Chief Justice Unveils Plan to Integrate Judiciary Performance Enhancement Tool with JSC Systems
The Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, has announced plans to integrate the Judiciary’s Performance Enhancement Tool (PET) with the Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) systems to ensure that the recruitment, promotion and management of judicial officers are increasingly informed by objective performance data.
He made the announcement while officiating as Chief Guest at the Judicial Service Commission Annual Stakeholders’ Forum held at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala.
Justice Zeija said the integration would enable the Commission to access judicial officers’ performance records during promotion processes while also allowing the PET recruitment portal to interface with the Commission’s systems, thereby improving efficiency and eliminating duplication.
“The Judicial Service Commission has a duty to ensure that only those with proven merit ascend the Bench. This is the first non-negotiable step towards transforming justice delivery in the country,” he said.
The Chief Justice further announced that the Judiciary would strengthen performance management by publishing annual performance results of judicial officers on its website, warning that non-performance would no longer be tolerated.
He said continuous performance evaluation would become a key feature of judicial administration, with officers expected to meet established standards, while those who consistently underperform would face appropriate disciplinary action.
Justice Zeija called for stronger collaboration among administration of justice institutions, including the Judiciary, Judicial Service Commission, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Uganda Police Force, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the Bar, to address systemic challenges contributing to case backlog and prolonged pre-trial detention.
He also advocated for joint public engagement initiatives through Court Open Days, radio programmes and other outreach activities to improve public awareness and confidence in the justice system.
On innovation, the Chief Justice noted that the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) has significantly reduced case processing time, minimized physical interaction, eliminated manual file losses and enhanced transparency in court operations.
He encouraged the Judicial Service Commission to leverage technology in its recruitment, appointment and disciplinary processes and called for greater utilization of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to reduce case backlog, lower litigation costs and promote harmonious resolution of disputes.
“To effectively transform justice delivery, we cannot rely solely on traditional archaic methods of operation. Innovation is a catalyst that will propel our justice system into the 21st century,” he said.
During the event, Justice Zeija also officially launched the Judicial Service Commission Client Charter, Service Delivery Standards and the Commission’s Third Strategic Plan, describing them as important instruments for strengthening accountability, improving service delivery and guiding the Commission’s strategic direction in the years ahead.
Justice Zeija emphasised that transforming justice delivery requires merit, accountability and innovation, commending the Commission for maintaining merit-based recruitment while urging it to continue appointing judicial officers with integrity, legal competence, emotional intelligence and sound moral character.
He emphasized the Judiciary’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption, unethical conduct, unnecessary delays, laziness and mediocrity, describing the JSC as a critical partner in building an efficient, accessible and trusted justice system.
“There is no room for corrupt elements in Uganda’s justice system, nor do we have room for laziness and mediocrity,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairperson of the JSC, Justice Douglas Singiza Karekona, highlighted key achievements of the Seventh Commission, including implementation of a new strategic direction, improvements in recruitment processes, appointment of senior judicial officers, diversity mapping, plans for electronic recruitment, strengthened complaints handling mechanisms and enhanced transparency.
He said the Commission has also prioritized partnerships with key institutions to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs and enhance service delivery, noting that the reforms have increased public confidence in the Commission, with other institutions now seeking its expertise in recruitment processes.
The Attorney General, Mr Sam Mayanja, urged government institutions to work collaboratively rather than in isolation, stressing that the independence of the three arms of government should not prevent cooperation in delivering services to Ugandans.
He called for dialogue with the Uganda Law Society to resolve vacancies on the JSC and promote harmony within the justice sector.
Dr Mayanja also commended the Judiciary’s digital transformation under the leadership of the Chief Justice, particularly the transition towards paperless operations, and called for increased funding, staffing and integration of government digital systems to improve service delivery.
The Permanent Secretary, Judicial Service Commission, Dr Rose Nassali Lukwago, said the forum was organized to present the Seventh Commission’s findings, observations and recommendations arising from its work in recruitment, disciplinary matters and public legal education.
She commended the Sixth Judicial Service Commission for laying the foundation for the annual stakeholders’ forum and thanked stakeholders for their continued support in advancing the Commission’s mandate.
The forum brought together representatives from key institutions in the administration of justice to discuss strategies for strengthening the administration of justice in Uganda.
Posted 10th, July 2026
