Chief Justice Hon. Dr. Mumba Malila, SC, says the Judiciary is adopting various measures to make the courts more efficient as human rights guardians.
Speaking when a delegation from the Human Rights Commission led by the Chairperson, Dr. Pamela Towela Sambo, paid a courtesy call on him yesterday, 24th February, 2026, the Chief Justice outlined several measures being undertaken by the Judiciary to enhance efficiency, including the installation and operationalisation of a digital case management system later this year, which will improve court records management and coordination.
“Efficiency of the judiciary ensures the guarantee of the enjoyment of human rights and deepens democracy,” Dr. Malila said.
Apart from digital reforms, the Judiciary was prioritizing the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), plea bargaining, and fast-track and mobile courts to reduce judges and magistrates’ caseloads.
These initiatives, Dr. Malila said, would also help to address congestion in correctional facilities and other places of detention.
Sharing the Commission’s concerns regarding access to justice, Dr. Sambo outlined challenges that impacted the right to fair trial, such as prolonged pre-trial detention, frequent adjournments, delays in committal and case progression, missing or incomplete court records, and inadequate courtroom space and related infrastructure.
Dr. Sambo added that the challenges would erode public confidence in the administration of justice if they remained unaddressed.
She called on the Judiciary to ensure enhanced protection of human rights.
The courtesy call on the Chief Justice wrapped up a series of engagement meetings held by Commissioners with different stakeholders in the criminal justice system in the quest to resolve human rights concerns. The Chairperson led the delegation comprising the Vice Chairperson, Dr. Felicity Kalunga; Commissioner Panic Malawo Chilufya; Commissioner Laura Miti; HRC-Z Director General, Ms. Mbololwa Wamunyima and staff from the Secretariat.
