Judiciary not colluding with state over NUP cases—Principal Judge Abodo

________________

Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo has dismissed claims that the Judiciary is working with the Government to oppress supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), insisting that courts are independent.

“The Judiciary does not connive with the regime to oppress NUP supporters in courts of law. We are an independent institution, but in a political season, we expect such perceptions from sections of the public,” Abodo said.

She adds that courts do not base decisions on political parties but on matters presented before them.

Abodo was responding to a journalist’s question about public perceptions that the Judiciary was colluding with the State, following repeated adjournments of NUP-related cases at the chief magistrate’s court in Mbarara.

She made the remarks while briefing journalists at the Supreme Court Building in Kampala, on the forthcoming second National Court Open Day, scheduled for today (December 15, 2025) at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala city. It will be celebrated under the theme: Enhancing judicial accountability and access to justice.

The Principal Judge said she would follow up on the matter, explaining that the most recent adjournment in Mbarara was due to the judicial officer attending a training organised by the Judicial Training Institute at the Court of Appeal in Kampala.

She acknowledged public concerns about perceived corruption in the Judiciary but emphasised that courts cannot connive with the Government in the handling of cases because of their constitutional independence.

Constitutional mandate

Abodo said the theme of the Court Open Day reflects the Judiciary’s constitutional mandate under Article 126(1), which provides that judicial power is derived from the people and must be exercised transparently, fairly and in the name of the people.

“The theme reflects our commitment to deepening public trust through openness and engagement,” she noted.

The Principal Judge noted that the Court Open Day provides a platform for Ugandans to interact freely with the judicial officers, asking questions, seeking clarification on court processes and sharing feedback on their experiences with the justice system.

She said the success of the inaugural event in 2024 demonstrated the value of public engagement in strengthening confidence in the courts and improving service delivery.

Building on that foundation, Abodo said this year’s event places renewed emphasis on accountability, adding that key concerns raised last year, including allegations of bias, delays in case disposal and difficulties in navigating court procedures, are being addressed through ongoing judicial reforms.

“The Court Open Day provides an opportunity for the public to see these reforms firsthand, understand how they improve access to justice, and provide feedback that will guide further improvement,” she said.

Abodo added that the theme underscores the Judiciary’s belief that justice must be accessible, understandable and responsive to the needs of the people.

The Principal Judge urged court users, legal practitioners, community leaders and members of the public to attend the event at Kololo, noting that their participation and voices are critical in shaping reforms and strengthening a justice system that belongs to the people.

Innovations

Abodo said the Judiciary will showcase several innovations, including the digitalisation of case management through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), expansion of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms such as mediation and plea bargaining, improvements in customer care and court-user guidance, and ongoing infrastructure developments aimed at bringing justice services closer to communities.

She added that strengthening the Inspectorate of Courts, including plans to establish a stronger regional presence, will also be highlighted as part of the broader accountability framework.

Acting chief registrar Pamella Ocaya Lamunu said the public will access information desks for all court levels, including the Supreme Court, each staffed by judicial and non-judicial officers to explain processes, demonstrate systems and respond to questions.

She said the stations will offer practical guidance on case filing, bail procedures, mediation, criminal and civil procedures, appeal processes and other areas of interest.

Lamunu said there will also be live demonstrations of ECCMIS, the digital system streamlining case registration, filing, payments, scheduling and case tracking, noting that digitalisation enhances accountability and access, by reducing human error, eliminating unnecessary delays and creating transparent audit trails.

She stated that feedback collected during the Court Open Day will be analysed and integrated into ongoing Judiciary reforms.

Lamunu disclosed that insights gathered in last year’s National Court Open Day informed improvements in customer service, court-user guides and public communication.

She expressed optimism that this year’s engagement will generate deeper perspectives to make justice more accessible, responsive and accountable.