The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, this morning conducted an ad hoc inspection at Lugazi High Court, where she assessed the progress of election petition hearings and interacted with judicial officers and support staff about their working conditions. She was received by Lady Justice Dr. Winifred Nabisinde, Lady Justice Sarah Langa Siu, the Court’s Assistant Registrar, HW Dorothy Kyampaire among other judicial officers. The Principal Judge said the visit was intended to check on the judges handling election petitions, assess how proceedings were progressing and convey the Judiciary’s appreciation for their service during a demanding period. She commended the host court and registry staff for accommodating the presiding Judges despite limited space, noting that their willingness to share chambers and other facilities demonstrated collegiality and commitment to the administration of justice. Describing the handling of election petitions as a national duty, Justice Abodo thanked the Judges for accepting the assignments alongside their existing workloads. She noted that the outcome of election disputes has a significant bearing on public confidence and stability. The Principal Judge urged the judges to observe the strict timelines governing election petitions. She acknowledged that hearings had started later than anticipated because of funding challenges but reiterated the Judiciary’s commitment to completing the exercise within the prescribed period. She tasked the Court to provide clear updates on the number of petitions being handled to support planning and resource allocation, and to promptly report any matters likely to exceed the two-week allocation. On courtroom management, Justice Abodo urged judicial officers to maintain order, manage attendance within available seating capacity and work closely with security personnel. She noted that the court’s location within a busy market required particular vigilance. She directed that proceedings should not be livestreamed and discouraged the use of phones in court in favour of notebooks. She also emphasised proper witness management to prevent witnesses from listening to one another’s testimony before giving their own evidence. The Principal Judge further urged Judges to manage the heightened emotions that often accompany election disputes while maintaining firm and fair control of proceedings. Turning to judicial wellness, Justice Abodo acknowledged that judges were working beyond normal hours and over weekends to meet the demanding timelines. She nevertheless encouraged them to protect time for rest, adhere to their weekday cause lists and avoid routinely allowing advocates’ emergencies to disrupt court schedules. She encouraged judicial officers to use available wellness facilities and create opportunities to support one another, noting that judicial work can be isolating and emotionally demanding. Justice Abodo also underscored the importance of continuous learning, professional humility and allowing the law to guide the fair determination of disputes. Recognising the contribution of registry and support staff, the Principal Judge said their logistical and administrative support was critical to the election petition exercise. She thanked them for their commitment despite the constraints under which they were working. She also indicated that the Lugazi team would be included in a judicial officers’ group that shares daily devotions, case law and professional experiences to promote learning, collegiality and wellness.During the interaction, staff raised concerns relating to welfare, working conditions and logistical challenges. The Principal Judge appreciated their candour and pledged to follow up on the issues and provide feedback. She also indicated that she would undertake more field visits to better understand conditions at court stations

Pupils from Ribbon Primary School today visited Kiboga High Court for an educational engagement on the role of the Judiciary in administering justice. The Assistant Registrar, HW Hellen Atigo, guided the pupils through the functions of the three arms of Government; the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, explaining how each contributes to the governance of Uganda. She highlighted the Judiciary’s responsibility to interpret the law, administer justice and resolve disputes in accordance with the law. She also explained its role in protecting rights and promoting accountability. HW Atigo encouraged the pupils to embrace fairness and respect for the rule of law from an early age, emphasising the importance of these values in their daily lives. Turning to career aspirations, she urged pupils interested in becoming lawyers and judges to work hard, remain disciplined and commit to their studies. She noted that the legal profession requires academic excellence alongside integrity, impartiality and a strong sense of responsibility. The visit offered the pupils first-hand exposure to the work of the courts, connecting their classroom learning with the responsibilities of public institutions and encouraging them to pursue their ambitions

