In a bid aimed at improving access to justice in Eastern Uganda, Acting Principal Judge Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga officiated the launch of the Kumi High Court Circuit on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
Held under the theme “Enhancing Judicial Accountability and Access to Justice,” the event emphasized the judiciary’s continued commitment to decentralizing legal services and addressing long-standing barriers to justice delivery.
The ceremony included a range of community-centered activities such as a tree-planting ceremony, a guided tour of the new court premises, and an earlier public sensitization march through Kumi Town. These activities not only marked the court’s inauguration but also underscored the importance of public engagement in strengthening justice systems.
Lady Justice Okuo highlighted that the operationalization of the Kumi High Court Circuit will significantly ease the case burden on Soroti High Court, which has until now handled legal matters from several surrounding districts.
”This development is expected to drastically cut travel distances and associated costs for complainants/plaintiffs, bringing justice services closer to the communities that need them most,” Justice Okuo stated.
She also pointed out ongoing staffing constraints within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), cautioning that such gaps may affect the timely resolution of cases. Nevertheless, she reaffirmed the judiciary’s determination to enhance institutional performance and service delivery through continued reform and investment.
While touring the court premises, Justice Okuo commended the exceptional cleanliness and organization of the facility, especially the exhibition and archive stores, which she described as impressively well-maintained.
Lady Justice Mary Ikit, the resident judge of the newly launched Kumi High Court, reported that the court is already handling 284 case files, primarily criminal in nature, transferred from Soroti.
”The redistribution of caseloads is expected to enhance the efficiency of case handling and reduce the backlog in the region,” Lady Justice Okuo affirmed.
The launch day began with a radio talk show to raise public awareness about the new court’s services. Justice sector actors later marched through Kumi Town to further sensitize the community.
Justice Okuo also inspected a guard of honor mounted by the Uganda Police Force before holding a meeting with judicial officers within the circuit.
The establishment of the Kumi High Court Circuit is part of broader judicial reforms aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and public trust. Similar initiatives, such as the creation of circuits in Moroto and Hoima, reflect the judiciary’s strategic approach to easing Uganda’s growing caseload, currently over 250,000 pending cases, according to 2024 judiciary reports.
By bringing services closer to the people, the Kumi High Court Circuit is not only a symbol of judicial progress but also a practical step toward a more inclusive and accessible justice system for all Ugandans.