The Judiciary Muslims’ Association yesterday held its inaugural Iftar dinner at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala in observance of the holy month of Ramadhan.
The event was attended by both Muslim and non-Muslim Judicial Officers of different court levels. Also in attendance were the Judiciary’s senior administrators, support staff and various stakeholders, including advocates, religious and political leaders, and representatives from different justice institutions.
Speaking during the event, the Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, noted that Iftar was not only about breaking the fast but also about affirming the shared values that bind members of the Judiciary. He observed that while Judicial Officers serve in different roles, they are united by a common duty to truth, justice, and service to the people.
The Chief Justice added that the values of Ramadhan, patience, discipline, reflection, and compassion, are similar to the virtues required of a Judicial Officer. He also emphasized that justice must be rooted in both the law and conscience, noting that the Constitution upholds human dignity, equality, and freedom of belief, and that the Judiciary must reflect these principles in its work.
“In our courtrooms, we are defined by our adversarial roles or our impartial mandates. But tonight, we gather as a community, reminded by the spirit of Ramadhan that our shared humanity and our shared commitment to the truth precede all else. The principles of this holy month, patience, self-discipline, and deep reflection, are remarkably similar to the virtues required of a jurist,” he said.
Reflecting on his personal experience, the Chief Justice cited a case he handled in Masaka while he was still a Judge of the High Court, involving the distribution of property under Sharia principles. The matter, he said, deepened his appreciation of the role religious leaders play in dispute resolution. He commended them (religious leaders), especially Muslim clerics, for supporting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), noting that such efforts complement formal court processes and promote social harmony.
“I must commend religious leaders and institutions for playing an indispensable role in promoting social harmony, moral guidance, and peaceful dispute resolution. Muslim clerics, in particular, continue to assist communities through mediation, reconciliation, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. These contributions complement formal justice, reduce conflict, and foster restorative outcomes,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of interfaith harmony within the Judiciary and in the wider community. He commended the Association and its patron, Justice Musa Ssekaana, for initiating the Iftar dinner and strengthening unity within the institution. He further encouraged generosity during Ramadhan and recognised the wider contribution of the Muslim community to national development.
In her remarks, the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, described the dinner as a historic and inclusive initiative, noting that it reflects the Judiciary’s commitment to diversity, collegiality, and mutual respect among officers of different faiths. She also emphasized that the occasion was a practical demonstration of the institution’s dedication to constitutional values and internal harmony.
“This event stands as a testament to Uganda’s constitutional values of equality, freedom of worship, and social harmony. Let this remind us that our strength as a Judiciary lies not only in legal expertise, but also in our ability to collaborate, respect diversity, and foster unity in service to our nation,” she stated.
The Principal Judge further observed that Ramadhan is a period of self-discipline, reflection, and compassion, virtues that are equally essential in the discharge of judicial functions.
She noted that judicial decisions affect lives and shape society, and must therefore be guided by fairness, empathy, and accountability.
She commended the Association for creating a platform where professional excellence and spiritual observance can coexist and expressed hope that the initiative would inspire continued unity and a renewed commitment to justice.
The Patron of the Association, Justice Musa Ssekaana (Justice of the Court of Appeal), noted that the Association brings together both judicial and non-judicial staff. He observed that Ramadhan teaches patience, self-control, and empathy, qualities necessary for impartial and clear decision-making. He further linked fasting to personal wellness and mental focus, noting its relevance to the Judiciary’s broader theme of institutional wellness.
“As you are all aware, fasting physically promotes detoxification, mindful nutrition, stamina, enhancing focus in courtrooms and chambers. Studies or testimonies show that intermittent fasting boosts cognitive function, supporting the judicial decision-making process, which resonates well with this year’s theme of judicial wellness which we had at the Annual Judges’ Conference,” he said.
He launched the Judiciary Muslims Savings and Credit Co-operative Organization (SACCO), a cooperative savings and credit association aimed at supporting Muslim staff and associates. He stated that the SACCO will provide accessible financial services, including interest-free loans in line with Islamic principles, structured savings plans, and opportunities for Sharia-compliant investments, foster financial independence, support family welfare, and build economic resilience among its members. He urged Muslim staff to subscribe and strengthen the Association.
He also proposed that the Iftar dinner be formalised on the Judiciary calendar to affirm the Judiciary’s commitment to religious harmony, boost moral and staff engagement and align with Uganda's cultural values of equality and freedom of worship.
Addressing the gathering, the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary, Dr. Pius Bigirimana, congratulated Muslim staff and affirmed their equal right to organise the Iftar within the institution. He emphasized the importance of unity, mutual support, and mentorship within the Judiciary Muslim community, particularly in guiding younger officers in upholding moral standards and serving the country with dedication.
“It is very important that as Muslims to come together, to support each other, to also mentor others, the young ones especially, to make them understand that they are Judicial Officers, they must have morals and serve this country with all the commitment that is expected of you,” he said.
Emphasising ethical responsibility, the Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya, said faith, ethics and public service are interconnected. She explained that the discipline of Ramadhan strengthens integrity, accountability and sound judgment, which are essential in judicial administration. She welcomed the launch of the Judiciary Muslim SACCO, describing it as a step toward economic empowerment, financial stability and institutional resilience.
Highlighting economic and social issues, guest speaker Dr. Aisha Ruth Kasolo focused on women’s empowerment, Islamic finance and banking. She urged men to allow daughters to inherit property and to support women’s leadership in business and family affairs.
Dr. Aisha also called for review of financial laws that disadvantage women, particularly in access to credit. She advocated for greater promotion of Islamic finance as an inclusive model that shares risk and avoids interest-based lending.
The event was moderated by HW James Ereemye Jumire Mawanda, Judiciary’s Public Relations Officer, and HW Faisal Mulalira, Deputy Registrar Wakiso High Court.
Courtesy of Rose Ampurira & Danielle Nalukenge