UGANDA, Hoima | Real Muloodi News | Hoima City officials have been urged to allocate city land in the central business district for the construction of a High Court to improve access to judicial services.
During the Hoima High Court open day on February 13, Resident Judge Jesse Byaruhanga said the two acres of city land in Nyarugabu, which the city council initially allocated for the court, is too far from the city centre.
He noted that the location, approximately 10 kilometres away, may hinder residents from accessing legal services.
“This land is far from the city—10 kilometres,” Byaruhanga said. “We are talking about bringing services closer to the residents of the city, as they are the primary court users.”
Deputy Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, who presided over the session, supported the call for a more centrally located court.
He emphasised that the distance would pose significant challenges for court users, including lawyers, litigants, and witnesses.
“How do you expect people going to court to board taxis and travel 10 kilometres from the town centre?” Zeija asked. “If you have city land, give it to us. Don’t punish your residents. These courts are mainly used by people in town, while others travel from surrounding areas to access them.”
Zeija warned that if Hoima City authorities delay allocating centrally located city land, the funds designated for court construction could be redirected to other districts ready to provide land.
Hoima City Mayor Brian Kaboyo announced that the city would soon hand over the land titles for the two-acre plot in Nyarugabu.
However, with the Judiciary expressing concerns over accessibility, city officials may have to reconsider the allocation.
The Judiciary continues to prioritise constructing court buildings in accessible locations to improve service delivery and ease congestion in the justice system.
The request for city land in Hoima aligns with the government’s broader efforts to decentralise legal services and enhance public access to courts.
Hoima City authorities are expected to respond to the Judiciary’s request, which could determine whether the court construction proceeds as planned or the allocated funds are diverted elsewhere.
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