The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has conducted ad hoc inspections at Njeru Magistrates Court in Buikwe District, Jinja High Court and Katende Magistrates Court in Jinja District, to assess case management, working conditions and staff welfare. The visits provided an opportunity for judicial officers and support staff to engage directly with the Judiciary’s leadership on progress and priorities for improving service delivery. At Njeru Magistrates Court, Magistrates HW Egessa Wilberforce Masaaka and HW Kibeedi Peace welcomed the visit, describing it as reassuring and an opportunity for leadership to appreciate conditions at the station. HW Egessa highlighted limited chambers and registry space, as well as inadequate shelving and storage for files and exhibits. He requested for air conditioning, desktop computers, additional staff and transport support to facilitate court operations, noting that staff transfers had increased pressure on the remaining personnel. He also emphasised the importance of motivation, regular feedback and field visits in supporting staff performance and improving working conditions. At Jinja High Court, Justice Lawrence Gidudu thanked the Principal Judge for the visit and commended HW Fiona Sheila Angura, the Jinja Chief Magistrate also Acting Assistant Registrar, for transforming the registry. Justice Gidudu raised concerns about cases involving alleged fraudulent powers of attorney purportedly notarised abroad, including in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. He noted that the Court lacked the capacity to verify such documents. The Judge highlighted concerns about the credibility of some recruited mediators and sentencing disparities, noting that inmates held in the same prison compare sentences imposed for similar offences. The court reported a backlog of approximately 1,000 cases, including more than 500 criminal matters, and requested a dedicated criminal sessions plan to support backlog reduction and prison decongestion. The discussions also highlighted difficulties faced by convicted persons who lack advocates to pursue appeals. Staff requested additional space for the High Court and Chief Magistrates Court, which share premises, and completion of the generator installation to provide backup during power outages. At Katende Magistrates Court, HW Zako Dorcas and HW Kintu Christine welcomed the Principal Judge and described the visit as a source of motivation and an indication of management’s concern for staff welfare. HW Zako highlighted staffing constraints, noting that process servers were undertaking additional administrative duties, a clerk serving multiple courts was available only two to three days a week, and a police prosecutor attended twice a week. She also requested additional furniture for staff and court users, together with more storage equipment for files. The team called for further staff training and public sensitisation on the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS). They reported that some court users from rural communities struggled to understand the new processes and sometimes failed to return. Staff also requested uniforms for process servers, explaining that the absence of uniforms or clear identification made it difficult for the public to recognise them as court officials. Throughout the visits, Lady Justice Abodo recognised the contribution of registry and support staff, emphasising that effective registry operations are critical to the smooth functioning of courts. She thanked the teams for their resilience and commitment despite the constraints and assured them that the Judiciary would continue to address the administrative, logistical, staffing and welfare concerns raised

The Court of Appeal is set to conduct a two-day civil appeals session in Kampala, during which 23 matters are scheduled to be heard. The session will run from tomorrow, Tuesday, October 20, to Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Proceedings will be presided over by different panels of Justices, comprising Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Justice Christopher Gashirabake, Lady Justice Margaret Tibulya and Lady Justice Cornelia Kakooza Sabiiti. According to the cause list signed by HW Natukunda Janeva (Deputy Registrar, Court of Appeal), appeals scheduled for hearing cover a wide range of civil matters, including land, breach of contract, claims for damages, wrongful termination, mortgage, defamation, compensation and divorce, among others. The session is part of the Court’s ongoing efforts to expedite the hearing of cases, reduce case backlog, and enhance access to justice

