JUDICIARY Latest Features

ThePrincipal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, earlier paid a courtesy visitto the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court, where she reaffirmed theJudiciary's commitment to firm case management, judicial independence, staffwellness, and adequate resourcing for specialised courts.

JusticeAbodo was received by the Head of the Division, Justice Michael Elubu, JusticeDavid Makumbi, the Registrar High Court, HW Prossy Katushabe, the ActingAssistant Registrar of the Court, HW Patrick Talisuna, as well as judicialofficers and staff attached to the Division.

Duringthe visit, the Principal Judge toured the Division's facilities, after whichshe held a meeting with judicial officers and staff to discuss the Division’swork, operational challenges, and service delivery.

JusticeElubu thanked her for the visit and the strong guidance provided, noting thatthe recognition and support from Judiciary leadership was encouraging to bothjudicial officers and staff.

Heexplained that the Division is a specialised criminal court handlingcorruption-related cases that present unique operational challenges. He notedthat to improve service delivery, the Division established a Case ManagementCommittee, which also functions as a stakeholders' committee bringing togetherrepresentatives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, UgandaLaw Society, Ministry of Ethics and Integrity, Transparency International, andthe State House Anti-Corruption Unit, among others. He added that a Bar-BenchCommittee is also in place to strengthen collaboration between judicialofficers and advocates.

JusticeElubu highlighted key innovations and needs at the Division, includingstakeholder engagement to improve efficiency, and the urgent requirement forvideo conferencing facilities, document scanners, and projection equipment forcourt halls. Justice Elubu further revealed that the Division lacks an exhibitstore, which has affected proper storage of exhibits and court archives.

Onchallenges, Justice Elubu noted that budget cuts have significantly affectedoperations, given the Division’s reliance on witnesses, assessors, andinterpreters. He added that judicial officers frequently travel upcountry toconduct sessions, yet available funding cannot sustain extended sessions. Hedisclosed that the Division is currently handling between 330 and 350 cases,warning that reduced funding continues to impact effective case disposal.

JusticeAbodo informed the meeting that the Judiciary had received the Division'swritten report and would follow up on the issues raised. She explained thatsome matters would require intervention by the Human Resource and EngineeringDepartments and may take time, while others could be addressed immediately. Sheassured the Division that the issues would not be left pending and thatfollow-up action would be undertaken.

ThePrincipal Judge acknowledged that the Anti-Corruption Division is a uniquespecialised criminal court and noted that recent budget cuts had affected theentire Judiciary. However, she emphasised that there are certain Divisionswhere funding should not be reduced, stressing that the "pulse of theinstitution" is case disposal. She observed that cutting funding to the Anti-Corruption Court while fighting corruption was counterproductive, and expressed optimism that such funding challenges would soon be resolved.

Justice Abodo also noted that the Division had been her professional home for nearly ten years, expressing excitement to return and appreciation for the work being done. She commended the Division for its strong performance, stating that the impact of its work is visible and critical to the Judiciary's mandate.

Addressing judicial officers, she emphasised judge-led case management, strict control of adjournments, and adherence to clear timelines, cautioning that corruption cases often "die slowly" through delay. She stressed that the lifespan of a corruption case should ideally not exceed six months, warning that delay is the greatest ally of corruption.

The Principal Judge urged judicial officers to remain firmly in charge of their courts, manage proceedings decisively, and focus on the real issues in dispute. She highlighted the importance of specialisation at the Anti-Corruption Division, noting that while it takes time to build, it is essential for effective justice delivery. She encouraged collegiality among officers and praised the Division’s zero tolerance for delay tactics.

Justice Abodo further emphasised judicial independence, firmness in applying the law and evaluating evidence, and the need to maintain public trust through transparency and fairness. She also advised judicial officers on punctuality, preparedness, respectful conduct toward court users, and careful handling of media pressure.

She stressed the importance of staff wellness, noting that performance targets should not come at the expense of health. Commending non-judicial staff, Justice Abodo described them as the face of the Division and underscored that efficiency, integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism are non-negotiable. She pledged her support for innovations aimed at strengthening the Division.

TheRegistrar of the High Court, HW Prossy Katushabe, assured the meeting thatissues raised would be followed up, noting that matters relating to thegenerator and power outages would be handled by the Engineering Department.

Speakingon behalf of non-judicial staff, Office Supervisor Ms Scovia Nanyombi Mukitesaid the Principal Judge’s visit demonstrated strong support for the workundertaken by staff at the Division.

Thevisit was moderated by HW Talisuna.