The Ugandan Judiciary is set to roll out official attire for all magistrates as part of efforts to enhance professionalism and public trust in the justice system. Previously, only judicial officers in the High Court and higher levels wore formal judicial robes. The new policy, spearheaded by Judiciary Permanent Secretary Pius Bigirimana, aims to extend this practice to magistrates and other court staff, providing a clear visual distinction of their roles to the public.

Speaking during the Manifesto Week 2024 in Kampala, Bigirimana explained that distinctive uniforms will help the public easily identify judicial officers and court personnel, reducing confusion and improving service delivery. Additionally, toll-free lines are being introduced to allow the public to report unethical or corrupt behavior by judicial staff, a move aimed at addressing widespread corruption that has marred the sector for years.

Measures to Improve Efficiency

Bigirimana outlined other initiatives to improve the judiciary’s efficiency, including enhanced logistical support. Vehicles are being provided to judges, registrars, magistrates, and support staff to facilitate faster case handling and effective court operations. Digital innovations, such as the electronic court case management information system, have also streamlined the case resolution process by automating and tracking cases through their entire lifecycle, even enabling virtual hearings.

Infrastructure improvements have been another key focus. New court buildings, including the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court premises, are nearing completion, reducing the judiciary’s dependency on rented facilities. These upgrades are expected to save the government nearly UGX 10 billion annually and have positioned Uganda as a leader in judicial infrastructure in Africa.

Tackling Case Backlogs and Economic Impact

Efforts to reduce the backlog of unresolved cases have shown significant progress. By the end of September 2024, the backlog.