In a landmark move set to redefine access to justice, the Chief Justice of Uganda, Flavian Zeija, has launched an ambitious initiative introducing mobile courts designed to bring legal services directly to communities across the country. The program signals a major shift in how judicial services are delivered, especially to underserved populations.
The new system is guided by legal provisions outlined in The Constitution (Operation of Mobile Courts) (Practice) Directions, 2026. Officially gazetted on March 19, the framework draws its authority from Article 133(1)(b) of the Constitution, providing a solid legal foundation for courts to operate beyond traditional settings.
Under this initiative, judicial officers will no longer be confined to permanent courtrooms. Instead, they will conduct hearings in flexible locations such as community centers, temporary venues, and even specially outfitted vehicles. This approach is expected to significantly cut down the long journeys many citizens endure just to seek justice.
Justice Zeija emphasized that the judiciary must evolve to meet the needs of the people it serves. He underscored that justice should not remain locked within court buildings but should actively reach citizens wherever they are, including those in isolated rural areas and refugee settlements.
The mobile courts will not be limited in scope. Both the High Court and Magistrates’ Courts will participate, handling civil and criminal matters alike. Importantly, all proceedings will follow the same procedural standards applied in conventional courtrooms, ensuring consistency and fairness.
This reform forms part of a broader transformation agenda within the judiciary aimed at modernizing operations. By embracing innovation, the judiciary hopes to improve efficiency, strengthen accountability, and rebuild public confidence in the legal system.
Another key objective of the initiative is to tackle the persistent issue of case backlog. By decentralizing court operations and increasing reach, the judiciary anticipates faster case resolution and a more responsive justice system overall.
For many communities—particularly those in remote districts, island regions, and refugee-hosting areas—this development could be life-changing. With infrastructure barriers long limiting access to legal services, mobile courts promise to bridge the gap and ensure that justice is not a privilege, but a right accessible to all.
