Legal practitioners in Masaka have announced a region-wide, indefinite strike set to begin on June 16, bringing judicial operations across the Masaka Court Circuit to a standstill.
The move, led by the Uganda Law Society Masaka Chapter, marks a dramatic escalation in a long-standing dispute over severe judicial understaffing and case backlogs.
Alexander Lule, president of the Masaka Chapter, confirmed that all 27 law firms and over 50 lawyers operating in the region will down their tools until additional High Court judges are deployed.
The strike affects a critical legal hub serving nine districts, including Masaka City.
“The legal practitioners will not resume work until their grievances are addressed,” Lule stated, blaming the Judiciary for repeated inaction despite multiple petitions.
“The current situation, with only one High Court judge handling the entire circuit has led to prolonged delays, unjustified adjournments, and a growing backlog of cases,” Lule added.
Figures from the Masaka High Court registry as of April 10 paint a grim picture: 4,290 pending cases, including 1,141 civil suits, 1,188 land disputes, and 455 family-related matters.
Justice Fatumah Nanziri Bwanika, the sole High Court judge assigned to the circuit, has been on the bench for just two months and is currently tied up in an ongoing criminal session.
Meanwhile, urgent matters especially bail applications remain unresolved, sparking frustration among legal practitioners and their clients.
“While Masaka has four Chief Magistrates and more than 20 Grade One Magistrates, all appeals and bail applications must go through one High Court judge,” said local attorney Herbert Zikusooka.
“We’re seeing serious delays, even in high-profile cases involving clients like Edward Ssebuufu, Achilleo Kivumbi, Mugumya Gaddafi, and Grace Wakabi (alias Smart),” Zziwa added.
The crisis is taking a toll not only on justice delivery but also on the legal profession itself. Lawyer Herbert Kichoncho described it as “unethical” to continue accepting new cases when existing ones are stuck in limbo.
Similarly, attorney Sam Ssekyewa expressed frustration over losing clients due to prolonged case delays.
“The Masaka High Court Circuit has operated without a substantive judge for over a year,” he said.
He added that Justice Bwanika was posted only two months ago. “If smaller circuits like Mukono have multiple judges, why not Masaka?” he asked.
The Judiciary has acknowledged the pressure. Spokesperson James Ereemye Mawanda pointed to a national crisis in court backlogs and promised forthcoming relief.
“The Judiciary continues to advocate for additional judicial officers. We hope that once new appointments are made, areas like Masaka will receive the necessary reinforcements,” he explained.
