Magistrates' Courts Empowered to Handle Higher Value Cases Up to Shs200 Million

Amendments to the Magistrates Courts Act have significantly expanded the jurisdiction of lower courts in Uganda. Chief magistrates will now hear civil cases valued up to Shs200 million (10,000 currency points), a substantial leap from the previous Shs50 million limit. Ordinary magistrates are also empowered to handle disputes up to Shs100 million (5,000 currency points).

These reforms, which came into effect on May 8, are designed to bring justice services closer to communities and reduce the burden on the High Court. The Judiciary anticipates that resolving more cases at the magistrates’ court level will lead to faster case disposal and lower litigation costs for citizens.

The law also abolishes the position of Magistrate Grade II, streamlining the court hierarchy. Additionally, chief magistrates gain the authority to withdraw and transfer cases between magistrates or to the High Court, further enhancing case flow management.

Further changes include empowering the Chief Justice to designate magisterial areas and courts, promoting better coordination and decentralization of judicial services nationwide. Transitional provisions are also in place to allow pending cases to be transferred to lower courts where appropriate.

The Judiciary has urged all justice sector actors to support the implementation of this new law and leverage the expanded powers of the magistrates’ courts.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)