NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MAGISTRATES COURT(AMENDMENT) ACT, 2026

The Parliament of Uganda enacted the Magistrates Courts (Amendment) Act, 2026 which was gazetted on 19th May 2026. The Amendment Act introduces the most significant structural and jurisdictional reforms to the magistracy ever since the enactment of the Magistrates Courts Act in 1971. The reforms are designed to decongest the High Court, modernise the magistracy, and align judicial capacity with Uganda’s economic realities.