Hon. Justice Mike Chibita, Chairperson of the Performance Management and Awards Committee
The Performance Management and Awards Committee is holding a two-day training session for Magistrates Grade One Research on the Performance Enhancement Tool (PET).
The session is ongoing at the Supreme Court Building Conference Hall, and is aimed at introducing the participants to PET and its role in improving performance within the Judiciary.
Justice Mike Chibita, Chairperson of the Performance Management and Awards Committee, opened the session explaining that PET was developed as part of the Judiciary’s response to growing public demand for improved performance.
"Over the years, the Judiciary has introduced various initiatives, such as the Court Case Administration System (CCAS), strategic investment plans with monitoring frameworks, and annual conferences for judges and magistrates. While these efforts have been significant, they underscored the need for a more integrated system to assess and enhance performance at both institutional and individual levels," he said.
Justice Chibita noted that the current performance appraisal system, borrowed from the Ministry of Public Service, does not suit the Judiciary's unique needs. "For instance," he said, "Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices work in panels, and case management involves multiple players. Moreover, the constitutional independence of judicial officers makes it difficult to measure performance using a tool designed for the public service."
He said to overcome these challenges, the Judiciary developed PET-a custom-made, online performance measurement tool. "This innovation followed a period of institutional reflection and was designed to push the Judiciary to a higher level of efficiency and effectiveness."
Justice Chibita highlighted the Tool’s achievements, including a Change Management Plan and the establishment of an operational performance management structure.
"The PET is not just about evaluating individual performance," he said. "It's a framework for fostering excellence, automating processes, enabling real-time reporting, and promoting collaboration across courts. This Tool will help the Judiciary meet the highest standards of justice delivery."
Justice Chibita encouraged participants to take the training seriously, ask questions, and embrace the tool as a critical resource for improving the quality and timeliness of justice.
HW Mary Kaitesi Kisakye, representing the Chief Registrar, emphasized the importance of adapting to PET, which introduces a 360-degree appraisal system. "Unlike the old Public Service appraisals, PET will involve evaluations by peers, advocates, subordinates, and even the public. This tool is either going to help us improve or expose areas that need change," she said.
HW Kaitesi urged participants to pay close attention and actively engage with the facilitators. "If you don’t understand this tool now, you'll face difficulties later," she warned. She added, “We’re starting this tool now, and there's no going back .Let's move forward together- don't let the boat leave you behind," she said.
The participants are going to be taken through the theoretical aspects of PET. This includes topics such as 360-degree appraisals, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), competencies, case weights, targets, and complexity factors. They will also explore tools for collecting feedback from the public, advocates, and prosecutors. The first day of the training will conclude with an interactive Q&A session.
Other members of the Performance Management and Awards Committee in attendance included HW Patricia Amoko, the Private Legal Secretary to the Chief Registrar and Committee Secretary, as well as Mr. Isaac Bbossa Sserunkuma, Senior Statistician, and Mr. Ronald Mumbere, Statistician.
Facilitators from the PET Technical Committee will guide participants through the training.
Senior Systems Administrator, Ms. Flavia Chandiru is the moderator for the Session.
Posted 10th, December 2024
