Joshua Nahamya
08 August 2025
Mbarara – In a landmark move to bring justice closer to its citizens, the Judiciary of Uganda has launched the construction of a regional Court of Appeal in Mbarara City. Led by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo and Deputy Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, this groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant step in the judiciary’s ongoing efforts to decentralize appellate justice and enhance access for all Ugandans.
The new Mbarara court is one of the eight new Court of Appeal circuits being established across the country, with two circuits per region. Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo announced the locations: “For Western Uganda, the new courts will be located in Mbarara and Fort Portal. In Central Uganda, circuits will be in Masaka and Mubende, while Northern Uganda will have courts in Arua and Gulu. The Eastern region will be served by Jinja and Mbale.”
The Chief Justice emphasized that these regional courts are part of a broader agenda to ensure equitable access to justice, particularly for the poor. He shared a poignant anecdote about a peasant from Kabale who was forced to abandon a land dispute due to the prohibitive costs of travel to Kampala and the difficulty of bringing witnesses, leading to a miscarriage of justice. This project, he stated, is designed to reduce the physical and financial burden on citizens, enhance justice delivery, and strengthen the rule of law.
Owiny-Dollo passionately advocated for increased funding for the judiciary and related institutions, including the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), police, and prisons. He drew a powerful parallel between justice and “the oxygen you breathe,” stressing that it is a fundamental right that must be accessible to everyone, not just those with the means to travel to the capital.
He also championed Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms such as mediation, negotiation, and arbitration. Citing international studies, he noted that a vast majority of disputes are resolved through informal channels, not in court. He urged legal professionals to embrace ADR, arguing that it leads to greater fulfillment and financial success through increased case turnover.
The new Court of Appeal structure, fully funded by the government of Uganda, is contracted to Seyani Brothers at a cost of Shs 29 billion. The 18-month project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. According to Mouren Kasande, Secretary under Head of Finance and Administration in the Judiciary, the six-level building will be a “turnkey project,” fully furnished and equipped with ICT and other necessary systems. It will include courtrooms, chambers, a conference hall, a cafeteria, and a childcare center, among other facilities. Owiny-Dollo also took the opportunity to commend Seyani Brothers for their commendable track record, noting they had previously completed a project in Kampala under budget, saving the government Shs 8 billion.
Acting Chief Registrar, Lamunu Pamella Ocaya, reinforced the judiciary’s commitment to creating a system that serves all citizens. She described the new regional courts not just as buildings, but as a “construction of hope, a construction of equity and justice for the people.” She stated that this development is a cornerstone of the judiciary’s transformation agenda, which prioritizes infrastructural development, digitalization, and institutional independence. Ocaya highlighted that “justice delayed is justice denied,” and the physical inaccessibility of courts has been a major contributor to delays. She expressed confidence that the new court would handle appellate matters with speed and fairness, reducing backlogs and easing the burden on litigants.
Ocaya said that the new regional Court of Appeal in Mbarara is a monumental step toward ensuring that justice is not a privilege for the few, but a right for all Ugandans.
“Once completed, it is a hope, and indeed our confidence that this court of appeal will handle appellate matters with speed, with professionalism and fairness reducing the case backlogs and easing the burden of litigants from this region and beyond.”
She stated that “the establishment of a court of appeal in Mbarara is a clear demonstration of the judiciaries and the wavering commitment to deepening justice, decentralizing justice and strengthening the rule of law across regions of Uganda”.
“This development is a cornerstone in actualizing the judiciary’s strategic vision of justice for all because the judiciary has recognized that justice delayed is justice denied. And we all know that one of the major contributors to the delay is the physical and logistical inaccessibility of appellant courts to the majority of our citizens.”
Ocaya said that this collaboration is a construction of hope, equity, and justice to bring the court services closer to the people.
“Let today for all of us be remembered not only for the turning of soil but for the turning of the new page in the justice system of Uganda. Let it symbolize our shared commitment to building the judiciary that is truly for the people by the people and with the people.” She stated
Deputy Chief Justice Flavian Zeija congratulated Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo for his leadership and explained that the new circuits are designed to make the judicial process more efficient. He noted that while the Court of Appeal currently holds quarterly sessions in different regions, the new permanent circuits will ensure that resident justices can serve the public on a full-time basis. Zeija also thanked President Museveni for providing the funds for the project and praised the collaborative spirit within the judiciary, as well as the Mbarara leadership for donating the land.
Mbarara’s local leaders expressed their gratitude for the project. The Mbarara City North Division Mayor, Gumisiriza Kyabwisho, reiterated that the donation of two acres of prime land was a strategic move, as “justice is a cornerstone of good governance, peace, and development.” He also used the platform to request an administrative office block for the division and raised concerns about the threat of land grabbers. The Member of Parliament for Mbarara City North, Robert Mwesigwa Rukari, highlighted the significant economic benefits of the Shs 29 billion construction cost and the increased demand for services that the court’s presence would generate. Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi also warned against land grabbing and thanked the judiciary for its efforts.
The groundbreaking ceremony was met with broader appreciation from key figures. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo, lauded Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo as a “hero” for championing the cause of the DPP’s office, while also acknowledging the challenge of recruiting more prosecutors. Lt. Col. James Mwesigye, the Commissioner in charge of RDCs, Western Region, praised the Chief Justice for his work in cleaning up the judiciary’s image, noting that corruption is no longer as rampant as it once was.
This groundbreaking ceremony in Mbarara, the second regional Court of Appeal after Gulu, signals a new chapter in Uganda’s justice system. The project is seen as a symbol of institutional cooperation and a decisive step toward a more equitable and efficient judiciary for all Ugandans.
