The Civil Division of the High Court marked a momentous transition, officially welcoming newly appointed justices and bidding farewell to outgoing leaders during a vibrant ceremony attended by the Court’s leadership judicial officers, court leadership, and support staff.
In her inaugural address as Head of the Civil Division, Lady Justice Joyce Kavuma expressed heartfelt appreciation to Justices Musa Ssekaana and Esta Nambayo for attending despite their Court of Appeal duties. She applauded their contributions to the Division’s development and called for a continued spirit of service rooted in humility, diligence, and purpose.
“It is by God’s grace that we have been called to serve here,” she said. Adding, “Let us lead with humility, diligence, and a sense of purpose.”
Justice Kavuma emphasized key values that will define her leadership: teamwork, integrity, and a zero-tolerance stance on corruption. She encouraged support staff to remain proactive and open in communication, reaffirming her commitment to an open-door policy grounded in accessibility and honest dialogue.
Deputy Head of Division, Justice Bernard Namanya, rallied the team to preserve the unity and energy that have long characterized the Civil Division. He underscored the importance of consultation among Judicial Officers to ensure consistent, well-reasoned decisions.
Justice Musa Ssekaana welcomed the incoming judges with a call for diligence and receptiveness to feedback. “Be thorough in your work. Consult often. That’s how we ensure justice is both fair and timely,” he said.
Lady Justice Nambayo reflected on her deep connection to the Division, describing it as “a family that shaped me.” She highlighted the central role of teamwork—among both judges and staff—and encouraged the new justices to model time management as a leadership virtue.
Outgoing Acting Head and Deputy Head, Justice Emmanuel Baguma, congratulated the new appointees and acknowledged the recent elevation of Justices Ssekaana, Nambayo, and Dr. Douglas Singiza. He praised the Division as a “brand” founded on strong values: teamwork, high performance, transparency, accountability, and zero tolerance for corruption. He highlighted the Division’s hallmark initiative—weekly working lunches—as a key platform for candid discussions and collaboration among judges, Registrars, and Research Assistants.
“Transparency is also part of who we are…Everyone knows what’s happening and why. That’s how we maintain trust,” he said.
Justice Isaac Bonny Teko pledged to support the Division’s mission, referring to the new Judges as “Team Backlog Clearance.” He emphasized the urgency of reducing case delays while upholding justice and reaffirmed his support for an open-door and corruption-free environment.
Justice Simon Peter M. Kinobe expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, promising to lead with humility and fairness. Justice Collins Acellam echoed this commitment, adding that he was reassured to join a team that “practices what it preaches” in terms of integrity, performance, and time management.
The Court’s Registrar, HW Kintu Simon Zirintusa, welcomed the new justices and reaffirmed the Registrars’ dedication to consultation and timely justice. “Call on us when needed. We’re here to support,” he assured.
Representing the support staff, Ms. Jolly Kauma extended a warm welcome to the new judges and thanked the outgoing leaders for their mentorship. She pledged continued cooperation, saying, “We’re ready to continue building this Division together.”
The new judges were given a tour of the court premises and introduced to staff. The event concluded with a presentation of appreciation plaques to Justice Baguma and HW Mary Nalubowa Gorreti (the Magistrate I Research attached to Justice Baguma’s chambers). This was followed by a cake-cutting ceremony. Also in attendance were outgoing Deputy Registrar HW Faisal Umar Mulalira and Magistrates Grade I Research HW Joshua Twengyeirwe (assigned to Lady Justice Kavuma’s Chambers) and HW Angella Amudo (assigned to Justice Namanya’s Chambers).
Courtesy of: Ritah Mukundane