Judicial Service Commission Calls for Urgent Reforms to Fight Corruption in Courts

What the report says

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is urging reforms aimed at curbing corruption in Uganda’s courts, Nile Post reported. The call was made during the Salam TV Judiciary Show hosted by Mariam Busingye, where Counsel Naula Hajira, a Senior Legal Officer at the JSC, warned that corruption in the justice system damages legal processes, public confidence and the rule of law.

According to Nile Post, Hajira said court corruption harms vulnerable litigants most, especially where poverty, limited legal representation and poor understanding of court procedures expose people to exploitation. She pointed to the Land Division as an area facing heightened corruption risks, referring to concerns that private dealings may influence judicial decisions. She also linked judicial corruption to weaker governance, reduced trust in institutions and wider social and economic harm.

The JSC’s proposed interventions include stronger public education on court processes, better pay and working conditions for judicial officers, tighter monitoring and supervision, and more effective disciplinary systems. Hajira also highlighted the potential role of technology in improving transparency, alongside renewed emphasis on ethics within the legal profession.

The issue matters because courts are central to resolving disputes, protecting rights and maintaining confidence in state institutions. The JSC, whose mandate includes supporting judicial independence, integrity and accountability, said reforms will require both political commitment and sustained public involvement. Nile Post reported the remarks as part of a broader warning that judicial graft can weaken democracy and make justice less accessible to ordinary citizens.