Earlier today the Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, presided over the official handover ceremony of Lady Justice Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya (Outgoing President of Uganda Judicial Officers Association) to HW Ayebare Daphne (Incoming President of the Association) at the Supreme Court building in Kampala.
The ceremony was witnessed by Judicial Officers in various capacities including members of the Executive of UJOA and representatives to the Association from various levels of the Judiciary (both outgoing and incoming).
Notably in attendance was Justice Vincent Mugabo (Chairperson UJOA Electoral Commission), HW Mallen Obizu (General Secretary), HW Okello Welbourne (Deputy General Secretary), HW Karim Kyembe (Vice Treasurer), HW Abubaker Matanda (Vice Publicity Secretary), and HW Edith Tusabe (representing persons with disabilities)
Also present was Lady Justice Elizabeth Musoke (Judicial Service Commission Ex-officio representative), Lady Justice Celia Nagawa (Representative for the High Court), Lady Justice Sarah Langa Siu (Head, Wakiso High Court Circuit), HW Sarah Bashaija Barungi (Representative for Registrars), HW Dr. Mushabe Alex Karocho (Private Legal Secretary to the Chief Justice), HW Moses Nabende Mushebebe (Representative for Chief Magistrates), HW Mwesigye Julius (Personal Assistant to the Chief Justice), HW Boniface Okello, HW Joy Kebirungi Natukunda, HW Vincent Muzeyi and HW Rebecca Apica (Representatives for Magistrates), and HW Steven Waidhuba (Magistrates Grade Two representative), among others.
The event was moderated by HW Timothy Lumunye (Chief Magistrate, Law Development Centre Court)
The Students Department conducted a courtesy visit to Hon. Justice Steven MUBIRU at his chambers at the Mukono High Court Circuit. The visit aimed at giving students of @uculaw@UCUniversity an opportunity to interact with and learn from one of the distinguished judicial officers in Uganda.
During the meeting, Hon. Justice MUBIRU shared his inspiring journey in the field of justice and law. He emphasized the importance of hard work, discipline, integrity, and consistency in both academic and professional life. He encouraged students to always do their best in everything they pursue and cautioned them against taking shortcuts in life, noting that true success comes through patience, dedication and honesty.
#UCLFMentorship
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Happening Now: The Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, is presiding over the Wakiso High Court Open Day at Wakiso High Court grounds in Wakiso district.
The event is being held under the theme: *“Justice that Listens, Serves and Resolves.”*
Upon arrival, the Chief Justice was received by various judicial officers, including Lady Justice Sarah Langa Siu (Head, Wakiso High Court), Lady Justice Flavia Grace Lamuno (Resident Judge, Wakiso), HW Alum Agnes (Chief Registrar), HW Tusiime Sarah Bashaija (Registrar Inspectorate of Courts), HW Dr. Mushabe Alex Karocho (Private Legal Secretary to the Chief Justice), and HW Faisal Mulalira Umar (Deputy Registrar Wakiso High Court), among others.
Also present were various stakeholders, including representatives from the Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Police Force, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), advocates, Members of Parliament, district, local and religious leaders, among others.
Notably present were Hon. Zambaali Bulasio Mukasa (Member of Parliament, Nansana Municipality), Mr. Ian Kyeyune (LCV Chairperson, Wakiso District), and Sheikh Elias Kigozi (Wakiso District Khadi).
The Chief Justice inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Uganda Police Force and planted a tree on the court’s grounds to commemorate the day. He also inspected the Court premises.
Earlier, Ms. Halimah Kaggwa (Senior Client Service Officer) and Mr. Deo Akugizibwe (Communications Officer) sensitized the public on various Judiciary initiatives aimed at improving service delivery, including plea bargaining, mediation, the Small Claims Procedure. The team also guided the public on different court processes and procedures, including the bail refund process.
The Open Day is attended by various stakeholders including representatives from the Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Police Force, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), advocates, Members of Parliament, district, local and religious leaders, among others. Also in attendance are members of the public.
The Open Day is being moderated by the Judiciary’s Public Relations Officer, HW James Ereemye Jumire Mawanda, assisted by Mr. Akugizibwe
The Judiciary has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening accountability, professionalism and efficiency in the administration of justice through the rollout of the Performance Enhancement Tool (PET), with judicial officers urged to embrace the system as a key driver of institutional transformation.
