Over 300 Cases Transferred to Newly Commissioned Patongo High Court

The Kitgum High Court has officially transferred 309 pending criminal and civil cases to the newly inaugurated Patongo Magistrates and High Court in Agago District. “There would have been 311, but two were already in the early stages of mediation, and it was deemed that we conclude those,” said Hon. Justice Philip Mwaka, the Resident Judge of the Kitgum High Court circuit.

Kitgum High Court began operations on March 11, 2024, as part of the Judiciary’s broader transformation agenda aimed at enhancing access to justice. Its establishment followed the overwhelming backlog of cases at Gulu High Court. Initially, the Kitgum circuit was responsible for handling cases from Kitgum, Lamwo, Karenga, Agago, Pader, Otuke, and Abim districts. Since its opening, the court inherited 851 cases from Gulu, 500 of which have been concluded. 

Justice Mwaka praised the responsiveness of the local communities, noting that the court has since registered 1,021 new cases, 525 of which are criminal. However, with the operationalization of the Patongo High Court, jurisdiction will now shift. Patongo will serve Agago, Pader, Otuke, and Abim districts, while Kitgum will continue serving Kitgum, Lamwo, and Karenga. “We are in the process of scrutinizing the remaining cases to determine their origin. If we consider just Agago and Pader, the number of transferred cases could rise to 400 or even 500,” Mwaka added. 

Despite the positive reception, Mwaka expressed concern over low female participation in court matters. "When an administration cause would come up, we would see the gentlemen, and when we ask them, ‘Where are your sisters?’ we'd give them another day to return, and they never return,” he noted. Stephen Obina, a resident of Adilang in Agago, welcomed the court’s presence, saying it will ease access to justice. “For years, our people have suffered due to lack of timely justice. 

Having these cases handled here will save time, money, and reduce congestion in Kitgum,” he said.

Rose Acii from Lapono Sub-county said the relocation of cases to Agago makes locals feel more included in the justice system. “The presence of a functional court in Patongo means faster resolution of disputes and less strain on our finances and emotions. In the past, many victims opted not to press charges due to the high costs involved,” she said. 

Agago District Chairperson Leonard Ojok said he believes the Patongo court will help reduce crime, especially land-related conflicts. The Judiciary has pledged continued support to expand legal access across the country.