The Chief Justice, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny Dollo, has urged the newly sworn-in judicial officers to exercise their judicial functions entrusted to them and do right to all manner of people in accordance with the Constitution and all other national laws.
He made these remarks on January 16, 2024, while presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of five judicial officers: four (4) magistrates of Grade One and one acting chief magistrate at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala.
“Understand the Constitution and your responsibilities. Work with integrity. I wish you luck in this divine duty you have started,” Justice Owiny Dollo stated.
He instructed judicial personnel to carry out their jobs in the manner expected by the people they serve.
“Your status has changed; they must maintain high levels of integrity and avoid corruption,” he stated.
CJ Dollo urged the judicial officers not to pervert justice or show partiality by accepting bribes, stating that bribes blind the eyes of the wise and twist the words of the innocent.
Principal Judge Dr. Flavian Zeija emphasised that the judicial officers should avoid absenteeism and laziness and arrive on time to avoid complaints about people going to court when judicial officers are not present.
“There should be timely completion of cases and also to inform litigants of their next dates to appear in courts and always provide certified copies of proceedings to people early to enable them to appeal on time,” Dr. Zeija stated.
Ms. Hilda Bakanasa Walaga (Ag Chief Magistrate), who previously served as Manager Prosecutions at the Uganda Revenue Authority, took the oath. Others include Magistrates Grade I, Ms. Asha Nakiwate, who previously worked as a Human Rights Officer for the Uganda Human Rights Commission. Ms. Pepera Edith Anne, Mr. Derrick Kamanzi, and Ms. Kembabazi Ackline are joining from private practice.
The Chief Justice was accompanied by the Deputy Chief Justice, Richard Buteera, and the Principal Judge, Dr. Flavian Zeija. The Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute, Lady Justice Damalie N. Lwanga, the Judiciary Permanent Secretary, Dr. Pius Bigirimana, and the Under Secretary, Ms. Maureen Kasande, among other senior staff of the judiciary, witnessed the swearing-in ceremony.
The newly appointed judicial officers were accompanied by relatives and friends who gathered to witness the swearing-in.
