By Joseph Mary Buwule
Kampala – Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija has officially launched a new five-year strategy for Uganda’s Administration of Justice Programme, aimed at strengthening cooperation among justice sector institutions and improving access to justice for all citizens.
The strategy, which will run from the 2025/26 to 2029/30 financial years, was unveiled together with the programme’s new logo during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Supreme Court in Kampala.
Addressing participants, Dr. Zeija said the strategy provides a roadmap for justice sector institutions to work together more effectively in delivering timely, accessible and citizen-focused services. He explained that although the plan is aligned with the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV), justice sector agencies took additional steps to develop a broader framework that will guide implementation and coordination over the next five years.
Among the major priorities outlined in the strategy are the promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, expansion of legal aid services, enhancement of case management systems and strengthening the enforcement of court decisions.
The Chief Justice also appealed to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, as well as development partners, to support the implementation of projects under the programme, emphasizing their importance in improving justice delivery across the country.
Before the launch, stakeholders reviewed key priorities for the 2026/27 financial year and discussed measures to address prison congestion through coordinated interventions across the justice sector.
The meeting also examined progress on several pending legal reforms, including legislation related to legal aid services, constitutional affairs, witness protection and mutual legal assistance.
Participants further considered ways of improving the effectiveness of Local Council Courts in resolving disputes at the community level and explored strategies for strengthening the juvenile justice system.
The Administration of Justice Programme brings together a number of institutions involved in the justice sector, including the Judiciary, Judicial Service Commission, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Law Development Centre, Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory, Tax Appeals Tribunal and the Inspectorate of Government.
The programme was established to enhance coordination among justice institutions, improve service delivery processes and strengthen legal and administrative systems that support access to justice.
Officials noted that the newly launched strategy builds on achievements and lessons learned during the implementation of the previous action plan under the Third National Development Plan (NDPIII), which ended in the 2024/25 financial year.
The strategy outlines key goals, priority areas, expected results, implementation mechanisms and financing arrangements that will guide the sector’s work over the next five years.
Stakeholders expressed confidence that the framework will help improve coordination and accelerate reforms aimed at making Uganda’s justice system more efficient, accountable and responsive to the needs of citizens.
The strategy is also aligned with broader national, regional and international development agendas, including Uganda Vision 2040, the East African Community Vision 2050, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16, which promotes peace, justice and strong institutions.
The launch was attended by senior government officials, leaders of justice sector institutions, development partners and representatives from various agencies involved in the administration of justice.