Court activity across Uganda will briefly slow down in early February as the Judiciary prepares for two significant annual engagements that shape the direction of the justice system. The Annual Judges Conference 2026 is scheduled for February 2 to 4, and it will be followed by the ceremonial opening of the New Law Year on February 5, 2026, marking an important moment on the legal calendar.
The update was shared through an official notice dated January 30, 2026, issued by Acting Chief Registrar Pamella Lamunu Ocaya. The communication was directed to advocates, court users, and the wider public, informing them about the planned events and how they will influence court operations during that period.
Because the conference and the New Law Year opening require the involvement of a large number of judicial officers, most judges will not be conducting their usual court sessions. This means that several courts, particularly at higher levels, will not hold hearings for a few days as judicial staff focus on the national engagements.
An important exception has been made for the Supreme Court. Its Justices will continue sitting to handle the Presidential Election Petition, ensuring that proceedings in that critical matter move forward despite the broader pause affecting other courts.
Justices of the Court of Appeal, Judges of the High Court, and Registrars are all expected to attend the conference and subsequent ceremony. Their participation leaves limited capacity for normal courtroom proceedings at those levels, prompting the temporary adjustment in the court schedule.
Even with judges and registrars away from their stations, the Judiciary has assured the public that court registries nationwide will remain open. This means legal documents can still be filed, and essential registry services will continue to be available to lawyers and litigants.
The Annual Judges Conference serves as a platform for reflection, dialogue, and planning within the Judiciary. Judicial officers use this opportunity to review performance, examine new legal trends, and set priorities aimed at improving efficiency, fairness, and access to justice.
The opening of the New Law Year that follows is more than a ceremony; it symbolizes a fresh start for court business. It brings together leaders of the bench, members of the Bar, and other justice stakeholders in a shared commitment to strengthen the rule of law as the Judiciary prepares to resume full operations after the brief interruption.