The Criminal Division Focal Judge on Juvenile Justice, Justice Rosette Comfort Kania, has received a briefing from UNICEF Child Protection Officer, Ms. Irene Oluka, on planned activities to strengthen juvenile justice under UNICEF’s Child Protection Programme 2025–2030. The activities supported under the programme include the development of a curriculum on Child-Friendly Justice; juvenile justice sessions at three remand homes in Arua, Gulu and Mbale; Circuit Coordination Subcommittee meetings in six circuits Soroti, Moroto, Gulu, Arua, Mbale and Kumi; and joint Administration of Justice Programme (AJP) juvenile justice monitoring and evaluation. Justice Kania highlighted the need to balance legal protections for children with public safety, noting concerns around the involvement of older adolescents in serious offences. She observed that some existing statutory provisions may not adequately address the complexities surrounding serious offences committed by juveniles. She noted that any review of legal thresholds should strike a balance between accountability and the developmental rights of children, while also addressing the risk of adult syndicates exploiting juveniles to commit serious offences. She emphasised the need for social, psychological and rehabilitative interventions alongside any legal reforms. Ms. Oluka said the programme will address systemic vulnerabilities across the developmental continuum through key interventions, including child healthcare, educational retention, child protection and social protection initiatives. She said strategic collaboration with key government institutions, including the Judiciary, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, has been formalised through the 2025–2030 Work Plan. She further said the programme will strengthen institutional capacity through the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), including the integration of specialised child protection modules into judicial training curricula. National dialogues and stakeholder roundtables will also be held to clarify institutional responsibilities and develop a strategic roadmap for juvenile justice reform. Ms. Oluka added that the programme will promote stronger coordination between the justice system and community-based social welfare services through strengthened Regional and District Child Committees. In attendance were HW John Paul Edoku, Registrar, Planning, Research and Development; Mr. Simon Peter Opolot, Commissioner, Policy and Planning; and Ms. Destiny Letasi Asea, Principal Economist

The Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, has urged the newly sworn-in Chairperson and members of the Public Service Commission to uphold high moral character, proven integrity, accountability, transparency and efficiency in the execution of their duties, warning against bribery in district service commissions and poor performance in public offices. He made the call earlier today as he presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and members of the Public Service Commission at the Supreme Court’s Conference Hall in Kampala. The newly sworn-in are Mr. Vincent Seruma (as Chairperson), Ms. Jane Sanyu Mpagi (Deputy Chairperson), Dr. Anthony Taabu Munyaho, Ms. Florence Mugoya Malinga, Mr. Opio Alex Achol, Mr. Kenneth Namboga Madete, Mr. Patrick Ngolobe, Ms. Mauda Norah Mugisha, and Dr. Hanifah Naamala Sengendo, as members. Speaking during the ceremony, the Chief Justice congratulated the newly sworn-in members and reminded them that serving on the Public Service Commission requires high moral character and proven integrity. He urged them to uphold these values and honour their commitments, warning that they would be held accountable for their conduct and performance. “A person is not qualified to be appointed a member of the commission unless he or she is of high moral character and proven integrity. And I emphasize those two: high moral character and proven integrity. That criteria was not set for nothing because the framers of our Constitution knew that this is an important role that is at the core of transformation of public service,” he said. He further cautioned them against taking their appointments for granted, noting that their continued service and eligibility for reappointment would depend on their performance. He urged them to remain mindful of their responsibilities from the outset of their tenure, familiarize themselves with the constitutional provisions governing their offices, and understand the circumstances under which they could be removed from office. On public service delivery, the Chief Justice urged the newly sworn-in members to foster a stronger performance-oriented culture, drawing on his experience in the private sector, where employees are assigned key performance indicators and placed on performance improvement plans if they fail to meet set targets. He also called on the Public Service Commission to promote a similar culture of accountability in the public service, expressing concern about officers who report to work but don’t perform their duties. “In the private sector, you must deliver. In fact, we would give key performance indicators to any person recruited, and if you fail to achieve your targets, we would put you on a performance improvement plan. If you fail to achieve that, some of them actually will dismiss themselves. People must earn their salaries,” he stressed. He also warned strongly against corruption in district service commissions, expressing concern that some had become centres of bribery and improper conduct in recruitment. He urged the newly sworn-in members to strengthen supervision of district service commissions and ensure that recruitment and personnel decisions were conducted fairly and transparently. He further emphasized that the Public Service Commission’s responsibility to guide and oversee these bodies was essential to restoring confidence in public service appointments

