Hon. Justice Musa Ssekaana (left), Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Alfonse Owiny - Dollo(Center) and other Justices at the Induction of New Judges at Mestil Hotel
The Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo has called on the new Judges of the High Court and Justices of the Court of Appeal/Constitutional Court to focus on enhancing access to Justice while exercising their judicial duties.
The Chief Justice made these remarks on Monday November 22, 2021 while flagging off a one week induction of new Judges of the Constitutional Court/Court of Appeal and the High Court taking place at Mestil Hotel in Kampala.
From the Court of Appeal: Justices; Hon. Justice Muzamiru Mutangula Kibeedi, Hon. Lady Justice Irene Mulyagonja, Hon. Lady Justice Monica Kalyegira Mugenyi, Hon. Justice Christopher Gashirabake and Hon. Lady Justice Eva Luswata are being inducted.
At the High Court level: Judges; Hon. Lady Justice Margaret Apiny, Hon. Lady Justice Florence Nakachwa, Hon. Justice Tom Chemutai, Hon. Justice Vincent Wagona, Hon. Lady Justice Alice Komuhangi and Hon. Justice Lawrence Tweyanze are being inducted.
In his address to the Judges, the Chief Justice called on their lordships to meet a number of strategic objectives in-line with the Judiciary's Strategic Plan V.
These objectives include; enhancing equitable access to Judiciary Services; improve Court processes and case management and strengthening the use of ICT in the administration of justice.
The others are developing and supporting the Judiciary workforce and institutional capacity; improving coordination, partnerships and accountability as well as improved public awareness and the image of the Judiciary; and enhance resource mobilization and management.
The Chief Justice further urged the Judges to always use the guiding principles of ensuring that justice is done to all people irrespective of their social or economic status. Adding that justice should not be delayed and also to award adequate compensation to victims of wrong without fear, favour or ill will.
The CJ noted that if effective justice is to be dispensed ,the Judges should also not forget to be independent, impartial and also exercise propriety, equality, competence and diligence as per their Judicial Code of Conduct.
Hon. Justice Owiny - Dollo the Chief Justice (standing) addressing the newly appointed Justices and Judges
On his part, the Principal Judge, Hon. Justice Dr Flavian Zeija tasked the inductees not to give room for errors and asked them to restore public confidence in the Judiciary and to maintain their ethics and integrity. This was contained in a speech presented on his behalf by the Head of the Civil Division of High Court, Hon. Justice Musa Ssekaana.
"Be mindful of the principles of independence, impartiality, integrity, propriety, equality, competence and diligence as enshrined in the Judicial Code of Conduct," he said.
Hon. Lady Justice Damalie N. Lwanga, the Executive Director of JTI said the induction was intended to enhance the knowledge and skills of their Lordships for their respective courts and to ensure that they are up to date with the developments in Legal jurisprudence.
In his presentation, the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary, Mr Pius Bigirimana urged the inductees to be conversant with the provisions of Administration of the Judiciary Act, the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders 2021 and other regulations governing Public Service.
The inductees are being oriented about Judicial independence and accountability, the Bar-Bench relationship, management of retirement, collegiality at work, the operations of the East African Court of Justice, the use of electronic and digital evidence, judgment writing techniques, stress management, ethics and integrity, protocol and etiquette, among others.
The Registrar and Deputy Registrar of the Judicial Training Institute, HW Mary Kaitesi and HW Moses Gabriel Angualia respectively are moderating the Induction.