Uganda Phases Out Grade Two Magistrates as New Court Structure Takes Effect

The change took effect after amendments to the Magistrates Courts Act came into force on May 8, 2026, following presidential assent to the Magistrates Courts (Amendment) Act, 2026.

Under the new structure, the magistrates' courts now recognise two ranks at that level: Chief Magistrates and Magistrates, with references to Magistrate Grade I being replaced by the broader title of Magistrate. Provisions relating to Grade II magistrates have been removed from the law.

The reform formalises a change that had already been made administratively within the Judiciary. The Judiciary had previously indicated that Grade II magistrates were being phased out as part of efforts to professionalise the lower bench, with Grade I magistrates expected to take responsibility for lower courts.

The changes go beyond abolishing the Grade II position.

The amended law also significantly expands the financial jurisdiction of magistrates' courts. Chief Magistrates can now preside over civil cases involving claims of up to Shs200 million, while Magistrates can handle civil disputes worth up to Shs100 million.

The increased jurisdiction is intended to keep more cases within the lower courts instead of sending matters involving higher monetary values to the High Court.

Parliament said the previous financial limits had become outdated, contributing to cases being filed at higher levels of the judiciary and adding to court congestion. The reforms are therefore intended to improve access to justice and reduce case backlogs.

Another significant change gives Chief Magistrates greater authority to manage cases between courts. Cases filed before courts without the required jurisdiction can, under the new framework, be transferred rather than simply dismissed, potentially saving litigants the time and expense of starting proceedings again.

The law also gives the Chief Justice, acting on the advice of the Judiciary Council, powers to designate magisterial areas and magistrates' courts through statutory instruments.

The reforms effectively reshape Uganda's lower-court system, replacing the former three-tier structure involving Chief Magistrates, Grade I and Grade II magistrates with a simpler hierarchy.

For court users, the changes are expected to affect where cases are filed and which judicial officers have authority to hear them. The Judiciary has called on judicial officers, lawyers and other justice-sector stakeholders to support implementation of the new framework.

The abolition of Grade II magistrates therefore marks more than the disappearance of a judicial title. It represents a wider restructuring of Uganda's lower courts, with greater powers being placed in the hands of the remaining magistrates and an emphasis on keeping more disputes within the magistrates' court system.
Source DAILY MONITOR