A delegation from UN Women has briefed the Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, on progress under the Justice for Her project, highlighting gains in the management and disposal of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases, as well as challenges requiring stronger institutional coordination and support. The delegation, led by Ms. Adekemi Ndieli, Deputy Country Representative of UN Women Uganda, met the Chief Justice at the Supreme Court in Kampala to present the project’s achievements, implementation challenges and planned interventions aimed at strengthening gender-responsive justice and improving access to justice for women and girls. Ms. Ndieli was accompanied by Ms. Beatrice Mulindwa, UN Women’s Access to Justice Programme Specialist, and Ms. Martha Agaba, Access to Justice Officer. Also present were HW Edoku John Paul, Registrar, Planning, Research and Development, and HW Alex Mushabe Karocho, Private Legal Secretary to the Chief Justice. Ms. Ndieli conveyed greetings from the UN Women Country Representative and expressed appreciation for the Judiciary’s collaboration in implementing the project. “She sends her very warm regards and appreciation for the excellent work that the Judiciary has been doing with UN Women in our Justice for Her project. We express our sincere appreciation and continued commitment in advancing access to justice for women and girls in Uganda,” she said. She commended the Chief Justice for his commitment to advancing access to justice for women, noting that the Judiciary’s work reflected this commitment. She recalled that while preparing a presentation on access to justice for women in Uganda, photographs highlighting the Chief Justice’s initiatives repeatedly appeared during her research. Ms. Ndieli also recognised HW Edoku’s hands-on contribution to project implementation, particularly his engagement with UN Women in advancing activities on the ground. She noted that his support extended to several development partners alongside his regular responsibilities within the Judiciary. *Progress in GBV Case Management* Presenting the implementation update, Ms. Mulindwa reported significant progress during the project’s first year, particularly in accelerating the disposal of GBV cases across nine project courts in the Masaka and Gulu High Court circuits. She reported that 589 GBV cases were cause-listed between February and June 2026. During the period, the disposal rate stood at 60.24 per cent in Gulu and 42.32 per cent in Masaka, against a project target of 70 per cent. The overall conviction rate was 67 per cent, with Masaka recording 75 per cent and Gulu 54 per cent. She expressed optimism about further progress during the project’s second year, while noting that the results pointed to the need for stronger coordination, improved evidence management and sustained judicial leadership. “These results, My Lord, demonstrate progress in reducing case backlogs, while also highlighting the need for stronger coordination, evidence management, and judicial leadership,” she said. Ms. Mulindwa also highlighted the GBV case census conducted in the Nebbi, Masaka and Gulu court circuits in December 2024, before project implementation. The exercise identified 1,457 GBV cases and established a backlog of 27.3 per cent, particularly at High Court level. She explained that the census provided baseline data to guide case classification, targeted cause-listing exercises, backlog reduction and resource allocation, enabling the courts to better understand their caseloads and identify areas requiring intervention. To strengthen case tracking and record management, the project provided 12 desktop computers to the courts. Ms. Mulindwa further reported that 528 justice actors had received capacity-strengthening support, including Judicial Officers, prosecutors, police officers and court administration staff

The Judiciary is moving to deepen the use of technology in court operations, with the ICT and Documentation Committee calling for faster progress towards paperless court processes, real-time transcription, stronger digital systems and responsible use of artificial intelligence. The call was made yesterday evening during the Committee’s seventh meeting at the Level 5 Boardroom of the Supreme Court Building in Kampala, where members reviewed ongoing ICT activities and considered the draft End-of-Term Report for the Committee’s 2024–2027 term. Chaired by Hon. Justice Christopher Madrama, the meeting took stock of the Committee’s work since the formal handover in June 2024 and considered what should be prioritised during the remainder of its term, which is expected to end around February 2027. The Committee’s statutory role, under the Judiciary Establishment of Committees Regulations, 