news 15 October 2026 Nile Post
Court of Appeal Expansion: Mbale and Arua Next in Line for New Facilities
The Judiciary is planning to establish new Court of Appeal facilities in Mbale and Arua as part of its strategy to decentralize appellate services. This move aims to reduce the burden on litigants who currently face long and costly journeys to Kampala. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/379025/mbale-arua-earmarked-for-next-phase-of-court-of-appeal-construction
The Judiciary has identified Mbale City and Arua as the next locations for the construction of Court of Appeal facilities. This initiative is a continuation of the plan to bring appellate justice closer to the people, following ongoing projects in Gulu and Mbarara.
Deputy Chief Justice Moses Kawumi Kazibwe stated that the Judiciary is prioritizing the completion of its current infrastructure projects before commencing the next phase. The Gulu facility is approximately 25% complete and is expected to be operational by May 2027, while the Mbarara project has reached 10% completion, with an anticipated finish date of September 2027.
The planned Mbale facility is slated for construction towards the end of the next financial year. This expansion is particularly crucial for litigants in eastern Uganda, who currently endure significant financial and logistical challenges traveling to Kampala for appeals. The Court of Appeal itself is grappling with a substantial backlog of over 14,000 cases, handled by only nine judges.
During a recent regional Court of Appeal civil session in Mbale, where 31 cases were heard, several litigants shared their struggles with traveling to the capital. The establishment of permanent facilities in these regions is expected not only to improve access to justice but also to stimulate local economies through employment and increased business activity.
However, the expansion plans are contingent on land availability, a challenge the Judiciary has faced in various areas. Deputy Chief Justice Kazibwe acknowledged the support from Mbale City authorities for donating land but noted resistance in other locations. He emphasized that infrastructure development alone would not solve the case backlog, calling for increased funding, adequate staffing, and greater efficiency across the entire justice system, including police, prosecution, and correctional services.