Deputy Chief Justice Closes Two-Week Induction Programme for New Judges of the High Court
Some of the new Justices with the Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ), Justice Richard Buteera (middle) and the Executive Director of JTI, Hon. Lady Justice Damalie Lwanga(2nd Left) at the closing of the Judge's Induction
The Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ), Justice Richard Buteera, presided over the closing ceremony of a two-week induction and orientation program for 21 newly appointed High Court Judges, along with one Judge from last year's group who had not yet undergone induction.
Justice Buteera congratulated the Judges on their appointments and welcomed them to the Judiciary as their new professional home. He urged them to uphold the Judiciary's vision of Justice for All and commended the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) Governing Council, Executive Director, and trainers for organizing a comprehensive and impactful program.
Emphasizing the Judiciary's core mandate of adjudicating criminal and civil disputes, Justice Buteera cited Article 126(1) of the Ugandan Constitution, which requires the administration of justice to align with the values and aspirations of the people. He encouraged the Judges to remain attentive to the justice needs in their respective jurisdictions.
As part of the Judiciary's ongoing Transformation Agenda, Justice Buteera highlighted key initiatives aimed at enhancing access to justice. These include the expansion of court infrastructure nationwide to take justice services closer to the people, the recruitment of additional judicial and non-judicial officers to expedite case resolution and reduce backlog, the strengthening of the JTI to enhance capacity building, and the enhancement of the Inspectorate of Courts to improve supervision, judicial accountability, and combat corruption.
He also urged the newly appointed Judges to actively inspect and supervise courts in their jurisdictions as part of their performance evaluation before confirmation into service.
Justice Buteera noted ongoing efforts to increase the pecuniary jurisdiction of Chief Magistrates from UGX 50 million to UGX 200 million and that of Magistrates Grade One from UGX 20 million to UGX 100 million. He noted that this proposal is currently before Cabinet for consideration.
The DCJ emphasized the Judiciary's commitment to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) as mechanisms to reduce case backlog and improve access to justice.
Commending the Judiciary's partnership with Pepperdine University, Justice Buteera noted that83 court-accredited mediators had been trained. He also highlighted the success of the first Settlement Week in August 2024, during which 237 cases were resolved, including 49 through Mediation at the Court of Appeal.
He stressed the importance of managing case backlog efficiently and encouraged the Judges to hold at least one Settlement Week per quarter.
Addressing the ethical and moral expectations of the Judiciary, Justice Buteera cited biblical references from Exodus 18:21-23 and Deuteronomy 16:18-20, emphasizing the principles of integrity, impartiality, and resistance to bribery. He encouraged them to strive for professionalism, maintain emotional intelligence, and be role models for junior judicial officers.
In her remarks, Lady Justice Damalie Lwanga, Executive Director of JTI, commended the Judges for their active participation and urged them to maintain an open-minded approach to continuous learning. She encouraged them to seek mentorship for professional guidance and to uphold professionalism and integrity in their work. She wished them a progressive and impactful tenure as Judges of the High Court.
Justice Buteera concluded the ceremony by awarding certificates of attendance and completion of the induction programme to the Judges.
Prior to the ceremony, the Judges had received training on key professional and personal development topics.
Mr. Victor Bua, Commissioner at the Ministry of Public Service, provided guidance on retirement preparation, while Dr. Ruth Nassuna Balemezi, an occupational health and safety specialist, delivered a session on workplace health and safety. Additionally, Judiciary gym instructors from Fab Wellness conducted a session on physical fitness and wellness.
The event was moderated by HW Mulalira Faisal Umar, Deputy Registrar of Wakiso High Court.
Posted 28th, March 2025
