Budget Reading: Justice sector expands courts, reduces case backlog as government strengthens rule of law

Government has reported significant progress in expanding access to justice and reducing case backlog across the country, with new courts established, more judicial officers appointed and commercial disputes worth trillions of shillings resolved.

The achievements were highlighted by Finance Minister Henry Musasizi during the presentation of the 2026/27 national budget, where he underscored the critical role of the justice sector in supporting economic growth, investment and social stability.

Under the Administration of Justice programme, government continued implementing reforms aimed at bringing justice services closer to citizens while improving the efficiency of the judiciary.

According to Musasizi, the proportion of districts with complete justice service points increased from 79 percent in the 2020/21 financial year to 89 percent in 2025/26.

The improvement was achieved through the operationalisation of additional High Court circuits and the establishment of new magistrates’ courts across the country.

“Government expanded access to justice with the proportion of districts having complete justice service points rising from 79 percent in FY 2020/21 to 89 percent,” Musasizi said.

The minister revealed that the number of High Court circuits has increased to 29, while 10 additional magistrates’ courts were established, bringing the total number of magistrates’ courts nationwide to 268.

Some of the new courts have been established in island communities and other previously underserved areas, reducing the distance citizens must travel to access justice services.

COURT OF APPEAL MOVES CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE

In another major reform, government has commenced the decentralisation of the Court of Appeal.

According to Musasizi, the appellate court is being extended to Mbarara and Gulu, a move expected to reduce costs and delays for litigants outside Kampala.

The decentralisation is intended to improve access to appellate justice for citizens and businesses in different regions of the country.

JUDICIAL CAPACITY EXPANDED

The judiciary also strengthened its capacity during the year through the appointment of additional judicial officers.

Musasizi reported that the number of Justices of the Court of Appeal increased to 20, while High Court judges rose to 88.

Additional magistrates were also recruited and deployed to areas experiencing high case loads.

The appointments are expected to accelerate disposal of cases and reduce the backlog that has long affected Uganda’s justice system.

COMMERCIAL CASES WORTH SHS 14.47 TRILLION RESOLVED

One of the most significant achievements reported in the budget relates to commercial justice.

Musasizi revealed that between 2023 and 2025, the judiciary disposed of 38,102 commercial and land-related cases valued at approximately Shs 14.47 trillion.

The resolution of the disputes unlocked substantial capital that had been tied up in litigation and helped stimulate investment and economic activity.

“Resolution of commercial disputes has improved significantly, unlocking capital and boosting economic activity and investment,” the minister said.

Business leaders have often cited slow resolution of commercial disputes as a major obstacle to investment, making the improvement an important milestone for the country’s business environment.

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION GROWS

Government also intensified promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to reduce pressure on courts and encourage quicker settlement of disputes.

According to Musasizi, more than 8,000 cases were resolved through ADR mechanisms during the 2025/26 financial year.

In addition, nearly 25,000 small claims cases worth approximately Shs 19.5 billion were successfully handled through simplified procedures.

Legal experts say ADR mechanisms are increasingly becoming an important tool for improving access to justice while reducing litigation costs.

MOBILE COURTS REACH REMOTE COMMUNITIES

The judiciary further expanded the use of mobile courts to reach hard-to-access communities and refugee-hosting areas.

The initiative brings judicial services directly to communities, enabling faster hearing and resolution of cases.

The minister said the approach has helped improve access to justice for vulnerable populations that would otherwise face challenges reaching formal court facilities.

SUPPORTING ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

Musasizi said government views a strong justice system as a key enabler of economic transformation.

A predictable and efficient legal system, he noted, strengthens investor confidence, protects property rights and promotes the rule of law.

The continued expansion of courts, recruitment of judicial officers and adoption of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms are expected to further improve service delivery in the justice sector.

As Uganda pursues its ambition of achieving tenfold economic growth, government believes that strengthening administration of justice will remain essential in supporting trade, investment and social cohesion.

The justice sector’s achievements come as government continues investing heavily in governance and rule of law institutions as part of broader efforts to create an environment conducive to business growth and national development.