinet’s approval of the National ADR Policy on February 10, 2025.

He emphasized that the policy supports ADR re-engineering, noting that the committee has already proposed amendments to the Mediation Rules, 2013.

“The Policy comes at the right time. As we consider proposals for amending the Mediation Rules, let us keep the contents of the policy in mind,” he stated.

Additionally, Zeija announced an upcoming joint retreat for the Rules Committee and the Law Reform Committee, scheduled for 4th -5th March 2025 where members will review and finalize proposals under discussion.

The deliberations are expected to shape key legal reforms and enhance the justice system.