The Ugandan government is making a significant move to bring legal services closer to its citizens. A new regional Attorney General’s office has officially opened its doors in Lira City, marking a crucial step expected to greatly improve how people in the Lango sub-region and surrounding areas access legal help and justice. This initiative also aims to provide stronger legal support to local governments in the area.
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs launched the new office at Plot 62-Police road, Senior Quarters in Lira City on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. This development means residents will no longer need to travel long distances, often to Gulu or even Kampala, to get vital legal services.
Lady Justice Sarah Birungi Kalibbala, the Resident Judge of Lira High Court, welcomed the establishment of the new office, calling it a much-needed and crucial step for effectively delivering justice in the region. She highlighted that for years, the Lango sub-region, which includes more than six districts, had to rely on the Gulu Regional Office for all its legal needs. This situation often led to slow processes and frustrating delays in court cases.
Judge Birungi explained that the new Lira office will make it much easier for people to get legal advice, proper representation, and ensure court documents are filed on time. She emphasized that courts can only function smoothly when all parties involved actively participate, submit their papers, and provide the necessary support. She also urged local leaders and other key stakeholders to make full use of this new office and work closely with all justice institutions, including the courts, public prosecutors, and the police. To help reduce the backlog of unresolved cases, Judge Birungi also encouraged using alternative methods to solve disputes, such as mediation and open dialogue.
Deputy Solicitor General Charles Ouma underscored the opening of the Lira office as an important achievement in the government’s broader plan to decentralize services across the country. He noted that before April this year, Uganda had only seven such regional Attorney General’s offices, illustrating the government’s commitment to expanding access to legal support nationwide.