Ezrah Kashumbusha.
KAMPALA, February 05, 2023 | In a gathering of legal luminaries and dignitaries, the 25th Annual Judges Conference was inaugurated today at the prestigious Serena Hotel. Her Excellency Maj Jesca Alupo Maj.Alupo (Rtd), the Vice President of Uganda, graced the occasion, marking the official commencement of a key event in the judicial calendar.
The distinguished gathering included Chief Justice Rtd Hon. Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hon. Nobert Mao, Principal Judge Dr. Flavia Zeija, and Justice Mike Chibita, the Chairperson of the Governing Council of the Judicial Training Institute, among other guests.
Minister Nobert Mao set a tone of responsibility, urging participants to bolster citizens’ confidence in the judicial system. “Citizens should ask questions about courts,” Mao remarked, emphasizing that criticism should be fair and responsible. He assured the Judiciary of parliamentary support, highlighting the provision of additional financial and human resources.
“We shall stand with you whenever you are criticized,” Mao declared, underlining the need for responsible critique and defending the constitutional interests of the people. The Minister commended Parliament’s efforts in equipping the Judiciary with the necessary tools for effective functioning.
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the significance of a People-Centered Approach to Justice. He shared insights into the Judiciary’s transformation agenda, including the approval of many magisterial areas, ensuring that every district becomes one. Owiny-Dollo nostalgically recalled the past when Tororo had only one magisterial area, illustrating the strides made in accessibility.
The Chief Justice proudly announced the operationalization of new courts in various districts, reducing the need for people to travel longer distances for legal recourse. A notable achievement was the recruitment of 641 non-judicial and judicial staff in 2023, a substantial increase from the previous year’s 242.
The Annual Judges Conference, a ritual of introspection, serves as a platform to evaluate the previous year’s activities and chart a course for the future. This year’s theme, “People-Centered Approach to Justice,” reflects the Judiciary’s commitment to inclusivity and fairness in its quest for justice for all.
