By Obed Kankiriho
The Deputy Chief Justice, Dr. Flavian Zeija, has officially opened a three-day Court of Appeal Civil Appeals Session in Kabale District, marking a historic first for the Kigezi region.
The session, running from November 11th to 13th, 2025, will handle 42 civil appeals and is presided over by a panel comprising Justice Dr. Zeija, Justice John Mike Musisi, and Justice Musa Ssekaana.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting on Tuesday, Justice Zeija explained that while Kabale has hosted annual criminal appeals sessions since 2023, this is the first time a civil appeals session is being held there. He noted that following requests from stakeholders, the Judiciary introduced regional civil sessions in 2023, with Kabale now joining Gulu, Mbarara, Jinja, and Fort Portal as hosts.
Justice Zeija emphasized that regionalizing court sessions helps reduce travel and litigation costs for litigants and brings justice closer to the people. He also revealed that the Judiciary plans to establish regional circuits of the Court of Appeal, already approved for Gulu, Mbarara, Mbale, Masaka, Fort Portal, Arua, Jinja, and Mubende. Construction is already underway in Gulu and Mbarara.
Addressing the Judiciary’s workload, the Deputy Chief Justice acknowledged the heavy case backlog caused by limited manpower but assured the public that the appointing authority will soon fill all 35 positions of Justices as provided by law.
Justice Zeija also highlighted the Judiciary’s digital transformation, noting that the Court of Appeal is now fully paperless, with all filings, payments, and judgments processed through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS). He added that the Court is now conducting remote hearings via audio-visual technology to enhance efficiency and transparency.
The Deputy Chief Justice further encouraged stakeholders to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms — including mediation, reconciliation, plea bargaining, and the Small Claims Procedure — to help decongest courts and ensure quicker outcomes. He reminded all courts to hold at least one case settlement fortnight per quarter.
Kabale High Court Resident Judge, Justice Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere, commended Justice Zeija for his leadership and support, noting steady progress in resolving civil, land, and family cases. He cited close collaboration with the Attorney General’s Office, Ministry of Lands, and Ministry of Labour in addressing land disputes, child protection, and welfare issues affecting vulnerable persons.
Justice Ssemogerere also praised the Kabale Office of the Ministry of Lands for facilitating land-related case resolution and reaffirmed the circuit’s commitment to strengthening access to justice in the region.