2023, includes advising the Chief Justice on ICT, digital infrastructure, information repositories, court registries and documentation. In this regard, Justice Madrama reminded members of the importance of holding quarterly meetings and submitting regular advisory reports to the Chief Justice. A key focus of the meeting was the preparation of the Committee’s End-of-Term Report. Rather than simply documenting activities, the report is expected to provide evidence of the Committee’s contribution, capture achievements and outstanding challenges, draw lessons and propose practical recommendations to guide the Judiciary’s digital transformation. *Towards a paperless Judiciary* The Committee reviewed progress in expanding digital court operations, with operational case management systems now covering 56 stations, up from 12. The Judgment Writing Tool is also operational in the Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court, while work continues on the Performance Enhancement Tool and the monitoring and evaluation system aimed at strengthening accountability and objective assessment of judicial performance. Justice Madrama challenged the Committee to take the next step in digitisation by moving beyond simply scanning physical documents into PDF files. A truly paperless court system, he noted, should connect the entire process from electronic filing and automated fee calculation to electronic service, digital trial dockets, electronic signatures and online archiving. This would also help address registry bottlenecks, improve access to scanned records and reduce the duplication of physical and electronic records, which continues to increase costs and workload for Judicial Officers and registry staff. The Committee is expected to develop a phased timeline for mandatory paperless registries, beginning with the Commercial Division, appellate courts and specialised divisions. *Improving court recording and transcription* The meeting also considered progress in court recording and transcription, with the reduction of transcription backlogs identified as one of the Committee’s notable achievements. The Judiciary has acquired 56 enterprise transcription licences, providing for 280 authorised users across relevant court divisions and circuits. The licences have reduced reliance on manual transcription and improved the speed at which recorded proceedings are processed. The next challenge is to move from transcription after hearings to real-time speech-to-text transcription during proceedings. The Transcription and Recording Systems Subcommittee, chaired by Hon. Lady Justice Immaculate Busingye, will guide this next phase, including the integration of digital audio-visual recording with real-time transcription, multi-speaker recognition and improved handling of legal terminology. Such a system would enable transcripts to be accessed during proceedings for verification and other legitimate courtroom purposes

For many Ugandans, land is more than a piece of property. It is a home, a source of livelihood, family inheritance, an investment and, in many cases, a foundation for the future. But when ownership is contested, records are manipulated or disputes remain unresolved for years, the consequences can extend far beyond the courtroom, affecting families, businesses and communities. It is against this background that the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has called for stronger collaboration between the Judiciary and Parliament to address challenges in land administration, reduce land disputes and expand the use of mediation and other forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Lady Justice Abodo made the call this morning while receiving the Parliamentary Committee on Lands, led by its Chairperson, Hon. Edson Rugumayo, at the Supreme Court Building in Kampala. She welcomed the Committee’s engagement with the Judiciary, noting that land disputes are often deeply personal and can have far-reaching consequences for those involved. “Land is really very emotive, and it is almost like a boiling pot for most of the offences; they all arise from land,” she said. Lady Justice Abodo noted that unresolved land disputes can strain family relationships, disrupt businesses, undermine confidence in land transactions and place considerable demands on the justice system. She said concerns surrounding double and multiple land titling, as well as the temporary suspension of the routine issuance of Special Certificates of Title, were matters of legitimate public interest that required careful consideration. She emphasised, however, that Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary have distinct constitutional mandates that must be respected. While Parliament exercises legislative and oversight responsibilities and the Executive is responsible for land administration, she said the Judiciary must remain independent and impartial when resolving disputes brought before the courts. “We have different mandates, but we share the same interest that the people, your voters, and the people that we serve as a Judiciary really enjoy their land rights, and that