Kampala Courts Suspend Hearings for National Open Day Event

Court proceedings in Kampala will be temporarily halted on Thursday, September 9, 2026, to allow judicial officers to participate in the National Court Open Day. This annual event, held at Kololo Independence Grounds, aims to foster greater public understanding and engagement with the justice system.

The theme for this year’s event is “Delivering Inclusive, Efficient and Effective Justice.” It provides a platform for the public to learn about court processes, voice concerns, and receive guidance on accessing legal services. Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo emphasized that while hearings will not take place, the courts will not be entirely closed. Registries will continue to operate, accepting new case filings and handling essential administrative duties.

Justice Abodo highlighted the importance of the Open Day in fulfilling the Judiciary’s constitutional mandate to be accountable to the public. “The National Court Open Day gives practical meaning to the responsibility given to us by the Constitution,” she stated. “It creates a direct avenue through which the Judiciary can listen to the people that we serve.”

The event is expected to bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including judges, magistrates, lawyers, representatives from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, the Uganda Police Force, the Uganda Prisons Service, and the Uganda Law Society. Members of the public will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive information on various aspects of the judicial process, such as filing cases, bail procedures, court fees, and appeals.

During the Open Day, the Judiciary also plans to showcase recent reforms aimed at improving access to justice and expediting case disposal. Justice Abodo took the opportunity to warn the public against engaging in corrupt practices, urging them not to offer bribes to individuals claiming to influence judicial outcomes. Suspected corruption or misconduct should be reported through official Judiciary channels.

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/no-court-hearings-in-kampala-on-thursday-5589466