The Judicial Service Commission today unveiled its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, setting out a five-year roadmap to improve recruitment, deepen civic education and strengthen complaints handling. Chairperson Hon. Justice Dr. Singiza Douglas Karekona said the plan is anchored on accountability, stakeholder engagement, and expanded access to justice.

The document prioritises digital transformation of the recruitment pipeline, a revamped public education programme targeting secondary schools, and clearer service standards for complaints received through the toll-free line.

A two-week induction training for newly appointed Magistrates Grade I opened this week at the Judicial Training Institute. The Chief Justice urged the incoming officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity and to take their oath of office seriously.

The cohort of 48 officers will cover modules on judicial ethics, case management, gender-responsive adjudication, and use of the electronic case management system (ECMS).

A team of Commissioners led by Hon. Kiwanuka Kiryowa (Attorney General) visited Gulu this week as part of a regional access-to-justice assessment. The delegation held consultative meetings with local bar leaders, court users and community elders to map barriers and identify service gaps.

Findings from the Northern Region visit will feed into the Commission’s 2026 Annual Report and inform resource allocation across Chief Magistrate’s Courts in the region.

Deputy Chairperson Hon. Lady Justice Rosette Comfort Kania chaired a two-day regional dialogue on women’s access to justice, held in Mbale. Representatives from civil society, the Uganda Law Society and district leaders took part.

The dialogue produced a joint communique committing to expanded legal aid clinics, survivor-centred court procedures, and faster handling of gender-based violence files.

The Public Relations and Complaints Department handled 2,341 complaints in the first quarter of 2026 – a 14% increase over the same period in 2025. Of these, 1,890 were resolved, 294 were forwarded to the relevant judicial authorities, and 157 remain under review.

The toll-free line 0800 100 222 remains the most-used channel, accounting for 62% of submissions.

Forty-two young women completed the Women in Justice Mentorship Programme at a ceremony held at JSC Headquarters. The programme pairs law and political-science graduates with serving judicial officers and senior counsel for a six-month structured mentorship.

Applications for the next cohort open on 1st May 2026.

The JSC toll-free line 0800 100 222 received 18,142 calls in 2025, according to figures released by the Commission Secretariat. Inquiries on recruitment processes, judicial officer conduct, and civic education materials accounted for the bulk of call traffic.

The line operates Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00 EAT, and is free of charge from all networks in Uganda.