Chief Justice launches new justice strategy, aims to reduce case backlog

What the report says

Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija has launched Uganda’s Administration of Justice Programme (AJP) Strategy for the 2026/27 to 2029/30 financial years, setting out reforms intended to improve access to justice, reduce delays and strengthen public confidence in the courts. The launch took place at the Supreme Court in Kampala, according to The Independent Uganda, which said the strategy is meant to support a more people-centred, efficient and accountable justice system.

The programme outlines three main goals: making justice delivery more responsive to citizens, reforming business processes, and improving the administrative and coordination capacity of justice-sector institutions. Priorities include wider use of alternative dispute resolution, better legal aid access, stronger case management, improved enforcement of court orders and greater automation across institutions. The strategy also links the work of the Judiciary with several other agencies, including the police, prisons service, prosecution office, judicial service commission and other government bodies.

The plan sets measurable targets for the end of the financial period, including lowering the national case backlog from 27% to 15% and reducing average case disposal time from 843 days to 693 days. It also seeks to cut remand congestion, expand services closer to communities and lift public confidence in the justice system from 71% to 74%.

The Independent Uganda reported that justice sector leaders also met before the launch to review priorities and pending legislation such as bills on legal aid, constitutional affairs, witness protection and mutual legal assistance. The broader background, if the targets are met, is a justice system that is faster, more accessible and better coordinated, with possible effects on prison congestion and public trust.