Today marked a significant milestone for the justice sector in Northern Uganda as the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA) officially opened the Lira Regional Office in Lira City, bringing vital legal services closer to the people of Lango and the surrounding regions.
The newly established office will offer key services including those of the Attorney General, Administrator General, Law Council, Civil Litigation, and Legal Advisory. The opening reflects government’s continued commitment to decentralization and improving access to justice through efficient, timely, and people centered legal services.
Speaking during the launch, Dokolo District Chief Administrative Officer representative, Moses Otim, welcomed the establishment of the office, describing it as a timely intervention for local governments and the wider Lango community.
“The people of Lango know their rights, they exercise them, and they always require timely feedback. Therefore, the decision to bring this office closer to the region is highly commendable,” he noted.
He emphasized the need for an open-door policy between local governments and state attorneys, encouraging dialogue and mediation before matters escalate into litigation.
“We pray for a working relationship where, before charges are placed, there is room for consultation, mediation, and possible resolution. This office will greatly reduce unnecessary court litigation and ease the burden of moving legal teams across different regions,” he added.
Mr. Otim further expressed optimism that the office would strengthen local governments’ legal capacity, particularly in handling pending cases that had previously suffered due to limited legal support.
Deputy Solicitor General, Charles Ouma, described the opening of the Lira Regional Office as “the birth of a new chapter” in the Ministry’s decentralisation agenda.
“This is a memorable day. A baby has been born in Lira; the Lira Regional Office,” he remarked.
He commended Elizabeth Nyakwebara for her longstanding service in overseeing the vast Gulu jurisdiction, which previously covered parts of Bunyoro, Lango, and Acholi.
“With the creation of this office, there will be substantial relief to the Gulu office,” he said.
Mr. Ouma explained that the regionalization journey traces back to the 1995 Ugandan Constitution’s decentralisation policy. By the end of the financial year, the Ministry aims to have established 12 regional offices across the country, including Mbarara, Arua, Kabale, Moroto, Hoima, Gulu, Mbale, Iganga, Lira, Fort Portal, Soroti, and Masaka.
He noted that previously, a single regional office served up to 25 districts, leading to delays, high transport costs, and slow turnaround times. The new offices are expected to improve efficiency and accessibility.
Addressing stakeholders, he underscored the importance of collaboration between public institutions and private practitioners in ensuring justice delivery.
“This is a symbiotic relationship. If we are not functioning efficiently, then the courts are also affected. Let us continue working together for the good of our country,” he said.
Mr. Ouma also encouraged the Lira team to embrace diligence and prioritize Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), urging legal officers to promote dialogue before resorting to court action.
Addressing the audience, the Chief Guest and Resident Judge of the High Court in Lira, Sarah Birungi, applauded the Ministry for expanding legal services to the region, describing the office as long overdue.
“Over time, the Judiciary has expanded its services to the grassroots, but this has not been fully effective without the presence of other justice sector stakeholders. This is therefore a very commendable step by MoJCA,” she stated.
Justice Birungi expressed confidence that the establishment of the office would improve legal representation, consultations, and timely justice delivery for the people of Lango.
“Litigants will now have easier access to consultations, effective representation in courts, and timely justice. This office brings services closer to the people and helps them achieve what they are entitled to,” she said.
She further observed that many court cases involving government institutions had suffered delays due to prolonged consultations, a challenge she believes will now reduce significantly with the presence of the regional office.
Calling upon the people of Lango to actively utilize the office, Justice Birungi encouraged local leaders and litigants to work closely with the legal officers to ensure effective service delivery.
“The Judiciary cannot stand alone. It requires collaboration with other stakeholders. With the presence of the Attorney General’s office in the region, justice will now be delivered more efficiently, effectively, and timely,” she added.
The opening of the Lira Regional Office signals a new era for access to justice in the Lango sub-region, with leaders optimistic that the office will strengthen legal service delivery, reduce case backlogs, promote mediation, and improve coordination among justice sector institutions.