The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has tabled the Magistrates’ Courts (Amendment) Bill 2026 before the Parliament of Uganda.
The bill, presented on Thursday, proposes several changes to the existing law governing magistrates’ courts in the country.
One of the key amendments seeks to remove sections that previously granted the Justice Minister powers to issue a statutory instrument under the law. According to officials, the responsibility to issue such instruments is now constitutionally vested in the Chief Justice of Uganda.
Government officials say the amendment aims to align the law with constitutional provisions regarding the powers and functions of the judiciary.
Following its introduction, the proposed legislation was referred to the Parliamentary Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for detailed scrutiny before it returns to the House for debate and consideration.
If passed, the amendments are expected to clarify the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary in matters relating to the administration of magistrates’ courts in Uganda.
