national 26 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Wakiso Residents Decry Judicial Delays Amidst Swelling Case Backlog
Residents of Wakiso District have voiced frustration over significant delays in justice delivery, particularly concerning land disputes. Chief Justice Flavian Zeija acknowledged these issues, citing underfunding and staff shortages as major contributing factors. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/residents-accuse-judiciary-of-delayed-justice-as-wakiso-court-backlog-grows-5474354
Frustration is mounting in Wakiso District as residents express deep-seated concerns over the Judiciary’s perceived inability to deliver timely justice. Numerous individuals have come forward, sharing harrowing tales of land disputes that have languished unresolved for years, leading to financial ruin and immense personal distress.
During the Wakiso High Court Open Day, held under the theme “Justice that Listens, Serves and Resolves,” attendees shared personal accounts. One resident, Mr. Livingstone Ssembatya, spoke of a land case initiated in 2014 that remains in limbo, leaving him feeling abandoned and disheartened in his old age.
Another litigant, Mr. Ibrahim Sseguya, reported the mysterious disappearance of his court file regarding land title irregularities shortly after filing it. Despite persistent follow-ups, the file has yet to be located, fueling suspicions of foul play or gross incompetence within the court system.
The Wakiso High Court Circuit head, Justice Sarah Langa Siu, confirmed the severity of the caseload. Since its inception on June 5, 2025, the court has registered 5,473 cases, with 4,151 still pending. Notably, land disputes constitute a staggering 54 percent of this backlog.
Chief Justice Flavian Zeija attributed these systemic delays to critical shortages in judicial personnel and insufficient financial resources. He highlighted that the High Court has only 88 judges against the required 150, and Wakiso High Court, which should have four judges, operates with just one due to funding constraints. Justice Zeija made a public appeal for increased budgetary allocation to the Judiciary, stating that the current 0.6 percent of the national budget is inadequate to meet the demands of effective justice delivery.