Group Photo: Members of UJOA with the Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo(seated middle)
The Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo told held his first meeting with the Uganda Judicial Officers Association (UJOA) executive at the Supreme Court, Judiciary Headquarters, Kampala.
The Chief Justice who also serves as the patron of UJOA, emphasized the importance of the Association in the administration of justice and assured the members of his full support.
He addressed key issues raised by UJOA, such as the inclusiveness of the Association in Judiciary budget allocation and committees, welfare improvements including better facilitation for hard-to-reach areas, uniform vehicle allocation, housing allowances, and mileage, as well as transparent promotion policies within the Judiciary among others.
The Chief Justice highlighted the Judiciary's efforts to support judicial officers in hard-to-reach areas and the establishment of a new Judiciary Disciplinary Committee.
Regarding the transfer policy, he informed members that all those to be transferred would be notified three months in advance, except in emergencies. Justice Owiny - Dollo also proposed a template to ensure fair deployment of judicial officers, avoiding favoritism and marginalization.
He assured the Executive that UJOA members' views would be considered, urging them to see him as a partner and to understand the purpose of UJOA.
UJOA President, Lady Justice Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya, highlighted the Association's activities over the past 60 days, including the adoption of weekly one-hour meetings, a formal handover ceremony, and visits to regional judicial associations in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda as well as Consultative meetings with all levels of Judicial Officers.
Lady Justice Mukwaya informed the Chief Justice about the UJOA Constitution 2024 that came into force on May 18, 2024. She also requested his support to run UJOA's planned two-year activities that the Association intends to handle in partnership with the Judiciary.
Justice Kazaarwe informed the Chief Justice that UJOA expressed condolences to the Kenya Magistrates& Judges Association in memory of the Late Hon. Monica Kivuti, who died from gunshot injuries sustained while performing her duties. Noting that UJOA sent messages of condolence and collective financial contributions.
During the meeting, UJOA General Secretary, HW Conrad Obol Oroya presented updates and concerns from recent consultations between the UJOA Executive and judicial officers.
Key points included; the need for improved cohesion among Magistrates, greater representation in the Judiciary budget allocation process and Committees, enhanced collaboration with Judiciary administration and stakeholders, securing funds for UJOA activities, continuous engagement to interest judicial officers in joining UJOA, and official policies on retiring Magistrates Grade II and promotion criteria, among others.
Present; Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire (Representative Supreme Court), Lady Justice Elizabeth Musoke (co-opted Representative Judicial Service Commission), and HW Sarah Tusiime Barungi (Representative for Registrars) among other members.
Posted 4th, July 2024