Kampala, November 23, 2023 – By Wycliff Gibogi; In a significant legislative development, the Parliament of Uganda has passed the Judicature Amendment Bill 2023 on Wednesday, November 23, 2023, aimed at addressing judicial challenges by increasing the number of justices in the Court of Appeal. The approved bill sees a substantial rise in the number of justices from the current 15 to a total of 35.
The move comes amidst growing concerns over the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial system, particularly in managing caseloads and reducing backlogs. The decision to bolster the judiciary by expanding the Court of Appeal reflects a commitment to enhancing the capacity of the legal system to handle a greater volume of cases in a timely manner.
While the proposal to augment the number of justices in the Supreme Court from 11 to 20 was tabled, it faced rejection by Members of Parliament. The lawmakers argued that the backlog in the judicial system is not solely attributed to the current number of Supreme Court justices. Instead, they emphasized the need for a more nuanced approach to address the challenges faced by the judiciary.
The debate surrounding the bill brought to light differing perspectives on how best to alleviate the strain on the judicial system. Proponents of the bill argued that an increased number of justices in both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court would contribute to a more expeditious and effective dispensation of justice.
Opponents, on the other hand, contended that the focus should be on systemic improvements, procedural reforms, and the adoption of technological solutions to streamline court processes. They emphasized that a mere numerical increase in justices may not necessarily translate to a significant reduction in case backlogs.
The decision to reject the proposal for additional Supreme Court justices underscores the Parliament’s commitment to a comprehensive and targeted approach in addressing the challenges faced by the judiciary. Members of Parliament expressed their resolve to explore alternative measures that go beyond numerical adjustments, emphasizing the importance of holistic reforms for a more resilient and responsive legal system.
The passing of the Judicature Amendment Bill 2023 marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the judicial system in Uganda. As the legal landscape undergoes changes, stakeholders will closely monitor the implementation of the new provisions and assess their impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the country’s judiciary.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to bring you the latest developments.
