Judicial Officers, Court Staff Tipped On Customer Care, Communication, Public Relations
More than 60 Judicial Officers and select staff under Mbale High Court Circuit took part in a one-day training in customer care at Mount Elgon Hotel, Mbale City.
The workshop was funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The training which was opened by the head of Mbale High Court Circuit, Hon. Justice Godfrey Namundi, and it covered a range of topics, including the Impact of Corruption on Customer Care in Judiciary Service, Public Relations in Judiciary Service, Media, Public Relations and the Judiciary Service.
In his presentation, Hon. Justice Lawrence Gidudu, the Head Anti-Corruption Division and one of the day's facilitators took the participants through different forms of corruption. These included but were not limited to bribery, neglect of duty, embezzlement of bail funds, diversion of public resources and influence peddling.
In the fight against corruption, Hon. Justice Gidudu emphasized the need for integrity noting that it’s the defense they (Judiciary staff) have in their absence. "People make many allegations against Judicial Officers but integrity is what can stand surety for you", he said.
He further urged participants to exhibit supervisory skills to improve customer care around their courts.
"Without customers you don't have business, engage them and they return. "They are the reason we exist," he stated, adding that corruption impacts on service delivery and that participants should desist from corrupt habits.
The Chief Registrar, HW Sarah Langa Siu took the participants through Public Relations in Judiciary Service. She advised the participants to treat Court Users with respect and provide excellent customer care adding, "Once our customers are satisfied, our image will improve".
HW Langa further stated that in Judicial service, it is important to note that Judicial Officers in their varying capacities are required to serve clients or customers.
During the training, participants pointed out some of the concerns in regard to the Judiciary Public relations and customer care. These include missing files, trials taking too long, delayed judgements, language barrier, impolite officers, and matters concerning juvenile justice.
Participants were encouraged to treat court users with respect, dignity, and humility, deliver typed judgements/proceedings on time, learn local languages to combat language barrier and improve their areas of weakness to serve the public better.
Ms Annet Mpabulungi Wakabi, Team Leader, Governance and Peace, United Nations Development Programme(the UNDP representative), emphasized that UNDP is committed to aiding the Judiciary, particularly in the administration of justice.
The participants were taken through the media, and public relations as well as Customer service in Judiciary by the Ag Deputy Registrar Mbale, HW Mukanza Robert. He explained the need for public relations and media, citing reasons such as improving the Judiciary's visibility, transparency, independence, and legal knowledge as well as protecting its reputation.
He pointed out the need for customer care for building institutional confidence and improving the reputation of Judiciary.
The training was closed by the Mbale Resident Judge, Hon. Lady Justice Margaret Apiny, who appreciated the UNDP, for funding the training. She further expressed her gratitude for the roll out of the video conferencing where by Mbale High Court benefited.
Hon. Lady Justice Apiny noted the need for integrity and challenged them to reflect on their basic principles as well as develop their own codes of conduct to direct them while carrying out their duties.
She encouraged the Judiciary staff to improve their dress code, noting that the positions they hold call for specific attire.
During the training, participants deliberated on various resolutions and way forward. Among these included the call to treat Court users with courtesy, dignity and humility, deliver typed judgements to avoid delay, the need to streamline official communication, receive feedback in good faith when complaints are made, functioning customer care front desks to handle day-to-day queries.
The training was crowned by awarding of certificates of attendance to all the participants.
Posted 7th, August 2023
