judiciary 23 June 2026 Nile Post
Nebbi Leaders Offer Land for High Court Circuit to Improve Access to Justice
Nebbi district leaders have donated an acre of land to facilitate the establishment of a High Court circuit, citing the prohibitive travel distances to Arua as a significant barrier to timely and affordable justice for residents. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/350913/nebbi-offers-land-for-high-court-circuit-as-leaders-push-for-easier-access-to-justice
Leaders in Nebbi district are making a strong push to bring High Court services closer to their constituents by offering a prime piece of land for a new circuit. Currently, residents must travel over 100 kilometers to Arua for High Court proceedings, incurring significant expenses for transportation and accommodation.
During the Chief Magistrate’s Court Open Day, attended by Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo, local officials highlighted how this distance disproportionately affects those with limited financial resources. They presented a one-acre plot in Booma Cell, adjacent to the Chief Magistrate’s Court, as a ready site for the proposed High Court.
Nebbi Resident District Commissioner Robert Abak emphasized that the long journey to Arua prevents many impoverished families from accessing justice, with some needing to spend upwards of Shs100,000 for a single court appearance. Nebbi District Chairperson George Othuba added that beyond distance, case backlogs and language barriers, particularly the disparity between Alur and Lugbarati spoken in Arua, further complicate matters for local litigants.
Legal practitioners support the initiative, noting that a local High Court would not only enhance justice accessibility but also stimulate the local economy by reducing travel costs for lawyers, witnesses, and litigants, potentially creating employment opportunities.
Principal Judge Abodo acknowledged Nebbi’s request, stating that the Judiciary is reassessing the distribution of existing circuits to ensure optimal coverage before establishing new ones. She commended Nebbi’s proactive land provision and indicated that the district is under serious consideration for future expansion, with the possibility of initial operations sharing facilities with the Chief Magistrate’s Court.
“Nebbi High Court is coming,” Abodo assured the attendees, a statement met with enthusiasm by district leaders and residents hopeful for a swifter resolution of their legal challenges.
Source: Nile Post