when disputes arise and they come to the courts, they must be handled expeditiously and fairly,” she said. The scale of the challenge was highlighted by the Head of the High Court Land Division, Lady Justice Jane Alividza, who reported that the Division has approximately 6,557 pending cases. A preliminary assessment indicates that about 1,600 of these involve fraud-related disputes, including double titling and overlapping land interests. She emphasised that the figures are estimates and that a more detailed study would be required to establish reliable statistics. Lady Justice Alividza also revealed that the Division’s oldest pending case dates back to 1987, illustrating how some land disputes can remain unresolved for decades. She explained that delays can arise from repeated interlocutory applications, appeals against interim rulings, complex evidence, multiple parties and increasingly sophisticated land fraud schemes. In some cases, disputes move between the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court on procedural matters before eventually returning to the trial court for substantive hearing. Land disputes also arise from family and succession disagreements, landlord-tenant relationships, mortgage claims, competing interests in land and disputes involving markets. Lady Justice Alividza said a single dispute can sometimes generate several related cases across different court divisions, adding to the burden on the justice system. She called for stronger verification mechanisms in land administration and closer cooperation among the Judiciary, Parliament, the police, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and other relevant institutions to address fraud involving lawyers and surveyors

Yesterday the Judiciary commenced a two-day retreat of the Human Capital Development, Gender and Equity Mainstreaming Committee at Protea Hotel, Entebbe, to review the Judiciary Gender and Equity Policy, in partnership with UN Women. In her opening remarks, Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire ;Justice of the Supreme Court and Chairperson of the Committee called for a policy that translates the principles of equality, dignity and fairness into practical measures across the Judiciary’s operations. Justice Bamugemereire noted that court users should be able to participate effectively in judicial processes and seek remedies without facing systemic barriers. She also emphasised the need to address structural barriers affecting staff welfare, professional growth and career advancement. She urged the Committee to draw on lessons from the previous policy and findings from its evaluation to develop a practical, measurable framework with clear responsibilities, targeted interventions and effective accountability mechanisms. She further noted that gender responsiveness complements judicial independence by promoting informed and fair consideration of the circumstances of court users while maintaining fidelity to the law. The Chief Registrar, HW Agnes Alum, reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to Justice for All, highlighting the need to remove barriers faced by vulnerable groups, including women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities. She also called for equitable opportunities for Judicial Officers and other staff in recruitment, training and career progression. HW Alum urged the Committee to prioritise practical measures such as accessible court facilities, gender-sensitive court procedures, staff capacity building, disaggregated data collection and effective monitoring of policy implementation. Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Country Representative, UN Women Access to Justice Specialist Ms. Beatrice Mulindwa commended the Judiciary’s leadership in advancing gender equality and access to justice. She described the review as an opportunity to assess progress, address persistent systemic barriers and strengthen the integration of gender equality into the Judiciary’s institutional culture, human capital development and administration of justice. Ms. Mulindwa highlighted the need to address gender equality both within the Judiciary as an institution and in its delivery of public services. She called for commitments to translate into tangible outcomes, including safer workplaces, equal opportunities, timely court processes and increased public trust among women and girls. She encouraged the Committee to establish clear priorities, allocate resources and develop a robust framework for tracking implementation, reaffirming UN Women’s continued partnership with the Judiciary. During the working sessions, Principal Policy Analyst Julius Caesor Kagoro presented the rationale for reviewing the previous policy framework, key findings from the evaluation, the strategic objectives of the revised policy and its proposed implementation model. The Committee subsequently embarked on a clause-by-clause review of the draft policy, refining its provisions and addressing operational considerations to ensure that gender and equity objectives are translated into clear, practical and measurable actions.

