Judiciary launches construction of regional Court of Appeal in Mbarara City

MBARARA CITY, August 4, 2025 — The Judiciary has officially launched the construction of a regional Court of Appeal in Mbarara City, a major step in decentralising justice and improving access to appellate courts across the country.

The groundbreaking ceremony was presided over by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo. The Mbarara court is one of eight new regional Court of Appeal circuits being rolled out nationwide, two in each region.

According to the Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-Dollo, additional courts of the same level will be established in the cities of Fort Portal, Masaka, Arua, Jinja, and Mbale, and Mubende town.

“These courts are part of our effort to ensure that all Ugandans, regardless of location or economic means, can access justice,” said Owiny-Dollo.

He stressed that the current concentration of appellate courts in Kampala has denied many citizens the opportunity to seek redress, particularly the poor who cannot afford the cost of travel or transporting witnesses.

The Chief Justice cited the example of a peasant from Kabale who gave up a land case due to travel expenses. “We are decentralizing justice so that nobody is left behind,” he said.

The project is fully funded by the government of Uganda and will cost Shs 29 billion. The contract has been awarded to Seyani Brothers & Co. [U] Ltd., with the structure expected to be completed within 18 months. The complex will include courtrooms, judicial chambers, a conference hall, cafeteria, ICT infrastructure, and a daycare centre.

Mouren Kasande, Secretary under the Judiciary’s Head of Finance and Administration, described the facility as a “turnkey project”, fully furnished and operational upon completion.

The Mbarara circuit is the second regional Court of Appeal under construction, following Gulu. Once complete, these permanent courts will replace the current model of quarterly circuit sessions, allowing appellate justices to reside and work full-time in regional locations.

Deputy Chief Justice Flavian Zeija emphasised that the new courts will improve efficiency and reduce case backlogs. “Permanent presence in the regions will enable faster hearing and resolution of appeals,” he said.

Zeija also commended President Yoweri Museveni for supporting the judiciary with funds and acknowledged the local leadership in Mbarara for donating land for the project.

Acting Chief Registrar Pamella Ocaya Lamunu said the court would transform the judicial landscape for Western Uganda. “This is not just a building. It is a construction of hope, of equity, and of justice,” she said. “Justice delayed is justice denied. The physical inaccessibility of appellate courts has been a major bottleneck. This court will change that.”

Ocaya added that the development is part of the Judiciary’s broader transformation agenda, which includes expanding physical infrastructure, adopting digital systems, and asserting institutional independence.

She noted that decentraliSation of courts is key to making justice more accessible and ensuring that legal services reach underserved populations. “This development brings the court services closer to the people,” she said. “Let this day be remembered not just for the breaking of ground, but for the turning of a page in Uganda’s justice system.”

Owiny-Dollo also used the event to advocate for increased funding not only for the Judiciary, but also for the Directorate of Public Prosecutions [DPP], police, and prisons. “Justice is the oxygen of any society. If we suffocate it, we suffocate the people,” he said.

He further urged legal professionals to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution [ADR] methods such as mediation and arbitration, pointing to international studies showing that most disputes are resolved outside courtrooms.

He argued that ADR can relieve pressure on the judiciary while benefiting clients and lawyers alike.

Local leaders expressed appreciation for the project. Mbarara City North Division Mayor Gumisiriza Kyabwisho called the land donation a strategic investment in peace and development. He appealed for an administrative block for his division and cautioned against land grabbers.

Mbarara City North Member of Parliament Robert Mwesigwa Rukari emphasised the economic impact of the court, citing the Shs 29 billion injection into the local economy and the boost in demand for services.

Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi also praised the Judiciary and warned of potential land encroachment around the project site.

Director of Public Prosecutions Jane Frances Abodo praised the Chief Justice for championing the DPP’s cause and highlighted staffing challenges in her office.

Lt. Col. James Mwesigye, the Commissioner for Resident District Commissioners [RDCs] in the Western Region, said public trust in the Judiciary is improving and credited Owiny-Dollo for restoring the institution’s image.

The Judiciary hopes to complete construction by the end of 2026. Once operational, the Mbarara Court of Appeal is expected to significantly reduce delays in justice delivery for Western Uganda and surrounding regions. With courts now reaching the grassroots, officials say the initiative is a landmark move toward a fairer, faster, and more inclusive justice system.

https://thecooperator.news/kikuube-councilors-reject-plan-to-give-free-land-to-judiciary/

Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news