Uganda Judiciary Sets July 2026 Deadline for Paperless Courts, Embraces AI Technology
Digital transformation aims to curb corruption, improve efficiency, and expand access to justice
Uganda’s judiciary has announced July 1, 2026, as the official deadline to eliminate paper-based court processes, marking a significant shift toward a fully digital justice system powered by artificial intelligence and electronic case management platforms.
The transition, already underway, is expected to transform how lawyers, litigants, and the public interact with courts by reducing physical contact, improving efficiency, and strengthening accountability across the judicial system.
Digital Deadline
Speaking at a Uganda Law Society event, High Court Deputy Registrar Zulaika Nanteza confirmed that the judiciary is already operating largely on digital systems and is now pushing toward complete adoption.
“We’re almost going paperless. You must have heard the Chief Justice instructing us to stop using paper by July 1, 2026,” Nanteza said.
Chief Justice Flavian Zeija issued an administrative circular in February directing all courts to transition to paperless operations. While acknowledging that not all court users are ready for a fully digital system, Nanteza assured that measures are being put in place to accommodate those still adapting to the technology.
The Digital Backbone
At the centre of the transformation is the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), an online platform that allows users to file cases, submit documents, and track proceedings remotely. Through the system, lawyers and litigants can file pleadings, request hearing dates, and receive court responses without physically visiting court premises.
“When you want a hearing date, you don’t have to come physically. Use the system, and I will endorse it and forward it,” Nanteza explained.
The judiciary says the platform is expected to address long-standing concerns about corruption by minimising face-to-face interactions during filing and case management.
Virtual Hearings
Beyond digital filing, courts are increasingly relying on virtual hearings and audio-visual systems to take evidence, particularly from witnesses located outside Uganda.
“If you are in the United States, you don’t have to come to Uganda to give evidence. We can take it using our audio-visual systems,” Nanteza said, noting that online hearings have already been successfully conducted.
Artificial Intelligence Integration
The digital transformation also includes the introduction of artificial intelligence tools into legal research and case analysis. Judicial officers are now using AI-enabled platforms to process legal information faster and improve decision-making.
The Uganda Legal Information Institute (ULII) recently introduced an AI-powered feature that allows users to analyse legal documents and summarise lengthy judgments. Magistrate Grade One Marlene Obizu of the Judicial Training Institute said the tool enables users to extract key information from long decisions without reading entire documents.
“Some judgments are over 50 pages. With the new AI feature, you can ask questions and understand the document faster without reading everything,” Obizu said.
ULII currently hosts more than 41,000 decisions from the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, tribunals, and regional courts, attracting an average of 350,000 users monthly across 45 countries. The platform allows users to search cases by judge, year, or legal principle, and includes advanced features such as hyperlinking between cases, keyword searches, and integrated legislative references.
Bridging the Connectivity Gap
To address connectivity challenges, particularly in remote areas, the Judiciary is introducing an offline access system under a regional “Tanzanite” package. The upgrade will allow judicial officers and lawyers in areas with poor connectivity, such as Karamoja, to access legal materials without internet access.
Support for Users
Despite the push toward digitalisation, the judiciary acknowledged that many Ugandans are not yet technologically equipped. Courts have therefore established support centres to assist users with filing and accessing services.
“If you don’t have an account, go to court. There is always staff who can help you use the system,” Nanteza said.
A Warning to Legal Practitioners
Judicial officers warned that lawyers and court users must adapt quickly to the digital shift or risk being left behind.
“If an institution is going paperless and you work with it, there is no way you can insist on staying out of the technology space,” Nanteza cautioned.
Broader Reforms
The judiciary said the digital transformation is part of broader efforts to improve transparency, accountability, and access to justice. It is also promoting mediation as a faster and more affordable alternative to litigation, particularly in costly disputes such as election petitions.
The shift to a paperless system comes as Uganda’s judiciary continues to modernise its operations, with authorities expressing confidence that the new technologies will streamline court processes and enhance service delivery to Ugandans seeking justice.
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