Deployments and transfers made in latest Judiciary reshuffle

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The Judiciary has made a major reshuffle of registrars and magistrates in reforms that have seen the deployment of 18 newly appointed ones.

In a statement issued on Saturday (December 20), the acting chief registrar for the courts of judicature, Pamella Lamunu Ocaya, said the deployments and transfers are intended to strengthen service delivery and enhance the administration of justice at court stations nationwide.

Lamunu said the new deployments take immediate effect, while the transfers will be effective January 12 next year.

She noted that the changes are aimed at enhancing efficiency, improving court performance and strengthening access to justice for court users across the country.

Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has described the deployments and transfers as opportunities for the judicial officers to innovate and improve service delivery.

He urged the officers to leave the stations they have been posted to in better condition than they found them.

“I urge them to leave a positive mark as a beacon of their service in that area of call,” said Owiny-Dollo. He further called upon the newly deployed and transferred officers, as well as all staff of the Judiciary, to remain steadfast in the fight against corruption, tardiness and abuse of office.

“Our people are thirsty for justice, and we have all it takes to give them quality justice."

'Significant challenge'

Speaking at the closing of the annual registrars and magistrates’ conference at Hotel Africana in Kampala on Friday, deputy Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija urged officers to ensure timely administration of justice.

“Case backlog and delays in disposal of cases remain a significant challenge for us. You should therefore ensure the timely administration of justice,” he said.

Citing a case which has spent in the court system for over 40 years, Zeija implored the magistrates to properly manage their respective courts.

“This case points to poor management. How can you be at a court and not give attention to a case that has spent over 40 years in the court system?"

While the lower bench registered enhanced performance in terms of case disposal in the previous financial year, Zeija lambasted the lazy ones, saying they will not tolerate them going forward.

“I commend those of you doing great work, but I hate the non-performers."

Since more than 70% of the cases begin and end in the magistrates courts, Zeija urged the magistrates to up their game.

'Rotten apples'

The deputy Chief Justice also warned magistrates against trading in bail, quipping that whoever does it will not go to Heaven for being corrupt.

“Please desist from this practice. I know it is not all of you, but we still have some rotten apples or oranges."

Zeija bemoaned poor work attitude and lack of customer care at some courts, imploring the magistrates to change.

“If you have been coming late or you are always absent from your station, please stop it. The people you serve are very poor. If they spend money to come to court and you are absent, just know that you have caused a loss to them."

Principal judge Jane Frances Abodo implored the magistrates to prioritise alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in the administration of justice, including mediation, plea bargain, negotiation, conciliation, and small claims procedure.

Zulaika Nantezza, a deputy registrar in charge of ADR, said they are committed to integrity and accountability as members of the lower bench.