Justice Chibita Urges Chief Magistrates to Uphold Integrity and Preparedness in Handling Electoral Disputes
The Chairperson of the Governing Council of the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), Justice Mike Chibita, has called upon Chief Magistrates to uphold integrity, diligence, and preparedness as they preside over electoral disputes in the forthcoming electoral season.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the two-day training on Electoral Disputes Management held at the Court of Appeal Conference Hall, Justice Chibita-represented by Justice John Eudes Keitirima, Head of the High Court's Family Division-commended the participants for their active engagement and commitment to professional excellence.
He emphasized that the training had equipped participants with both practical and technical insights to manage post-election petitions with precision and confidence. Justice Chibita highlighted four key takeaways for magistrates: thorough preparation, strict adherence to statutory timelines, self-management and composure under pressure, and the value of consultation and peer learning.
"Electoral justice is central to democracy," he noted, "and the Judiciary bears the duty of ensuring fairness, transparency, and credibility in the electoral process."
Justice Chibita further observed that Uganda's population, now exceeding 51 million people, and expanded representation across 353 constituencies would likely result in an increase in electoral petitions. He urged magistrates to apply the knowledge gained to strengthen constitutional awareness and maintain impartiality in service delivery.
He also commended the Judicial Training Institute for organizing a comprehensive and practical programme that provided participants with essential materials such as law extracts, precedents, and recorded sessions for future reference.
The Executive Director of JTI, Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, reaffirmed the Chief Justice's directive that all judicial trainings must be results-oriented.
He shared that JTI will establish a mentoring and coaching team to provide ongoing guidance to Chief Magistrates handling election recounts and petitions, an initiative to be formally communicated by the Chief Justice. Justice Khaukha applauded the dedication of the Institute's staff, who worked extended hours to ensure the training's success.
Day Two Highlights: Practical Learning and Peer Exchange
The final day featured highly interactive sessions designed to deepen practical understanding and peer learning.
Proceedings opened with an Election Petitions Quiz led by Justice Khaukha, followed by a presentation by Justice Boniface Wamala on "An Overview of Election Petitions for Local Councils."
Participants then engaged in a simulation exercise that mirrored real-life petition handling scenarios, testing their application of legal principles, case management, and judgment-writing under electoral pressure.
A reflective panel discussion brought together Justices Boniface Wamala, Phillip Odoki, and Christine Kaahwa, alongside advocates Caleb Alaka and Jude Byamukama, to share diverse perspectives on effective adjudication.
Representatives from the Electoral Commission, Ibrahim Kakembo and Abubaker Kayondo, enriched the dialogue by showcasing key election materials such as packing lists and ballot boxes, while explaining their role in ensuring transparency and procedural integrity.
Closing Ceremony
The two-day training concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants, marking the successful completion of an intensive and practical programme designed to strengthen judicial capacity in managing electoral disputes with integrity, efficiency, and confidence.
Posted 11th, November 2025
