Newly appointed acting Judges undergo orientation
"Offer transparent and meaningful justice to our people. Offer justice without delay. Make orders for adequate compensation," Zeija said.
The newly appointed acting judges of the High Court at the start of their indunction session presided over by the principal Judge Flavian Zeija (seated centre), Mike Chibita (seated left) the justice of the supreme court, also a chairperson of the governing council of the Judicial Training Institute and Lady Justice Damalie Lwanga (seated right) the executive director of Judicial Training Institute. (Photos by Julius Luwemba)
Julius Luwemba
Journalist @New Vision
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Following their appointment on February 6, 2025, as acting judges of the High Court, the 21 judicial officers are currently undergoing a two-week induction session at Admas Hotel in Entebbe municipality.
The induction, which started on March 17, is expected to see the judges oriented in the administrative operations of the High Court, use of information technology, customer care and building public trust among others. The team was also joined by another judge who missed the induction last year, to make a total of 22 judicial officers.
Deputy Chief Justice designate Flavian Zeija, who also represented Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, emphasised that the judicial power is derived from the people hence ought to be exercised by courts, on behalf of the people.
"You must, therefore, keep people at the centre of your services," Zeija said, urging the newly appointed judges to promote mediation, plea bargaining and reconciliation between and among the parties that take their matter before the courts of law.
"Offer transparent and meaningful justice to our people. Offer justice without delay. Make orders for adequate compensation. As judges, in addition to executing judicial functions, you also help the Principal Judge to supervise subordinate courts within your jurisdictions."
Having spent several years working as a Principal Judge in the recent past, Zeija observed that one of the temptations that should be avoided by judicial officers, is to portray themselves in a manner that portrays the decision that such judicial officers are going to take before writing or delivering the judgement or ruling.
"Even when you have formed an opinion that the party has a worthless claim, keep calm until the judgement or ruling is done," he said.
The induction and orientation of judicial officers into their new roles is always conducted by the Judicial Training Institute headed by executive director Lady Justice Damalie Lwanga.
Meanwhile, Justice of the Supreme Court Mike Chibita, also a chairperson of the governing council of the Judicial Training Institute, advised the new acting judges not to shy away from asking for assistance from anyone who knows better and is well experienced.
Flavian Zeija (right) the Principal Judge, also deputy chief justice designate chatting with Justice Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere (left) who is among the newly appointed acting judges of the Hight court, as other acting judges look on.
Emphasising the importance of induction sessions, Chibita said it offers a platform that the new members of the judicial family get acquainted with the corporate culture of the institution in addition to earning skills and experiences for the smooth running of their new office.
He advised them to use the platform to share their past experiences in the legal industry and apply the practices in the process of justice delivery.
"I urge you to always with utmost humility and integrity, to make upright decisions without fear, favour, ill will or affection as per our judicial oath. I also want to emphasise that there's no room for corruption. The Judiciary is willing to lose anyone who is not willing to do the right thing. The Judicial Service Commission is mandated to expedite management of disciplinary matters and the inspectorate is ready to deal with any kind of indiscipline or corruption. Needless to remind you that the other stakeholders are ready to bang the tables in case justice gets delayed or compromised," Chibita said.
On a similar note, Zeija emphasised the aspect of customer care in dispensing justice.
"We own these offices to serve the court users. It's, therefore, within our power to ensure that all staff including magistrates, court clerks and other judicial officers lacking the basic tenets of customer care are eradicated," he said.
On behalf of the Dollo, Zeija called upon the new cohort of judicial officers to ensure that customer care practices are observed and instilled in the staff, further emphasising integrity as a chief cornerstone of the administration of justice.
Acting Judges
In their acting capacity, the judges under orientation are:
- Sarah Langa Siu
- Rosemary Bareebe
- Mary Babirye
- Lillian Alum
- Charles kasibayo
- Mary Kaitesi Kisakye
- Suzan Adongo
- Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere
- Joanita Gertrude Bushara
- Simon Peter Kinobe
- Vincent Opyene
- Sarah Birungi Kalibbala.
- Isaac Teko
- Deepa Verma
- Grace Flavia Lamuno
- Fatuma Nanziri
- Kwemara Kafuuzi
- Godfrey Himbaza
- Andrew Khaukha
- Ginamia Melody Ngwatu
- Ida Nakiganda.
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