Uganda’s legal system is set for a transformative year as the Judiciary kicks off the New Law Year with a strong focus on justice, accountability, and reform. At a high-profile event held at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala, the Deputy Attorney General, Hon. Jackson Karugaba Kafuuzi, laid out a clear roadmap for the year ahead. His speech highlighted the government’s commitment to making the legal system more transparent, efficient, and accessible to all Ugandans. This marks a significant step forward in ensuring that justice is not just a privilege for a few but a right for everyone.

The event brought together some of the most influential figures in Uganda’s legal and political spheres, including the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, Members of Parliament, heads of constitutional commissions, legal experts, and diplomats. Hon. Kafuuzi used this platform to stress the importance of the Judiciary in upholding democracy and the rule of law. He reminded everyone that the separation of powers—where the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary work independently but in harmony—is the backbone of Uganda’s legal system.

Looking back at the past year, Hon. Kafuuzi pointed out several key achievements that have shaped Uganda’s legal landscape. One of the most notable was a Supreme Court ruling that civilians cannot be tried in military courts. This decision, known as Attorney General v. Hon. Michael Kabaziguruka SCCA No.2 of 2021, was a major win for constitutional rights. It also highlighted the need for reforms in the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Act, which the government has pledged to address.

Another significant development was the introduction of the Land Information System, a digital platform designed to make land transactions more transparent and efficient. This system is expected to reduce fraud and disputes over land ownership, which have been a major source of conflict in Uganda. Hon. Kafuuzi emphasized that such innovations are crucial for building public trust in the legal system.

Hon. Kafuuzi also spoke about the importance of judicial independence, assuring the public that the government will not interfere with court decisions. He stressed that the Judiciary must remain impartial and free from external influence to maintain its credibility. However, he also called for greater accountability within the legal profession. He urged judges and lawyers to uphold the highest ethical standards, warning that any misconduct could erode public confidence in the system.

“Independence comes with responsibility,” he said. “We must ensure that our legal system is fair, efficient, and free from corruption.”

The Deputy Attorney General did not shy away from addressing the challenges facing Uganda’s legal system. He expressed concern over unethical behavior among some lawyers, particularly when it comes to handling client funds. There have been increasing complaints, especially from elderly clients, about lawyers failing to account for money awarded by courts. Hon. Kafuuzi called for stricter oversight to address these issues and restore trust in the legal profession.

Another issue he highlighted was the lack of professionalism among some lawyers. He urged legal practitioners to treat each other and the Judiciary with respect, emphasizing that collegiality is essential for a healthy legal system. He also warned against the growing trend of lawyers using social media to attack each other, saying such behavior undermines the profession’s integrity.

Looking ahead, Hon. Kafuuzi outlined several priorities for the legal sector. One of the most pressing is reducing the backlog of cases in courts. Delays in the justice system have been a major concern for many Ugandans, with some cases taking years to resolve. To address this, the government is investing in digital tools like the Electronic Court Case Management System and virtual hearings. These technologies are expected to speed up court processes and make justice more accessible, especially for people in remote areas.

However, Hon. Kafuuzi acknowledged that there are still challenges to overcome, such as limited infrastructure and low digital literacy among some court users. He called for more investment in training and resources to ensure that everyone can benefit from these innovations.

Another key focus for the year ahead is improving legal education. Hon. Kafuuzi urged lawyers to stay updated on emerging fields like artificial intelligence and construction law. He said that the legal profession must evolve to keep pace with changing times, and lawyers who fail to adapt risk being left behind.

The Deputy Attorney General also emphasized the need to protect vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and the elderly. He said that the legal system must do more to ensure that these groups have access to justice and are not exploited or marginalized.

In his closing remarks, Hon. Kafuuzi called on all stakeholders—lawyers, judges, and public servants—to work together to uphold the rule of law. He reminded them that they are not just professionals but also stewards of justice, with a responsibility to ensure that the legal system serves everyone equally.

Quoting former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, he said, “The rule of law is not a privilege of the few, but the foundation of society. It is the protector of rights, the enabler of progress, and the defender of justice.”

With these words, Uganda’s legal fraternity has set its sights on a year of reform and renewal. The challenges are significant, but so is the commitment to overcoming them. As the country moves forward, the focus remains clear: to build a legal system that is fair, transparent, and accessible to all. This is not just a goal for the Judiciary but a promise to every Ugandan who seeks justice. The New Law Year is not just a fresh start—it’s a chance to make justice a reality for everyone.