Uganda: Deputy CJ Kazibwe Says Justice Sector Failures Fuel Case Backlog

What the report says

Uganda’s Deputy Chief Justice, Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, said delays in investigations, staffing shortages and weak compliance with court processes across the justice system are helping drive the country’s case backlog. According to the report carried by Nile Post and distributed by AllAfrica, he argued that the Judiciary cannot fix the problem on its own and that police, prosecutors, prisons authorities, the Attorney General’s Chambers and lawyers all have a role in speeding up justice.

Kazibwe made the remarks on Monday while opening a two-day Court of Appeal civil session at Mbale High Court, where 31 appeals were set for hearing between October 12 and 13, 2026. The session is being heard by Justices Christopher Gashirabake, Margret Tibulya and Cornelia Kakooza Sabiiti. He also raised concerns about prolonged investigations, failures by lawyers to follow court orders and delays linked to Alternative Dispute Resolution processes.

He said public confidence in the courts depends on fair treatment and better-quality decisions, while also acknowledging weaknesses within the Judiciary itself. Kazibwe pointed to funding and staffing gaps as major constraints, saying the Court of Appeal has more than 14,000 pending cases but only 18 serving justices against an established strength of 35. He added that some other justice institutions also lack enough personnel, including State Attorneys and prosecutors, and said the court is reviewing older appeals and records to help clear long-standing cases.