This was noted this morning during the opening of a training session for Magistrates on the use of the PET, where the Court of Appeal’s Justice Musa Ssekaana, a member of the Performance Management and Awards Committee, emphasized that the Tool would usher in a more transparent, evidence-based and objective approach to performance management within the Judiciary.
Justice Ssekaana who represented the Chairperson of the Committee, Justice Mike Chibita, described the PET as a major milestone in the Judiciary’s efforts to improve service delivery and strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
He noted that the Judiciary, as the custodian of the rule of law and protector of citizens’ rights and freedoms, must continuously strive for excellence and adapt to evolving public expectations.
“The effectiveness of the Judiciary depends not only on the laws and systems in place, but also on the performance and dedication of its judicial and administrative personnel,” he said.
The Judge explained that the PET system was introduced to streamline judicial workflows, promote accountability, clarify staff responsibilities and support professional growth through feedback, recognition and continuous improvement.
He stressed that the Tool is not intended to punish judicial officers, but rather to support and empower them in delivering justice more effectively and efficiently.
“This Tool is not meant to be punitive, but rather designed to support and empower us as we work towards delivering justice more effectively and efficiently,” he emphasized.
Justice Ssekaana said the Tool will enable the Judiciary to objectively evaluate judicial work using measurable indicators such as case disposal rates, complexity of matters handled, time spent on cases, number of witnesses involved and the mode of disposal.
He explained, “a judgment involving twenty witnesses cannot attract the same weight as a simple matter involving one witness. The system takes into account the complexity and effort involved in handling cases,” he explained.
Adding, “we are moving towards a system where best performers will be identified through empirical data and measurable outputs,” he said.
He noted that the Tool would eliminate concerns surrounding unverified performance claims and ensure fairness and transparency in assessing judicial officers.
Justice Ssekaana also pointed to similar reforms taking place across the region, citing discussions within the Kenyan Judiciary on publishing individual judicial performance data under structured and transparent frameworks.
He urged judicial officers to fully embrace the PET and actively participate in the training to strengthen service delivery and improve accountability within the Judiciary.
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the Chief Registrar, the Registrar High Court, HW Prossy Katushabe, welcomed participants to the training and underscored the importance of fairness and integrity in the appraisal process.
The Registrar cautioned appraisers against using the exercise to settle personal scores and urged them to conduct objective assessments of their supervisors.
“This is not a time to settle scores, but to carry out a fair assessment of your bosses,” the Registrar said.
Participants were further reminded that the effectiveness of the PET would depend on the quality and accuracy of information entered into it.
“The Tool is managed by human beings. What we feed into it is what we shall get out of it,” the Registrar noted.
Today and Thursday, the Magistrates will be taken through the technical aspects of navigating the Tool
The International Association of Women Judges Uganda Chapter (IAWJ-UC) yesterday held a colourful handover ceremony at the Supreme Court Building Conference Hall, marking a significant moment of transition and renewed commitment to advancing justice and gender equity in Uganda.
The ceremony saw Lady Justice Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya officially assume office as President of IAWJ-UC, taking over from Lady Justice Elizabeth Jane Alividza in a ceremony characterised by celebration, mentorship, gratitude and inspiration.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Principal Judge and Patron of IAWJ-UC, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, described the occasion as “a beautiful day,” humorously noting that she had not expected to dance so early on a Saturday morning.
She paid special tribute to the mentees present, emphasizing that mentorship remains central to the Association’s mission and that it is critical in strengthening institutions in administration of justice.
“If we want strong institutions like the Judiciary, the Uganda Law Society, the Office of the DPP and civil society, we must mentor the young people because the law, by its nature, is a noble profession,” she said.
The Principal Judge observed that legal professionals often shoulder the burden of helping others navigate emotional pain while dealing with their own personal challenges, underscoring the importance of strong mentorship structures within the legal profession.
Lady Justice Abodo applauded the outgoing Executive for laying a strong foundation for the Association and noted the remarkable increase in the number of women joining the legal profession compared to earlier years when law classes at the Law Development Centre were significantly smaller.
She pledged the Judiciary’s continued support to IAWJ-UC and encouraged members to think beyond Uganda in their work and impact, while also emphasizing the importance of male allies in advancing gender equality.
