Uganda Courts to Dismiss Idle Civil Cases After 28 Days

Uganda’s Chief Justice Flavian Zeija has issued a stern warning to litigants, stating that courts will start striking out civil cases that remain idle for 28 days following the completion of preliminary pleadings. This measure, rooted in the Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules, 2019, aims to streamline processes and reduce delays.

Speaking at a training session for judicial officers from Northern Uganda in Kampala, Justice Zeija emphasized the need to end the practice of cases lingering for years. ‘The plaintiff must take out summons for directions within exactly 28 days after the last pleading, or the suit abates automatically—no excuses,’ he stated.

The Judiciary faces a heavy burden, with 167,353 pending cases across all levels, including 46,542 classified as backlog. High Court and Chief Magistrates’ Courts bear the brunt, handling 70,006 and 64,937 cases respectively.

Judiciary spokesperson James Ereemye Mawanda clarified that the 28-day clock starts after the defendant files their defense within 15 days of receiving the complaint. While courts previously allowed cases to stagnate for up to two years, they now retain discretion to reinstate dismissed suits for valid reasons like illness.

New reforms empower court registrars to manage pre-trial stages, including scheduling and interlocutory applications, ensuring cases reach judges fully prepared. Registrars may also conduct on-site visits for land disputes.

The changes align with Uganda’s Constitution, mandating justice without delay, and mark a move toward proactive case management to restore public trust.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)