Chief Justice Calls for Stronger Collaboration as He Meets IAWJ-UC Executive Committee
The Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, has called for closer collaboration between the Judiciary and the International Association of Women Judges Uganda Chapter (IAWJ-UC), reiterating the Judiciary’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote gender-responsive justice and improve access to justice for vulnerable groups.
The Chief Justice made the remarks this morning while meeting the Association’s executive committee at the Supreme Court Building in Kampala.
At the meeting, the President of IAWJ-UC, Lady Justice Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya, briefed the Chief Justice about the Association, its work, achievements and future plans.
She explained that the Association, which is celebrating 30 years since its establishment, has a 27-member executive committee representing different levels of the Judiciary and currently has about 120 subscribed members drawn from more than 400 female judicial officers across the country. She said the Association is working to increase membership by encouraging more female judicial officers to join and actively participate in its programmes.
Lady Justice Kazaarwe noted that the Association exists to promote gender justice by supporting women, children and other vulnerable groups and ensuring they receive equitable treatment and a positive experience within the justice system.
She informed the Chief Justice that IAWJ-UC will hold a Partners Event on 14 August 2026 to engage existing and prospective partners. This is in addition to exploring opportunities for collaboration in advancing the Association’s mandate and the Judiciary’s objectives.
She also appreciated the Judiciary for its continued support, including the provision of temporary office space at Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court following guidance from the Deputy Chief Justice when he served as Acting Chief Justice.
Lady Justice Mukwaya further informed the Chief Justice that the Association has previously conducted training for Chief Magistrates on gender-responsive adjudication and plans to extend similar training to Registrars. She acknowledged the support of development partners, including UN Women and the Austrian Development Agency, while stressing the need for closer coordination with the Judiciary Training Institute in implementing future capacity-building programmes.
Responding to the presentation, the Chief Justice commended the Association for its longstanding contribution to the administration of justice, describing it as a valued partner that has consistently promoted women’s participation in the Judiciary and enhanced access to justice.
He encouraged the Association to share its annual work plans with the Judiciary early enough to facilitate proper planning and coordination, particularly for training programmes involving judicial officers.
Justice Dr. Zeija observed that partnerships with organisations such as IAWJ-UC are essential in complementing the Judiciary’s efforts to deliver people-centred and gender-responsive justice.
Reflecting on reforms introduced during his tenure as Principal Judge, he highlighted the establishment of specialised Gender-Based Violence court sessions as one of the Judiciary’s key interventions to improve access to justice for survivors of violence against women and children.
He explained that the sessions were piloted in Masaka, Gulu and Nebbi with support from development partners to expedite the hearing of gender-based violence cases, reduce delays and minimise the trauma often experienced by survivors awaiting justice.
The Chief Justice also encouraged the association to strengthen its resource mobilisation efforts by preparing concise funding proposals and engaging potential development partners, noting that many organisations are willing to support programmes that advance the rights of women and other vulnerable groups.
Responding to the Association’s request for office space to establish a permanent secretariat, Justice Dr. Zeija assured members that the Judiciary would continue exploring practical ways of supporting the initiative. He recommended temporary arrangements, including the use of a container office, as has been successfully adopted at some court stations.
The Association’s Vice President, Lady Justice Joyce Kavuma, thanked the Chief Justice for his continued support and commitment to engaging women judges. She reiterated the Association’s dedication to serving the Judiciary and advancing gender-responsive justice and welcomed the Chief Justice as a member of the association.
The meeting was attended by Lady Justice Eva Luswata, Court of Appeal representative; HW Sarah Birungi, Registrars’ representative; HW Dorothy Lwanga, Treasurer; HW Zulaika Nanteza, Registrar representative; HW Rehema Nassozi, Publicity Secretary; HW Fortunate Kamukama, founder member representative; HW Pamela Bomukama Muhwezi, Deputy General Secretary; HW Winfred Naigaga Kyobiika, Chief Magistrates’ representative; HW Patience Koburunga, Magistrates’ representative; and HW Julius Mwesigye, Personal Assistant to the Chief Justice.
Posted 8th, July 2026