Addressing women in leadership, the Principal Judge noted that many women still struggle with inferiority complexes in leadership spaces and commended the Association for challenging stereotypes that place certain offices and responsibilities along gender lines.
“Women are capable of achieving just as much,” she affirmed.
She concluded by wishing the incoming President, Lady Justice Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya, God’s abundant blessings and success during her three-year tenure.
In her remarks, the new president, Lady Justice Kazaarwe commended the Patron of the Association for her timekeeping and presence at the ceremony, noting that the day was not merely for speeches, but for honouring the outgoing leadership and celebrating the mentorship and steady guidance that had shaped the Association over the years.
“This is not a day for speaking; it is a day for honouring,” she remarked, paying tribute to President Emeritus Lady Justice Alividza for her dedicated service and leadership.
In an emotional and reflective address, President Emeritus thanked the Principal for accepting to be the Patron of the Association.
She shared her personal journey from her early days at FIDA Uganda in her twenties to joining the Judiciary in the 1990s, where she served at Buganda Road Court handling capital offences. She recalled how that role brought her into close interaction with senior female judicial officers who mentored and guided her.
Lady Justice Alividza also fondly recalled attending an international conference in Manila, Philippines, in 1994/1995 while still a Magistrate Grade One, an experience she described as transformative and life-changing.
She narrated how the late Maria Ssali supported her with USD 1,000 towards the trip while the Judiciary provided the balance, enabling her to join a global network of women judges
I was enthused hosting Chief Justice Flavian Zeija and the distinguished delegation from the Judiciary of Uganda during their benchmarking visit to the Employment and Labour Relations Court of Kenya.
Our engagement reaffirmed the strong bonds between the Judiciaries of Kenya and Uganda, founded on shared values of justice, constitutionalism, and the rule of law. We exchanged valuable insights on judicial reforms, labour justice, technology integration, and improving access to justice for our people.
I commend the Judiciary of Uganda for its commitment to strengthening labour justice systems and fostering judicial transformation. As sister institutions, we remain committed to deepening regional collaboration, mutual learning, and professional cooperation in the service of justice.
Today at the Law Development Centre Boardroom, Hon. Lady Justice Eva Luswata Kawuma formally handed over the mantle of Chairperson of the Legal Aid Clinic Advisory Board to Hon. Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga after eight years of dedicated and distinguished service.
MESSAGE | Mr. @kasujja, Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre and Government Spokesperson, provides an update on Uganda’s Ebola status and ongoing national response efforts. #HealthUG
The Performance Management and Awards Committee has held its quarterly meeting to review progress on the rollout of the Performance Enhancement Tool (PET) and consider feedback on the Draft Rewards and Sanctions Framework.
The meeting, held today at the Supreme Court Building, was chaired by Justice Mike Chibita.
In his opening remarks, Justice Chibita emphasized the need to consider practical ways of expediting the rollout of PET across the Judiciary. He noted that the Tool remains central to strengthening performance management, accountability and service delivery within the institution.
Justice Chibita informed members that the Draft Rewards and Sanctions Framework had previously been circulated for review and feedback. He said the Committee would receive updates from the Secretary on submissions made by members to enrich the framework.
He also congratulated HW Agnes Alum upon her appointment as Chief Registrar.
During the meeting, members discussed feedback received on the Draft Rewards and Sanctions Framework, which is intended to support a structured approach to recognizing good performance and addressing non-compliance with performance management requirements.
The Committee also received an update on the PET rollout from the Committee Secretary, HW Patricia Amoko.
HW Amoko informed members that seven Chief Magistrates were yet to activate their performance plans. She, however, noted that all Chief Magistrates had been notified of the consequences of non-compliance with performance management requirements.
She further reported that activities planned for the current quarter include training sessions for Magistrates Grade I mapped as subordinates, scheduled for May 26 and 28, 2026.
The Committee was also informed that training for ICT staff subordinates is yet to be scheduled, while media engagements will continue to sensitize the public on their role in the appraisal process and data collection
Hoima City is now home to the Attorney General’s Chambers, bringing gov't legal services closer to the people; legal representation, contract drafting & review, civil litigation, constitutional affairs, and Administrator General Services. @JudiciaryUG@SpiceFMHoima@MoJCAUG