The Principal Judge, Hon. Justice Dr Flavian Zeija presided over the closing ceremony of the two-week induction for88 new Magistrates Grade I at Colline Hotel in Mukono.
The Principal Judge was received by the Executive Director of JTI, Hon. Lady Justice Damalie N. Lwanga, Hon. Justice Tadeo Asiimwe, and the Registrar of JTI, HW Katushabe Prossy.
While addressing the participants, the Principal Judge emphasized the importance of magistrates taking charge of their respective courts and recognizing the significance of every individual within the Judiciary.
He urged them to treat everyone with respect and to understand the needs of the public they serve, as the Constitution mandates them to dispense justice on behalf of the people. He urged them to serve and get to know their communities.
In response to the Executive Director's request to extend the duration of such inductions to one month, the Principal Judge said once the Judiciary builds its own school in Nakasongola, they can provide state-of-the-art training with cost-effective facilities, making it possible to conduct longer inductions.
He also informed the participants that the Judiciary has been undergoing transformation guided by the Judiciary Strategic Plan V, 2020 - 2025.
He emphasized the Plan's objectives, which include improving access to Judiciary services, enhancing court processes and case management, strengthening the use of ICT in the administration of justice, developing and supporting the Judiciary workforce and institutional capacity. The other objectives are improving coordination, partnerships, and accountability, enhancing public awareness and the image of the Judiciary, and mobilizing and managing resources effectively.
He urged the magistrates to ensure that their work aligns with these strategic objectives and contributes to the Judiciary's transformation.
The Principal Judge referred to the magistrates as the foot soldiers and the public face of the Judiciary in their respective areas of deployment. He said they interact with people from all walks of life which impacts on their (the people) perception of the Judiciary as a whole.
Hon. Lady Justice Lwanga expressed her gratitude to the Judiciary for funding the training and thanked the Principal Judge for his presence at the ceremony. She commended the participants for their resilience and attentiveness throughout the induction, acknowledging the lively engagement with the facilitators.
HW Mulalira Faisal Umar (Ag Deputy Registrar of JTI), HW Wegoye Joel (Senior Magistrate Grade I, Law Reporting),HW Mangeni Marion (Magistrate Grade I Law Reporting), HW Mauryn Namono (Magistrate Grade I Research), among others.
Posted 9th, November 2023
