The Judiciary has today revealed plans to have the services of the supreme Court extended to other parts of the country. This is because currently, the supreme Court is only situated in Kampala where all cases that require their attention are handled which is a disadvantage to the people who stay in up country areas .
This new development was revealed during the Uganda Judicial officers’ Association (UJOA) Annual General meeting on Thursday addressed by the Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny Dollo. The Chief Justice said that a plan has been finalised and addressed to cabinet for approval before being implemented .
“ The proposal has been discussed by the Judiciary council and top management before being sent to cabinet for approval of the new structure,” the Chief Justice said in a speech read by his deputy, Justice Richard Butera during the Virtual meeting.
Dollo further revealed that the plan will lead to an increase in the number of Justices in the supreme Court from the current 10 to at least 21.
This plan will also see the Constitutional court headed by the deputy Chief Just extended across the country and the number of Justices increased to 56 whereas the high court will have 228 judges. The Judiciary has also proposed 514 grade one magistrates and 160 chief magistrates across the country.
The chief Justice also revealed that the Judiciary council was inaugurated in March and one of it’s mandate is to advise the chief Justice on the administration of the Judiciary.
“We have so far held 3 meetings and a number of policy directions have been shaped Including the Judiciary structure whereas salaries and allowances of the staff were approved and are now pending cabinet approval. When approved, your salaries and allowances will be increased by about 40%, “ he told UJOA members.
Uganda Judicial Officers Association ( UJOA) is an umbrella Association that brings together judges, Registrars, and magistrates.
