JUDICIARY Latest Features

The Uganda Judicial Officers’ Association (UJOA) has appealed to the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, for enhanced support to improve the welfare of judicial officers and strengthen the Association’s institutional capacity.

The appeal was made during a courtesy meeting between the UJOA Executive Committee and the Deputy Chief Justice at the Court of Appeal in Kampala, where the Association presented a memorandum outlining key concerns and proposals affecting judicial officers, particularly those serving on the lower bench.

Leading the team, the President of UJOA, HW Daphne Ayebare, congratulated Justice Kazibwe on his appointment and briefed him on the Association’s recent engagements and strategic priorities.

She said the current Executive Committee has focused on promoting professionalism, improving the welfare of judicial officers, fostering unity and compassion among members, and building strategic partnerships.

HW Ayebare informed the Deputy Chief Justice that the Association has recently engaged the Judicial Service Commission on recruitment, promotions and disciplinary matters affecting judicial officers. It has also held discussions with the Chief Registrar on transfers, particularly for officers on the lower bench, as well as institutional support for the Association. In addition, the Executive met the Chief Justice to discuss issues affecting judicial officers and continues to hold monthly dialogue sessions aimed at strengthening professionalism and capacity among members.

Presenting the Association’s memorandum, HW Ayebare appealed for support in addressing welfare concerns, including salary enhancement and the restoration of allowances for judicial officers.

She noted that the expanded pecuniary jurisdiction of Chief Magistrates and Magistrates has significantly increased their workload, arguing that the additional responsibilities should be matched with improved remuneration and facilitation.

While commending the Judiciary for constructing houses for judicial officers serving in hard-to-reach areas, she called for the programme to be expanded and proposed housing allowances where construction is not immediately possible. She also appealed for the introduction of mileage and fuel allowances, explaining that many judicial officers incur substantial transport and accommodation costs while serving away from their homes.

On tools of work, HW Ayebare welcomed improvements in information and communication technology but noted that several judicial officers, including newly appointed officers, are yet to receive essential equipment such as laptops. She also highlighted concerns relating to transport, medical welfare and the security of judicial officers.

The UJOA President further called for stronger institutional measures to address cyberbullying and social media attacks directed at judicial officers and their families, warning that such incidents threaten both personal security and judicial independence.

She also appealed for greater institutional support for the Association, noting that UJOA currently depends largely on members’ subscriptions to finance its activities. She requested the restoration of salary deductions at source and urged the Judiciary to support efforts to secure statutory recognition for the Association, observing that its current status as a company limited by guarantee limits its institutional growth and access to funding.

HW Ayebare also highlighted a number of initiatives aligned with the Judiciary’s transformation agenda, including preparations for the International Day for Judicial Wellbeing on 25 July. The others included establishment of a demonstration farm to promote household income and generate revenue for the Association, programmes to strengthen members’ mental wellbeing, formation of a Rotary Club and a proposed partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to promote professional interaction through organised excursions.

Additional proposals presented by the Vice Publicity Secretary, HW Abubaker Matanda, included strengthening medical and family welfare programmes, increasing operational facilitation for courts, particularly in criminal case management. Improving court infrastructure and supporting judicial officers’ participation in regional professional engagements, including those organised by the East African Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association and the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association.

Responding to the presentation, Justice Kazibwe thanked UJOA for engaging with him and commended the Association for its continued contribution to the Judiciary.

He observed that the Association’s objectives and initiatives are consistent with the Judiciary’s Strategic Plan and praised its efforts to promote professionalism, continuous learning and peer support among judicial officers.

The Deputy Chief Justice particularly welcomed UJOA’s engagement with the Judicial Service Commission, noting that such dialogue is important in addressing issues such as delays in disciplinary processes. He also commended the Association’s monthly dialogue sessions, preparations for the International Day for Judicial Wellbeing, the proposed demonstration farm and the formation of a Rotary Club, describing them as valuable initiatives that strengthen collegiality and professional growth.

Justice Kazibwe proposed the establishment of a dedicated club for judicial officers to provide a platform for regular interaction and professional engagement.

On salary enhancement, he advised that the proposal be comprehensively packaged to facilitate meaningful engagement with the relevant authorities. He also supported the idea of securing statutory recognition for UJOA, observing that it would strengthen the Association’s institutional standing and recognise its contribution to the Judiciary.

The Deputy Chief Justice further emphasised the importance of supporting judicial officers’ participation in regional and international professional forums and pledged his continued support to both the Association and its members. Reaffirming his open-door policy, he encouraged UJOA to continue championing professionalism within the Judiciary.

During the discussions, participants also considered measures to address cyberbullying and social media attacks against judicial officers. These included strengthening security for officers facing threats, conducting refresher training to reinforce professionalism and accountability, publicly defending judicial officers subjected to unjustified attacks while performing their duties, and improving the user-friendliness of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS).

The meeting was attended by HW Karim Kyembe, HW Vicent Muzeyi, HW Rebecca Apica, HW Steven Waidhuba and other members of the UJOA Executive Committee. Also present were the Deputy Chief Justice’s Private Legal Secretary, HW Faisal Mulalira, and his Personal Assistant, HW Brian Mwanja.