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Chief Justice unveils the monument during the Court of Appeal groundbreaking ceremony in Gulu city last week. By Achomo ProscoviaGulu City In a landmark move to enhance access to justice in Northern Uganda, the Judiciary has launched the construction of the Re
Chief Justice unveils the monument during the Court of Appeal groundbreaking ceremony in Gulu city last week.
By Achomo Proscovia
Gulu City
In a landmark move to enhance access to justice in Northern Uganda, the Judiciary has launched the construction of the Regional Court of Appeal in Gulu City.
The groundbreaking ceremony held on July 22, 2025, was presided over by the Chief Justice of Uganda, His Lordship Alfonse Owiny Dollo Chigamoy, who was the chief guest.
The UGX 30 billion project that will take a period of 18 months to be completed underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to decentralizing judicial services and addressing long-standing challenges faced by litigants who previously had to travel to Kampala to seek redress at the appellate level.
The similar structure will also be constructed in Mbarara and Fortal Portal for western region, while the eastern region will be served by courts in Mbale and Jinja, for central region, new courts will rise in Masaka and Mubende whereas for Northern region, it will be erected in Gulu and Arua.
In his keynote address, Owiny Dollo Chigamoy, described the project as a “historic and transformative investment” in Uganda’s judicial infrastructure. He noted that the new court will not only ease case backlogs at the national level but also, significantly improve the efficiency of justice delivery across the Northern region.
“This court will not just be a structure of brick and mortar-it will be a beacon of justice and hope for the people of Northern Uganda. No Ugandan should be compelled to travel hundreds of kilometers to seek justice. This development brings the court to the people.” he remarked.
He noted that this construction endeavor follows a meaningful discussion he held with President Museveni in 2021, during which he presented a broad proposal budget of 800billion aimed at reforming judicial services in Uganda.
He additionally called upon the legal fraternity in the region-including the judicial officers, court staff, advocates, and other stakeholders -to ensure that the new facility becomes fully operational and lives up to its intended purpose once completed. He emphasized the need for professionalism, accountability, and a shared commitment to upholding the rule of law.
“A court building alone does not deliver justice; it is the people within it -their competences, dedication, and integrity-that bring it to life. I urge all legal practitioners here in Gulu to own this institution and champion its effective use,” he added.
His Lordship further acknowledged the dynamic support from the leadership of Gulu District local government, who kindly provided the land for this extensive development.
According to Her Worship Pamela Lamunu Ocaya the Acting Chief Registrar of Uganda's courts, this milestone reflects the judiciary continued commitment to decentralizing access to justice. “Once completed, the facility will become the first court of appeal outside the capital-an unprecedented step in strengthening the justice system in rural and regional areas,” Pamela noted.
Adding his voice to the occasion, Justice Philips Odoki, the Gulu High Court Resident Judge, welcomed the development as a long-overdue boost to the regional justice system.
“The establishment of the court of appeal in Gulu is a moment of pride for all of us in the Northern Uganda region. It represents a significant stride in brining justice closer to the people. We’re committed, as judicial officers, to ensuring that this court operates efficiently and fulfils its mandate to serve all citizens without fear or favour,” Justice Odoki stated.
Justice Odoki added that litigants who are dissatisfied with their decisions at the High Court will now tell in their faces that they are going to appeal and it will not take them far, they will not need a bicycle to go there, and so access to justice will be made available to the common person and also the quality of legal service will improve.
The Chief Justice officiated the groundbreaking for the new Court of Appeal
building in Gulu City.
Christine Olok, the deputy mayor of Gulu City Council who represented the mayor, his worship Alfred Okwonga in the event warmly welcomed the initiative commenting that it will not only bring judicial services closer to the people but also enhance trusts in the justice system and promote regional development and that Gulu city is proud to host this important facility as a steadyly growing urban center in Northern Uganda, emerging as a hub for commerce, governance and legal services.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Justice Jane Frances Abodo, emphasized the importance of the new appellate court in ensuring timely and fair adjudication of criminal cases.
“For the office of the DPP, the proximity of a court of appeal in Gulu will vastly improve the efficiency of criminal justice in the region. It will enhance coordination between prosecutors, investigators, and the courts, ultimately accelerating the delivery of justice for both victims and the accused, “she said.
“This is not just an infrastructure project; it’s a reaffirmation of our national commitment to justice, equity, and access for all,” Abodo added.
Betty Aol Ocan, the Gulu City woman member of parliament called for local content, urging the contractor to prioritize engaging local labor and utilizing materials obtained from the surrounding communities.
The Court of Appeal building in Gulu, will be constructed by Seyani Brothers and Company Uganda Limited and Parbat Siyani Construction Limited. It will house 6 chambers, and facilities such as the Gym, cafeteria, and facilities for breastfeeding mothers, internet cafe, business centers, security services and ramps to cater for easy movement of the persons with disabilities.
The Gulu Regional Court of Appeal will serve the various high court circuits including Lira, Arua, Kitgum, Moroto, Dokolo, Patongo in Agago among others.
The Uganda Court of Appeal was formally created by the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which came into effect on October 8, 1995 and its operational structure was further enacted through the Judicature Statute of 1996.