Parliament has passed the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, 2023 but dismissed the government’s bid to increase Supreme Court justices from 11 to 21.
The proposed boost for the Court of Appeal from 15 to 56 was also denied, with only 35 Judges approved.
The government aimed to address case backlog but was criticized by the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. Committee Chair Robina Rwakoojo argued that the backlog resulted from inefficiency, poor case management, and the broad Supreme Court jurisdiction.
Financial implications and increased government expenditure were concerns, with alternative solutions proposed, such as temporary appointments under Article 41 of the Constitution and a review of Supreme Court jurisdiction.
Rwakoojo suggested expanding magistrate courts’ mandate to ease higher courts’ workload. MP Wilfred Niwagaba questioned the government’s intent to appoint more judges when it hadn’t fulfilled previous quotas.
Minister Nobert Mao attributed delays to the Judicial Service Commission but assured that appointments would proceed now that the commission is fully functional.
