Judiciary to Establish Specialized Court for Environmental and Infrastructure Disputes

The Judiciary has announced plans to establish an Environmental, Infrastructure, and Utilities Division of the High Court to fast-track disputes related to climate change, wildlife protection, and major development projects.


The announcement was made by Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija on Thursday during the opening of the New Law Year 2026 at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala.

Dr. Zeija said the new division is necessary to urgently address disputes linked to climate change, wildlife conservation, and major infrastructure projects, which are critical for supporting economic growth.

He noted that Uganda is increasingly affected by global warming and environmental degradation, yet many infrastructure projects are delayed due to prolonged litigation. The division will prioritize and expedite such cases, he added.

Over the years, climate and environmental activists have called on the Judiciary to establish a specialized court to handle environmental and climate-related cases.

Dr. Zeija said the plans mark the first time the Judiciary has formally adopted this initiative. In his maiden New Law Year address, Dr. Zeija emphasized that the annual ceremony serves as a platform for accountability, allowing the Judiciary to report to the public on the administration of justice.

He reminded judicial officers that their mandate is derived from the people and that courts must remain transparent, open, and responsive to public expectations. Presenting the Judiciary’s 2025 performance, Dr. Zeija reported a total caseload of 456,600 matters, including pending and newly registered cases.

Over 258,000 cases were completed during the year, leaving about 198,500 pending. Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms resolved close to 13,000 cases through mediation, over 5,500 criminal matters through plea bargaining, and more than 20,000 small claims cases.