What judges, magistrates, registrars want in pay rise

The High Court buildings in central Kampala remained largely empty as the sit-down entered its second working day today. PML Daily picture.

A consolidated report compiled from all High Court Divisions and Circuits released last week by the Registrar, H.W. Isaac Muwata indicated that there is inadequate funding for court sessions.

This unsurprising revelation was just another of several long-standing concerns holding work back in the judicial services which, like staff pay, remains unresolved.

According to the report, the other challenges affecting optimum registry performance included rampant power failures, inadequate office space and storage issues.

Shortly after the release of the report, judicial officers went on strike.

Under their umbrella association, the Uganda Judicial Officers Association (UJOA), now in their second week of a sit down striker, judicial official officers are demanding for salary increment, transport allowances to enhance land justice, medical insurance, housing and security.

The president of UJOA, also Iganga Chief Magistrates, Godfrey Kaweesi, said last week that despite judicial officers being ranked above other civil servants like Bank of Uganda Governor and Executive Directors of parastatal organisations, this isn’t reflected in their salaries.

Below is a the new pay list UJOA has laid out:

Chief Justice from Shs 20 million to Shs 55 million.

Deputy Chief Justice from Shs 18 million to Shs 53 million

Principal Judge from Shs 10 million to Shs 50 million

Justices of the Supreme Court from Shs 9 million to Shs 34 million

Justices of the Court of Appeal from Shs 9 million to Shs 33 million

High Court Judges from Shs 9 million to Shs 31 million

Chief Registrar from Shs 4 million to Shs 27 million

Registrarsfrom Shs 4 million to Shs 23 million

Deputy Registrars from Shs 4 million to Shs 21.5 million

Assistant Registrars from Shs 3 million to Shs 20 million

Chief Magistrates from Shs 2.8 million to Shs 17 million