Chief Registrar Agnes Alum Hails Magistrates for Backlog Reduction, Calls for Greater Professionalism

KAMPALA – The Chief Registrar, HW Agnes Alum, has commended Magistrates-in-Charge of Stations for their outstanding role in reducing case backlog and improving service delivery across the country, while urging them to uphold professionalism, integrity, and accountability in the administration of justice.

Chief Registrar Agnes Alum addressing Magistrates.
Speaking during her maiden meeting with Magistrates-in-Charge at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala, HW Alum praised judicial officers for the significant progress made in clearing backlog cases, noting that reports indicate the challenge has been substantially reduced at Magistrates’ Courts.
“You are my foot soldiers. Thank you for the hard work and achievements you continue to register for the Judiciary. The significant progress made in backlog clearance deserves celebration,” she said.
The meeting brought together magistrates from across Uganda and members of the Judiciary’s Senior Management to assess court performance, discuss emerging challenges, and explore strategies for enhancing access to justice and service delivery.
Some of the Magistrates that attended
HW Alum noted that data from the Registry of Magistrates Affairs and Data Management shows that backlog in Magistrates’ Courts is now minimal compared to other levels of the court system. She also applauded magistrates for effectively managing court operations and ensuring continuity of judicial services nationwide.
The Chief Registrar updated participants on key developments within the Judiciary since their last meeting in September 2025, including the appointment of Hon. Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija as Chief Justice and Hon. Justice Moses Kawumi Kazibwe as Deputy Chief Justice. She also welcomed HW Pamela Lamunu Ocaya as the new Registrar of Magistrates Affairs and Data Management and thanked her for successfully serving in an acting capacity as Chief Registrar for fourteen months.
HW Alum urged magistrates to familiarize themselves with newly gazetted laws and regulations that will shape judicial work, including the Administration of the Judiciary Judicial Training Institute Regulations, 2025; the Constitution (Operation of Mobile Courts) Practice Directions, 2026; the Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules, 2026; and the Magistrates Courts (Amendment) Act, 2026.
She highlighted the significance of the Magistrates Courts (Amendment) Act, 2026, which expands the pecuniary jurisdiction of Magistrates’ Courts and is expected to result in the transfer of more complex and higher-value cases from the High Court.
“These cases will be substantially larger than what many of you have previously handled. I therefore urge you to exercise diligence and prepare yourselves through continuous learning and capacity building,” she advised.
The Chief Registrar further directed magistrates to ensure that all claims filed before court clearly indicate their monetary value to prevent jurisdictional disputes, particularly in land-related cases.
The meeting underscored the Judiciary’s commitment to strengthening court efficiency, enhancing professional standards, and improving access to justice for all Ugandans.