The judiciary operates as an independent branch of government and consists of magistrate’s courts, high courts, courts of appeal, and the Supreme Court. Judges for the High Court are appointed by the president; Judges for the Court of Appeal are appointed by the president and approved by the legislature.
The Judiciary is the third arm of Government under the doctrine of separation of powers responsible for enforcing the law and order. The Lord Chief Justice assisted by a Deputy Lord Chief Justice heads the Judiciary. The serving Chief Justice is Honorable Mr. Benjamin Odoki, and the Deputy Chief Justice is Honorable Alice Mpagi Bahegeine.
The Judiciary structure is defined by the 1995 Constitution as follows:
- Supreme Court
- Court of Appeal or Constitutional Court
- High Court
- Chief Magistrates Courts
- Grade I Magistrate’s Courts
- Grade II Magistrate’s Courts
- The Local Council Courts
- Family and Children Courts and
- Land courts
Judiciary mandate
The mandate of the Judiciary is defined by the 1995 Constitution as follows:
- Play a role of administering justice through resolving disputes between individuals and between the state and individuals.
- Interpret the Constitution and the laws of Uganda.
- Promote the rule of law and contribute to the maintenance of order in society.
- Safeguard the Constitution and uphold democratic principles.
- Protect human rights of individuals and groups.
The Vision
The Vision of the Judiciary is “Justice for All”
The mission
The mission of the Judiciary is; “An independent, competent, trusted and accountable Judiciary that administers justice to all.”
Mission: To disperse justice to all people in Uganda, through timely adjudication of disputes without discrimination.
Functions of the Judiciary
The functions of the Judiciary are;
- To adjudicate civil and criminal cases
- To interpret the Constitution and the laws
- To promote human rights, social justice and morality
Administration Structure
The Chief Justice is the Head of the Judiciary, responsible for the administration and supervision of all courts in Uganda and may issue orders and directions to the courts necessary for proper and efficient administration of justice.
Values of Judiciary in Uganda
The values of the judiciary are as follows:
- Independence and impartiality
- Transparency
- Professionalism
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Equality and Respect
Structure of Judiciary in Uganda
The structure of the judiciary of Uganda is as follows:
