JUDICIARY Latest Features

the Chief Justice, Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo at the launch at the Supreme Court Conference Hall

The Judiciary of Uganda today marked a major milestone in its digital transformation journey with the go-live event of the Performance Enhancement Tool (PET), a web-based performance management system designed to automate, streamline, and standardize the evaluation of judicial officers and administrative staff.

The launch ceremony, held at the Supreme Court Building Conference Hall, was presided over by the Chief Justice, Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo, who described the PET as a shift "from a closed, analogue appraisal system to a digital and participatory one," inline with the Judiciary's transformation agenda under the Administration of Judiciary Act, 2020.

The Chief Justice explained that the PET fulfills the Act's requirement for a performance management framework and addresses long-standing challenges in measuring the output of both judicial and administrative staff. "Because of the qualitative nature of our work, the number of cases completed during the appraisal period is not a suitable yardstick for measuring performance. Each case presents unique features and requires unique management," he noted.

The system introduces a 360-degreeappraisal model incorporating input from supervisors, peers, subordinates, lawyers, and litigants. It also applies a judicial case-weighting scheme to reflect workload and case complexity, safeguarding judicial independence while enhancing supervision, training, and promotion processes. Justice Owiny - Dollo acknowledged progress in tackling case backlog, which dropped from 26.3% in FY2023/24 to 24.2% in FY 2024/25, but noted that over 46,000 cases remain pending. He expressed confidence that the new tool would improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability, supporting faster justice delivery.

The Chief Justice highlighted expected benefits of PET, including data-driven decision-making, recognition of high performers, transparent appraisals, and improved service delivery. He commended the Performance Management and Awards Committee (PMAC), chaired by Justice Mike Chibita, for their dedication, and thanked the Government of Uganda and development partners for supporting ICT-led reforms. He also urged judicial officers and stakeholders to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR) as a complementary strategy to ease backlog and promote peaceful settlements.

In his remarks, Justice Mike Chibita of the Supreme Court and PMAC Chairperson, observed that the Judiciary had long grappled with an inadequate appraisal system inherited from the Ministry of Public Service. "The PET has been crafted over time to cater for the unique functions of the judicial office. It is an enabler of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement for all staff, from a clerical officer to a Justice of the Supreme Court," he said. He recalled that the PET was first introduced during the 21st Annual Judges Conference in 2019, followed by pilot phases and intensive training sessions since January 2023.

Representing the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary, Ms. Maureen Kasande, the Under Secretary, described the occasion as both the culmination of years of reform and the beginning of a new performance culture. "The Tool demonstrates the Judiciary's determination to embrace modernization and accountability and places the Ugandan Judiciary firmly on the path of evidence-based performance," she said.

Mr. Joseph Ssinabulya, the Principal Information Maintenance Officer, gave a demonstration of the tool, showcasing its internal and external evaluation features. 

Proceedings were moderated by the Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya, assisted by HW Ereemye James Jumire Mawanda, the Judiciary Public Relations Officer.