Chief Justice Hosts First Supreme Court Luncheon, Urges Justices to Build Stronger Working Relationships
The Supreme Court team today came together for its first-ever luncheon hosted by the Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, at his residence in Kasangati, Wakiso District, in a gathering aimed at strengthening unity, collegiality and working relationships among Justices and staff.
The luncheon brought together Justices of the Supreme Court, Registrars, Research Magistrates attached to the Justices, as well as judicial and non-judicial staff, providing an opportunity for colleagues to interact and connect beyond the formal Court setting.
Welcoming the Justices and the entire Supreme Court team, the Chief Justice noted that the luncheon was the first of its kind for the Supreme Court and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to host his colleagues.
He encouraged the Justices and staff to embrace a culture of hosting one another in their homes, noting that such gatherings provide an opportunity to interact outside the formal Court environment, build closer working relationships and foster unity and collegiality.
He emphasised the importance of knowing where colleagues live, noting that this strengthens bonds among colleagues and enables them to support one another in times of need.
The Chief Justice also thanked the Justices and the entire Supreme Court team for their work, noting that he had received positive feedback from members of the public and the legal profession commending the Court’s performance and the seriousness with which it is handling its responsibilities.
In her remarks, Lady Justice Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, Justice of the Supreme Court and Court Administrator, expressed appreciation to the Chief Justice for opening his home to the Supreme Court team, noting that the luncheon provided an opportunity to interact freely and connect beyond their usual judicial work.
She encouraged colleagues to embrace such gatherings, noting that they help build trust, unity and stronger working relationships. She also urged Judicial Officers to look beyond hierarchy and make an effort to build supportive relationships with one another.
“Even as you work together as judicial officers, even as you go up the ladder, try to break the ice. I can assure you, you’ll work better if you trust each other, if you can lean on each other, even when the world is harsh around you,” she said.
Lady Justice Prof. Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza also recalled that earlier in her Judicial career, Judges would visit one another’s chambers to interact and share views beyond their judicial work. She noted that such relationships made it easier for colleagues to notice when someone needed support and to assist one another.
She thanked Registrars, Research Magistrates and other staff for their support to the Justices and for their role in making the luncheon possible. She expressed hope that similar gatherings would continue to strengthen interaction and collegiality within the Supreme Court.
Speaking during the event, Ms. Atuhaire Barbara Zeija, wife of the Chief Justice, thanked the Justices and the entire Supreme Court team for honouring the invitation and making time to attend despite their busy schedules. She also appreciated the organisers and service providers for making the luncheon a success.
She expressed hope that such gatherings would continue and suggested that spouses of Justices be allowed to participate whenever possible, noting that this would provide an opportunity to bring more members of the Judiciary family together.
Notably in attendance were Justice Mike Chibita, Justice Christopher Madrama Izama, Lady Justice Monica Mugenyi and Justice Muzamiru Mutangula Kibeedi.
Also present were HW Mushabe Alex Karocho, Private Legal Secretary to the Chief Justice; HW Mwesigye Julius, Personal Assistant to the Chief Justice; Research Magistrates attached to the Justices; and support staff.
The gathering also gave the Supreme Court team an opportunity to share a meal, enjoy light moments and interact in a relaxed setting away from their usual formal Court environment, further reinforcing the bonds of collegiality and teamwork.
The luncheon was moderated by HW Ayebare Tumwebaze, Registrar, Supreme Court.
Posted 30th, September 2026
