Some of the Chief Magistrates with the Chief Registrar , HW Sarah Langa Siu (middle - 1st row) at the Judiciary Headquarters
The Chief Registrar, HW Sarah Langa Siu, is meeting Chief Magistrates from different parts of the country at the Judiciary headquarters in Kampala.
She is flanked by HW Kisakye Mary Kaitesi, Registrar Magistrates Affairs and Data Management and Inspector of Courts HW Pamella Lamunu Ocaya and HW Atingu Beatrice Stella (Ag Registrar Alternative Dispute Resolution).
The purpose of the meeting is for the Chief Magistrates to compare notes on their achievements, identify areas for improvement, and learn best practices from each other.
The Chief Registrar welcomed their Worships and congratulated those who have been confirmed from acting capacity.
She thanked them for their work, notably in the area of bail, noting that complaints have reduced.
HW Langa urged the Chief Magistrates to implement best practices, and encouraged them to exercise supervisory skills over their stations as well as to ensure appraisals of themselves and their staff are conducted.
She also highlighted the importance of maintaining a good reputation and professionalism for continuous improvement.
Reflecting on the Judiciary's theme for the year, "A People-Centered Approach to Justice," the Chief Registrar urged the Chief Magistrates to prioritize the people they serve in all their actions. "In whatever we do, let us think of the people first," she said.
She also encouraged them to push for Court Open Days, emphasizing their importance in enabling the public to see the good work at their courts and address any challenges that their courts and the people they serve face.
The Chief Registrar informed the Chief Magistrates that the Chief Justice issued an Instrument with standard fees regarding Mediation.
She also urged them to examine the instrument that enhances the Magisterial areas, address any concerns they might have, and seek clarifications whenever necessary to better serve the public.
She informed the Chief Magistrates about efforts to enhance jurisdiction for Chief Magistrates in the Magistrates Courts Act (MCA) to 100 million and urged them to handle their duties with integrity, aiming to prove critics wrong.
Justice Lawrence Gidudu, Head of the Anti-Corruption Division and Guest Speaker at the meeting, took participants through a presentation on corruption and its impact on customer care in courts.
He said they should serve with integrity adding that it (integrity)stands surety for them in their absence. He also reminded that members of the public, who are the court users, are the reason they are employed.
Additionally, Wazi Vision, an eye clinic located in Kamwokya, Kampala, is offering free eye testing and screening for the participants, at the Judiciary headquarters.
In attendance; HW Agwero Catherine (Deputy Registrar Magistrates Affairs and Data Management), and HW Patricia Amoko (Private Legal Secretary to the Chief Registrar) among others.
The meeting is being moderated by the Judiciary Public Relations Officer, HW James Ereemye Jumire Mawanda.
Posted 28th, June 2024