The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has continued her visits to courts handling election petitions with a stop at the High Court sitting in Mukono District, where she checked on the progress of the hearings, working conditions and general wellbeing of the Judges assigned to the petitions. The visit provided an opportunity for the Principal Judge to hear about the Judges’ experiences, establish whether they had the support they needed and encourage them as they work towards concluding the petitions within the stipulated timelines. Lady Justice Abodo expressed pleasure that the Judges had settled in well and thanked them for accepting the responsibility of handling the election petitions. She encouraged them to prioritise completing the hearings and preparing rulings and judgments while taking care of their health. *”Work Smart, Not Hard” Principal Judge Advises Judges* Beyond the demands of the courtroom, Lady Justice Abodo reminded the Judges that their health mattered just as much as the work before them. She encouraged them to recognise when they needed rest and avoid pushing themselves to the point of exhaustion. “Be alert and listen to your bodies. You have to look after yourselves. You cannot be a hero, and neither I nor the Chief Justice can force you to take care of yourselves. Our bodies are fragile and will not be there forever. Work smart, not hard,” she advised. She cautioned that stress could build up without being immediately noticeable, urging the Judges to pay attention to their physical and mental wellbeing throughout the assignment. Lady Justice Abodo also reminded them that, while the election petitions demanded commitment and careful attention, they were only one part of their judicial careers. She encouraged them to approach each case with a clear mind, guided by the law and the facts presented before them. On case management, she urged the Judges to plan hearings carefully, manage lawyers and applications effectively, address the concerns of voters and other parties, and keep proceedings on track. She noted that good case management would help avoid unnecessary delays while ensuring that every party received a fair hearing. *Court Staff and Research Magistrates Recognised* The Principal Judge commended the court registry for supporting the Judges and helping them settle into their assignment, noting that an organised and efficient registry was essential to the smooth administration of justice. She also appreciated the research magistrates attached to the Judges, recognising their role in conducting legal research and identifying relevant laws and authorities to support the preparation of rulings and judgments. Lady Justice Abodo further thanked the Communications and Public Relations Registry for keeping the Judiciary and the public informed about the progress of the election petitions. She noted that clear, accurate and timely updates help the public understand court proceedings and promote transparency. She also appreciated Lady Justice Jacqueline Mwondha for welcoming the Judges to Mukono and helping them settle into their working environment. *Judges Appreciate Support and Working Environment* The Judges handling the election petitions at the High Court sitting in Mukono reported that they had settled in well and were receiving good support from the court. They appreciated the working environment and security arrangements, noting that these had enabled them to carry out their duties with confidence. The Judges also reported a smooth transition into the assignment and confirmed that their rulings and judgments would be uploaded through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), supporting the Judiciary’s efforts to strengthen digital case management and access to court decisions

The Judicial Training Institute (JTI) has commenced a two-day training for select Judicial Officers from the Western Region Cluster One to strengthen their capacity to assess and apply forensic evidence in criminal trials, amid growing reliance on scientific investigations in the administration of criminal justice. The training, taking place at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala, brings together High Court Judges, Judicial Officers of the lower bench and representatives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) and the Uganda Police Force. Among the Judicial Officers attending are Justice Allan Paul Mbabazi Nshimye, Head of the Mbarara Circuit; Justice Amos Kwizera, Resident Judge of the Bushenyi Circuit; Justice Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere, Resident Judge of the Kabale Circuit; and Justice Gelase Kwemara Kafuuzi, Resident Judge of the Mbarara Circuit. The training was officially opened by the Executive Director of JTI, Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, who represented the Deputy Chief Justice. He emphasised the growing importance of forensic science in criminal adjudication, noting that evolving crime patterns, particularly those involving digital technology, require Judicial Officers to deepen their understanding of scientific and expert evidence. Justice Khaukha revealed that requests for forensic analysis received by the Directorate of Forensic Services had increased from 1,135 in 2019 to 3,178 in 2025, highlighting the growing role of forensic investigations in criminal cases. He called for a more comprehensive training curriculum, including a proposed 40-hour programme, to equip Judicial Officers with deeper knowledge and practical skills in forensic science. He also emphasised the need to train prosecutors and other justice sector actors alongside Judicial Officers, noting that the effective presentation and evaluation of expert evidence requires a shared understanding across the justice chain. In her remarks, the Chief Registrar, HW Agnes Alum, highlighted the importance of continuous professional development in addressing procedural and operational challenges that affect the timely and effective disposal of criminal cases. She urged participants to strengthen their understanding of the collection, preservation, analysis and presentation of forensic evidence, as well as their ability to assess expert testimony and determine the reliability and evidential value of scientific findings. HW Alum further challenged participants to apply the knowledge acquired to improve case management, reduce avoidable adjournments and promote consistency in the application of evidentiary rules and procedural safeguards. Participants are being taken through the work of the Uganda Police Force’s Directorate of Forensic Services, with emphasis on the relevance of forensic evidence to criminal proceedings. The session is facilitated by Assistant Commissioner of Police Andrew K. Mubiru. Other topics scheduled for Day One include the recovery of forensic evidence from crime scenes, fingerprint identification, firearms and tool-mark examination, and the role of DNA in human identification. Practical demonstrations and plenary discussions are also being conducted to deepen participants’ understanding of forensic procedures and their application in court. Other facilitators include Inspector of Police Robert Icoot, Senior Superintendent of Police Jonathan Kalungi, Superintendent of Police Derrick Nasawali and Assistant Superintendent of Police Wazodi Amos. The training is moderated by HW Lillian Bucyana, In-charge at JTI. The training forms part of JTI’s broader efforts to strengthen the capacity of Judicial Officers and other justice sector actors to respond to emerging evidentiary challenges and enhance the quality, fairness and effectiveness of criminal adjudication

The Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, representing the Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, earlier today presented the Uganda Prisons Service Medal, the Order of the Commander-in-Chief, to the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The presentation took place during Uganda’s 64th Independence Day celebrations held at State House, Entebbe. The medal recognises President Museveni’s leadership and contribution to peace and security, as well as his strategic guidance to the Uganda Prisons Service in advancing large-scale production and self-reliance initiatives. These initiatives include cotton growing, local furniture manufacturing and other productive activities aimed at strengthening the Service’s self-sustainability

Happy Independence Day!

