The Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, earlier presided over the swearing-in ceremony of seven newly appointed Magistrates Grade I, urging them to uphold the oath of office and to serve with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
The ceremony was held at the Court of Appeal Building Conference Hall in Kampala.
Those sworn in are HW Khayiyi Joy Janet, HW Twesigye Natukunda Phiona, HW Nakabira Brenda, HW Nanyumba Nicholas, HW Namugoma Flavia, HW Chemutai Ceasor, and HW Akorimo Edina Cox.
In his remarks, Justice Dr. Zeija congratulated the new Magistrates and reminded them that the oath they had taken was not merely ceremonial, but a solemn commitment to uphold the Constitution and the laws of Uganda.
"The oath that every one of you has taken is not simply ceremonial. You have undertaken, before your God, to serve truly and to uphold the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and the laws of the land. You must therefore hold yourselves accountable to that oath at all times," he said.
The Deputy Chief Justice highlighted the vision of the "New Judiciary" established under the Administration of the Judiciary Act, 2020, which seeks to deliver exceptional judicial services through efficiency, transparency, accountability, and improved access to justice. He urged the Magistrates to familiarize themselves with Section 207(1)(b) of the Magistrates Courts Act to fully understand their geographical and pecuniary jurisdiction.
Justice Dr. Zeija further noted ongoing efforts to enhance the pecuniary jurisdiction of the lower bench, including proposals to increase the jurisdiction of Chief Magistrates from UGX 50 million to UGX 200 million, and that of Magistrates Grade I from UGX 20 million to UGX 100 million.
He encouraged the Magistrates to cultivate professionalism through continuous learning, consultation with senior colleagues, and openness to guidance from court staff, emphasizing the importance of adapting to evolving crime trends, social changes, and legal developments. He also urged them to embrace Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR), and other innovations aimed at reducing the cost and time of justice.
Noting that Magistrates' Courts are often the first point of contact between the public and the Judiciary, Justice Dr. Zeija cautioned against absenteeism and maladministration, and emphasized the need for good customer care, calmness, and emotional restraint in the execution of judicial duties.
"A judicial office is the most coveted calling in a civilized society. Serve with sobriety, humility, and integrity, and make decisions without fear or favour, malice or affection," he added.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, congratulated the Magistrates on their appointment, noting that it followed a rigorous, merit-based process reflecting confidence in their competence and integrity. She reminded them that they were joining an institution guided by the vision of justice for all and a mission to efficiently and effectively administer justice.
Lady Justice Abodo urged the Magistrates to uphold the Judicial Code of Conduct, maintain discipline, and observe zero tolerance for corruption, misconduct, or abuse of office. She emphasized that, as frontline judicial officers, they bear a critical responsibility to deliver fair, impartial, timely, and accessible justice, manage courts diligently, and dispose of cases efficiently.
She further encouraged them to support ongoing judicial reforms aimed at reducing backlog, improving access to justice, strengthening public confidence, promoting technology, and advancing ADR.
The Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya, reminded the Magistrates that their role carries profound responsibility, as their conduct and decisions directly shape public trust in the Judiciary. She noted that they were joining the Judiciary at a time of significant reform, with renewed focus on performance management, ethical service, and access to justice.
"Embrace these reforms fully and serve with humility, courage, and fidelity to the oath you have taken," she advised.
She described the ceremony as an important boost to the capacity of the magistracy, which remains the backbone of justice delivery in Uganda.
The ceremony was witnessed by several Judicial Officers and senior staff, including HW Katushabe Prossy, HW Ayebare Thadius Tumwebaze, HW Edoku John Paul, HW Okumu Jude Muwone, among others, as well as Judiciary technical staff, family members, and friends of the newly sworn-in Magistrates.
The event was moderated by the Judiciary Public Relations Officer, HW James Ereemye Jumire Mawanda.
Posted 16th, December 2025
