The Judiciary has revealed that unresolved civil cases in Uganda are holding subject matter valued at UGX 14.2 trillion, an amount equivalent to seven percent of the country’s 2024 Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The disclosure has renewed focus on the critical role timely justice plays in unlocking economic growth and sustaining investor confidence.

The revelation was made by Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija during the launch of the Second National Court Case Census Report 2025 at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala on Thursday. The report provides the most comprehensive snapshot yet of Uganda’s justice system, ten years after the inaugural census conducted in 2015.

According to the census findings, UGX 10.73 trillion of the total value is tied up in cases before the High Court, while UGX 3.36 trillion is locked in matters pending before the Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court. Commercial disputes account for the largest share at UGX 1.72 trillion, followed by family-related cases valued at UGX 1.05 trillion. Small claims cases were valued at UGX 15.77 billion.

The Judiciary noted that resolving these disputes would release significant economic resources back into the economy, strengthen confidence in contract enforcement, and support national development efforts. Legal experts have consistently warned that prolonged court processes freeze capital, delay investment decisions, and weaken trust in the justice system, particularly in commercial and property-related matters.

Beyond the financial implications, the census established that Uganda’s courts are under significant pressure from a heavy caseload. As of January 12, 2025, the Judiciary had 167,353 pending cases across all court levels. The High Court and Chief Magistrates’ Courts carry the heaviest burden, with 70,006 and 64,937 pending cases respectively.

Criminal cases dominate the system with 65,709 cases, followed by 44,911 civil cases and 33,496 land-related disputes. While the report indicates progress, showing that 72 percent of cases are less than two years old, it also highlights a persistent backlog. At least 2,327 cases have been pending for more than a decade, mainly within the High Court and Chief Magistrates’ Courts.

Regionally, the Central Region records the highest backlog with 16,224 cases, while the Northern Region has the lowest at 3,915 cases. The census also reveals mounting pressure on judicial officers, each handling an average of 305 pending cases and 85 backlog cases, with the High Court and Court of Appeal registering the highest workload ratios.

Chief Justice Zeija emphasized that the census represents a shift toward data-driven justice administration, moving the Judiciary away from assumptions and toward evidence-based reforms. He announced that court case censuses will now be institutionalized as a regular exercise to monitor progress, guide reforms, and promote accountability.

He also highlighted the expanding use of digital systems, including the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) and the Court Case Administration System (CCAS), which enabled the census to cover both digitized and non-digitized courts nationwide.

Speaking at the same function, Principal Judge Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo described the census as a critical management tool that brings clarity to the Judiciary’s case inventory. She said the findings clearly show what cases exist, how old they are, and where delays are concentrated, enabling targeted interventions.

Justice Abodo identified three key messages from the report: the existence of many old and long-pending cases requiring urgent attention; delays occurring at specific stages of court proceedings; and the need for strong early case management to improve disposal rates. She emphasized that the true value of the census lies in applying its findings through prioritization of old cases, targeted backlog clearance initiatives, and improved early case handling.

The Acting Chief Registrar, Pamela Lamunu Ocaya, noted that the census goes beyond statistics by revealing court workloads, operational gaps, and systemic inefficiencies. She said the report will guide judicial deployment, resource allocation, and reforms aligned with the Judiciary Strategic Plan and government goals for efficient and accountable institutions.

Judiciary leadership, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, and court staff nationwide were commended for producing what was described as a landmark report that strengthens transparency, efficiency, and public confidence in Uganda’s justice system.

The launch, presided over by Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, was attended by senior judicial officers, key stakeholders, and development partners supporting justice sector reforms in Uganda.

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