By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
MBARARA
In a landmark move to decentralize justice and bring it closer to the people, Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Regional Court of Appeal in Mbarara, the first of its kind in Western Uganda.
The ceremony, held at the construction site in in Kyamugorani,Kakiika, Mbarara City, was attended by a distinguished delegation of judicial officers, political leaders, and members of the public. Among those present were Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, Director of Public Prosecutions Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, Mbarara City Mayor Robert Kakyebezi, and area MP Hon. Rukaari Robert Mwesigwa.
To mark the occasion, the Chief Justice, alongside other dignitaries, planted commemorative trees, symbolizing the growth of justice in the region. He emphasized that justice should be as accessible and essential as oxygen, free and available to all, regardless of status.
The new court building, to be constructed by Seyani Brothers and Siyani Parbat Construction, will span six storeys and serve as a beacon of legal service for the Western region. The Chief Justice praised the contractor’s integrity, noting their consistent transparency in previous projects, including the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
Mayor Kakyebezi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the judiciary for its friendliness and to the city council for allocating land for the project. In a light-hearted moment, he shared his hope to witness the building’s completion within five years, joking that “you never know what will happen after five years. “I want to give a speech again as the city mayor”.
The Chief Justice urged leaders to be responsible stewards of public resources and encouraged lawyers to embrace mediation as a way to reduce stress and expedite justice. He highlighted that the new court will significantly reduce transport costs for litigants, especially peasants who often struggle to produce witnesses due to distance and expense.
The event drew a wide array of judicial officers, including Justices Richard Buteera, Okuo Jane Kajuga, Yorokamu Bamwine, Geoffrey Kiryabwire, John Mike Musisi, and many others from circuits across the country. HW Zulaika Nanteza, Acting Registrar for Alternative Dispute Resolution, moderated the proceedings.
This groundbreaking follows a similar ceremony earlier in the week for the Regional Court of Appeal in Gulu, signaling the Judiciary’s commitment to expanding access to justice across Uganda.
With the establishment of regional courts, the Judiciary aims to reduce case backlogs, lower litigation costs, and ensure that justice is not a privilege of the wealthy but a right for all Ugandans.
