JUDICIARY Latest Features

Earlier today, the Executive Committee of the Uganda Judicial Officers’ Association (UJOA) met the Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, at the Supreme Court in Kampala, where it presented a memorandum seeking improved remuneration, enhanced welfare, stronger security measures and better working conditions for Judicial Officers.

The meeting was convened to brief the Chief Justice on the Association’s activities and recent engagements, as well as to present members’ concerns and proposals aimed at improving the welfare and effectiveness of Judicial Officers, particularly those serving on the lower bench.

Leading the delegation, UJOA President, HW Ayebare Daphne, thanked the Chief Justice for his leadership of the Judiciary’s transformation agenda, particularly the transition to paperless courts, and for his continued support to Judicial Officers. She also commended the Judiciary for introducing wellness and fitness programmes that have benefited both Judicial and non-Judicial Officers.

She updated the Chief Justice on UJOA’s recent engagements with the Judicial Service Commission, where members discussed salary enhancement, discipline and integrity. She also briefed him about meetings with the Chief Registrar regarding staff transfers, including a request to have some members of the UJOA Executive posted closer to Kampala, noting that about 80 per cent currently serve in upcountry stations.

HW Ayebare also highlighted the Association’s ongoing initiatives, including the establishment of an UJOA farm to generate sustainable income, implementation of its 2026/2027 work plan, continued dialogue engagements and activities planned to mark International Judicial Wellness Month this July. She further outlined welfare initiatives such as the proposed Rotary Club, UJOA Patrons’ Annual Dinner and a golf tournament, saying these are intended to strengthen collegiality, mental wellness and interaction among Judicial Officers.

The Association’s memorandum was then presented by UJOA General Secretary, HW Mallen Obizu, who noted that the expanded jurisdiction of the lower bench had significantly increased the workload of Magistrates. She appealed for commensurate salary enhancement, improved transport, housing, medical and family welfare, increased facilitation for courts, particularly in the handling of criminal cases, enhanced security for Judicial Officers, protection against cyberbullying and social media attacks, improved court infrastructure and ICT tools, statutory recognition of UJOA, and institutional support for the Association’s programmes. She also appealed for continued support towards 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 memorandum, the Chief Justice welcomed the continued engagement between the Judiciary leadership and UJOA, describing dialogue as the most effective way of addressing institutional concerns and strengthening the administration of justice.

On the Judiciary’s digital transformation, he commended Judicial Officers for embracing paperless courts and noted that the rollout of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) was progressing steadily, supported by the recent recruitment of additional Information Technology officers to strengthen implementation across the country.

The Chief Justice also welcomed UJOA’s engagement with the Judicial Service Commission, observing that such discussions were important in resolving institutional issues. At the same time, he urged Judicial Officers to uphold discipline and integrity, warning that misconduct, particularly corruption, damages both individual reputations and public confidence in the Judiciary.

Addressing the Association’s request for salary enhancement, Justice Zeija acknowledged that the expanded jurisdiction of Magistrates had increased their responsibilities. He said salary improvements remained a priority and would be implemented progressively, urging Judicial Officers to remain patient and continue living within their means as efforts to improve remuneration continue.

On security, the Chief Justice acknowledged the shortage of Police personnel, noting that even officers whose security is provided for by law face similar challenges. He revealed that the Judiciary was engaging the leadership of the Uganda Police Force on the matter and advised Judicial Officers facing specific threats to formally report them so that appropriate security arrangements could be considered.

Responding to concerns about court facilitation, particularly for criminal matters, Justice Zeija expressed optimism that the recruitment of additional State Attorneys by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions would support the implementation of daily hearings and improve the disposal of criminal cases.

On cyberbullying, he proposed stronger collaboration between the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Uganda Communications Commission, including the possible establishment of a task force to address online attacks targeting Judicial Officers and their families.

The Chief Justice further noted that the Judiciary was incorporating accommodation for Judicial Officers and support staff into the design of new court infrastructure, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, while continuing to improve ICT infrastructure and tools of work.

Regarding requests for Judiciary support towards participation in regional and international professional conferences, Justice Zeija explained that existing limitations arise because UJOA is not yet a statutory body. He added, however, that approval for Judicial Officers to attend such engagements would continue to be guided by individual performance in their respective courts.

The Chief welcomed UJOA’s welfare initiatives, describing the proposed Rotary Club, golf tournament and annual dinner as valuable opportunities to strengthen interaction and solidarity among Judicial Officers. In line with the ongoing Judicial Wellness Month, he encouraged officers to actively participate in wellness programmes, seek help whenever faced with personal challenges and give greater attention to their mental health.

The meeting was attended by members of the UJOA Executive Committee, including HW Okello Welbourne, HW Karim Kyembe, HW Lillian Mazimwe and HW Abubaker Matanda. Also present were Justice Oscar Kihika, HW Sarah Tusiime Bashaija Barungi, HW Dr. Alex Karocho Mushabe, HW Julius Mwesigye, HW Joy Kebirungi Natukunda, HW Vicent Muzeyi, HW Rebecca Apica and HW Steven Waidhuba, among others. 

The meeting was moderated by the Judiciary’s Public Relations Officer, HW James Ereemye Jumire Mawanda.