By Cabinet has approved the Magistrates’ Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at strengthening the efficiency, effectiveness and administration of Uganda’s justice system.
The decision was reached during a Cabinet meeting held on December 15, 2025, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.
Government said the proposed amendments seek to align the Magistrates’ Courts Act, Cap. 16, with the Judiciary’s current organisational and administrative structure, particularly in the management of magisterial areas and case flow.
Latest
Brig Gen Kayanja Takes Over as UPDF Contingent Commander in Somalia
EC Warns Candidates Against Mobilising Voters to ‘Protect’ Votes at Polling Stations
Police Arrest 70 in Overnight Crime Crackdown in Kampala
Mafabi Courts Kalangala Fishermen with Gear, Security and Market Pledges
Local Council Tenure Extended Again by Cabinet
Prisons Dismiss Warder Ampe Lawrence Over Social Media Posts
How TikTok Trail Led Police to Missing Six-Year-Old Kidnap Victim
Museveni Warns Against Riots, Says Security Is Prepared
Under the existing law, magistrates’ courts are governed by the Magistrates’ Courts Act, which establishes their jurisdiction and operations. While the Chief Justice exercises supervisory authority over courts, the current legal framework provides limited express statutory powers for day-to-day administrative management of magisterial areas and the systematic transfer of cases. Case transfers are regulated by law but often involve formal procedures that can delay proceedings, contributing to case backlogs and uneven workloads among courts.
According to Cabinet, the Amendment Bill will strengthen judicial administration by expressly empowering the Chief Justice to manage magisterial areas more effectively and oversee case transfers across courts. Government says this is intended to improve efficiency, reduce delays, and enhance accountability within the magistracy.
The reforms are also aimed at promoting timely, fair and affordable access to justice, particularly for ordinary citizens who rely on magistrates’ courts to resolve criminal and civil disputes.
Cabinet said the amendments are expected to help restore public confidence in the courts and contribute to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions. The Bill is further aligned with the objectives of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and Uganda Vision 2040, which prioritise institutional strengthening and good governance.
Magistrates’ courts handle the majority of cases in Uganda’s justice system, making them central to the delivery of justice at community level.
The Magistrates’ Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is expected to be tabled before Parliament for debate and possible enactment.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for more… https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6TpGqLtOjKB7S8OI3d
