Judiciary Leaders Call for Integrity, Accountability, and Innovation in Courts

Key Judicial leaders in Uganda have called for greater integrity, accountability, and innovation within the judiciary to deliver on its mandate of providing justice for all.
Speaking during a recent magistrates’ conference under the theme, “A People-Centered Approach to Justice,” the Chief Registrar, the Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), and the Principal Judge addressed pressing issues in the administration of justice.
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Chief Registrar Sarah Langa Siu acknowledged the challenges faced by judicial officers, including time constraints in mentorship and professional growth.
She expressed gratitude for her tenure, during which the number of judicial officers increased to 586.
Ms Langa, addressing magistrates for the last time as Chief Registrar, urged them to remain committed to justice and professionalism.
"While you may call me commander, I have interceded and interdicted when necessary," Langa remarked.
She expressed gratitude to the Principal Judge for his guidance and support during her tenure, noting their shared visits to courts across the country.
As she prepares to leave her position, Langa encouraged her colleagues to support the next Chief Registrar and pledged to leave her office with integrity.
Damalie Lwanga, executive director of the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), applauded the high turnout of magistrates at the conference, with 96% in attendance.
She commended the top management for making time to engage with magistrates despite their demanding schedules.
Ms Lwanga emphasized the importance of the wisdom and insights shared during the conference, urging participants to apply the lessons learned to improve justice delivery.
She also thanked Langa for her service and for leaving a legacy that the judiciary would understand and appreciate.
Principal Judge Flavian Zeija closed the conference by stressing the need for magistrates to embrace their roles with responsibility, humility, and dedication.
He cautioned against corruption, trading bail, and delayed judgments, urging magistrates to prioritize older cases and reduce the backlog.
Zeija highlighted the critical role of the judiciary in Uganda’s socio-economic development and reminded magistrates of their duty to uphold high standards of integrity in both their professional and personal lives.
"The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without it," Zeija remarked, encouraging magistrates to consider how their actions would reflect if they found themselves on the other side of the bench.
He emphasized the need for judicial officers to ensure that court users are treated fairly and guided properly, especially to protect them from exploitative individuals.
Zeija also announced plans for unannounced visits to upcountry courts to address absenteeism and inefficiencies.
He cited examples of courts operating under poor conditions, such as shared desks, inadequate facilities, and poorly managed exhibit stores.
These issues, he said, undermine the image and functionality of the judiciary.
He further urged magistrates to embrace alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, engage communities, and use judiciary resources responsibly.
He highlighted the importance of maintaining a professional and welcoming work environment, sharing anecdotes from his visits to various courts to illustrate areas for improvement.
As the judiciary moves toward a people-centered approach to justice, Zeija stressed the need for collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of accurate data management and a renewed commitment to delivering timely and equitable justice for all Ugandans.
The conference served as a reminder of the critical role judicial officers play in upholding the rule of law and the need for continuous efforts to build public trust and confidence in the Judiciary.