The experience of justice begins long before a Judge delivers a judgment. It begins with the way a court user is welcomed, listened to and treated from the moment they walk through the court gates. This was the message from the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, as she engaged staff of the High Court at Wakiso and Nabweru Chief Magistrates Court today during an impromptu visit to the two courts. Lady Justice Abodo, who was inspecting courts handling election petitions, used the engagement to appreciate staff for their work, listen to the challenges affecting service delivery and remind them of the important role each person plays in the administration of justice. “Whatever you do, whether you are a driver, assistant registrar, deputy registrar, registrar, clerk or office attendant, you are all delivering justice in your different ways. The judge is not the most important, and the office attendant is not less important,” she said. For the Principal Judge, the administration of justice is therefore not the responsibility of Judicial Officers alone. It is a collective effort in which every interaction with a court user contributes to how the justice system is experienced and perceived. She encouraged staff to remember that many people who come to court are anxious, unfamiliar with court processes and uncertain about what awaits them. A simple act of kindness, patience or explanation can make a difficult experience more bearable. “Even when someone comes here and loses a case, if we handle them well, with courtesy, kindness and fairness, and explain the processes and make them feel at ease, they can say, ‘I went there, but those people at Wakiso treated me so well. I lost the case, but I think I lost it fairly,’” she said. Lady Justice Abodo cautioned that when court users are treated poorly, they may leave with the impression that the entire justice process is unfair, even where their case has been handled correctly. She called on staff to go the extra mile, particularly when dealing with people who may be encountering the court system for the first time. Her message also carried a strong call for consistency. Good service, she noted, should not depend on the day, the person being served or the circumstances. “Just be consistent. Not today I am doing this and tomorrow I am not. If you are consistent, people will say that person is good,” she said. The Principal Judge commended Wakiso High Court for the positive feedback she had received about its service, attributing the court’s reputation not to its buildings but to the people who work there. “Wakiso is a good court because of you. It is not the buildings; it is each and every one of you. We are the ones who breathe life into all these processes,” she said. The engagement also provided an opportunity for staff to openly share some of the practical challenges they face in delivering services. At Wakiso High Court, the Head of Court, HW Emmanuel Bamwite, pointed to staffing, water and space as some of the pressing concerns. Staffing pressure has been felt following the transfer of some clerks from the Chief Magistrates Court to the High Court, leaving the lower court with gaps that have affected service delivery. The court has engaged the relevant authorities and hopes that recruitment will help address the situation. Water supply is another concern, with the growing number of prisoners, court users and staff putting additional pressure on the available facilities. The commencement of operations of the Kiswahili Court has also increased activity at the court. The matter has already been raised with the Permanent Secretary, Judiciary, and an engineer has visited the court to assess the situation. “We just want to request you to add a voice on that,” HW Bamwite appealed to the Principal Judge