KAMPALA – On Friday morning, Court Room One at the Judiciary headquarters was the center of activity as the old Executive of the judicial officers body formally handed over office to the new Uganda Judicial Officers Association
(UJOA) Executive.
The ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Chief designate, Richard Buteera, who emphasized the need for collegiality.
Justice Buteera who was representing the UJOA patron (Chief Justice), said it was important to for the new Executive to work together with the Judiciary administration to solve the problems crippling the delivery of justice and welfare of judicial officers.
“Judicial Officers are what forms the Judiciary, their welfare is a concern of the institution as it is for UJOA. We should all work on it together and achieve the best we can,” he said.
On the issue of backlog in courts, the DCJ designate said there is need for every Judicial Officer to play their role in its elimination.
He reiterated the Judiciary commitment to address challenges such as adequate staff, transport facilities and insufficient funding.
Justice Buteera urged the UJOA executive to be proactive. “I appeal for tactics and skills of communication. How we present and communicate our problems may also help in the way forward.”
The outgoing UJOA executive were honoured for their service to the Association with plaques.
The Ag. Chief Registrar, Tom Chemutai, applauded the Committee for their efforts in fighting for the enactment of the Administration of Judiciary Act as well as improvement of Terms and. Condition of Service.
On March 3, Judicial Officers under their umbrella body, UJOA unanimously elected Justice Tadeo Asiimwe as the first Judge to lead the Association to replace HW Godfrey Kaweesa who had served for four years.
Justice Asiimwe pledged to work at bridging the gap between the Judiciary administration and the Association. “Our job now is to narrow the gap between UJOA and administration. So that wherever we go we’re welcomed by our bosses and administration,” he said.
The other members of the new executive are Kirya Martins (General Secretary), Esther Asiimwe (Deputy Secretary), Bwambale Daniel (Treasurer), Kainza Beatrice (Vice Treasurer), Aisu Nicholas (Editor) and Asiimwe Abert (Deputy Editor).
The representatives of the various constituencies include Justice Paul K. Mugamba (Supreme Court), Justice Cheborion Barishaki (Court of Appeal), Justice Olive Kazaarwe (High Court), Sempala Dorothy (Registrars), Katushabe Prossy (Chief Magistrates), Kiingi Christopher Adyeeri (Magistrate Grade Ones) and Abahwere Fortunate (Magistrate Grade Twos).
