Filing a civil suit in Uganda: checklist
Pending verification: The exact current filing fee for the claim value. Treat the flagged points as provisional and confirm them before relying on them.
In brief
A civil suit starts with a properly pleaded plaint in the right court, within time. This checklist covers the filing stage.
Who it's for & when to use it
Who it's for: Plaintiffs and their advocates.
When to use it: When commencing a civil claim.
When not to use it: For claims with a special procedure (small claims, summary suit, judicial review).
The checklist
1. Confirm cause of action and time
- Confirm a complete cause of action — every element you must prove.
- Confirm the claim is within the limitation period (Limitation Act).
2. Choose the court
- Choose the court with pecuniary and territorial jurisdiction.
3. Draft the plaint
- Draft the plaint with the parties, the material facts, the cause of action and the relief sought.
- Verify the plaint and attach a summary of evidence and the key documents where required.
4. File and pay fees
- Pay the court fees and file (Judicature (Court Fees) Rules).
5. Serve
- Serve summons and the plaint on the defendant per the Civil Procedure Rules Order 5, and keep proof of service.
Key authorities
- Civil Procedure Rules — Order 5 (service); the plaint requirements.
- Judicature (Court Fees) Rules.
- Limitation Act, Cap. 290 (2023 Revision).
Checklist · Civil procedure & courts.
Actively maintained.
Last reviewed 9 June 2026; next review due 9 June 2027.
This resource is a practitioner orientation and general information, not legal advice, and does not create an advocate–client relationship. It is AI-generated. Ugandan law changes and chapter and section numbers were revised in the 2023 Laws of Uganda. Verify every statute, rule, form, fee and authority against the current primary source — and the specific facts of your matter — before relying on it.