In a recent ceremony in Kampala, Uganda, newly appointed High Court registrars and magistrates have been urged to assist the judicial system in reducing a significant backlog of 43,617 cases. These cases have been awaiting resolution for an extended period, with any case exceeding two years in the justice system classified as backlogged.
Chief Registrar Sarah Langa Siu made this call during the swearing-in ceremony of eight new judicial officers, consisting of six Registrars and two Grade One Magistrates. The newly appointed officers include Gorret Arinaitwe, Ivan Nkwasibwe, Asiziya Suzan Musoli, Rogers Kinobe Binega, Agnes Mutatina Natukunda, Juliet Komugisha, Alison Nasasira, and Joseph Omara Sabitti, who took their oaths as Grade One Magistrates.
Langa welcomed these officers into the Judiciary and emphasized their role in delivering justice efficiently to the people of Uganda. She stressed the importance of respecting the hierarchy within the judiciary and recognizing the contributions of support staff, such as clerks.
During the same event, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo urged the newly appointed officers to serve as ambassadors of the reformed Judiciary in their respective areas of service. He emphasized the timely delivery of judgments and the careful handling of bail applications. Dollo also stressed the responsibility of ensuring that individuals sent to jail deserve their sentences and that bail is not unreasonably denied.
Principal Judge Dr. Zeija called upon the new officers to uphold high standards of conduct in both their professional and personal lives. He emphasized that their behavior reflects on the entire Judiciary and underscored the need to maintain an impeccable reputation.
Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera announced that the Judicial Training Institute would conduct orientation and induction seminars for the new officers, focusing on judicial culture, etiquette, norms, and values. He encouraged them to actively engage in these seminars to become proficient judicial officers.
Buteera also highlighted the Judiciary’s goals, which include improving access to judicial services, enhancing court processes and case management, and strengthening ICT. In conclusion, he encouraged the new officers to establish a positive professional brand, seek knowledge as needed, and produce high-quality decisions in their roles.
