Deputy Speaker Closes SEACJF Conference, Calls for Immediate Action on Judicial Reforms
Group Photo: Participants at the closing ceremony of the SEACJF Conference 2024
Earlier, the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Hon. Thomas Tayebwa officially closed the Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices' Forum (SEACJF) Conference and Annual General Meeting at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Anita Annet Among, Hon. Tayebwa praised the theme of the conference, "Enhanced Access to Justice: Underscoring Reforms in African Judiciaries," as both timely and essential.
He urged participants to take immediate responsibility for driving reforms rather than leaving the task to future generations. He highlighted the importance of effective reforms, particularly in Judiciaries, noting their potential to strengthen governments, foster societal stability, and unlock economic potential.
He also noted the valuable discussions on judicial reforms, independence, specialized courts, and judicial appointments that took place during the Conference emphasizing that the shared experiences would strengthen the participants' institutions.
Hon. Tayebwa stressed the need for collaboration in the reform process and commended the SEACJF's ongoing commitment to justice reforms since 2003.
He extended his gratitude to the judiciaries' administrators for their dedication, recognizing the challenges that come with reform but affirming that their efforts would not be in vain.
The Deputy Speaker also urged participants to utilize their collective experience, intelligence, and willingness to cooperate in pushing forward reforms that positively influence their jurisdictions.
He thanked the Heads of State of the different participants' countries for their role in fostering peace, security, and the rule of law, which allowed for such important cross-border discussions.
In his remarks, Hon. Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo, Chief Justice of Uganda, thanked the Deputy Speaker for his continued support of the Judiciary.
He congratulated the Chief Justices, heads of delegations, and participants from the Southern and Eastern African Judiciaries for their successful participation in the conference. He also appreciated the presence of Chief Justices from non-member States, encouraging them to consider full membership in the SEACJF.
Reflecting on the discussions, Justice Owiny - Dollo urged participants to implement key reforms like Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Small Claims Courts, and specialized courts in their home countries.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by different Judiciaries, he stressed the need for collaboration and open communication to achieve the conference's resolutions.
"Let us intensify collaboration among judicial bodies across the region to continuously develop and share best practices," he said.
In her closing remarks, Hon. Lady Justice Martha Koome, Chief Justice of Kenya and Vice Chairperson of SEACJF, expressed her gratitude about the wealth of ideas exchanged during the Conference. She emphasized the invaluable opportunity for SEACJF Judiciaries to connect and support each other in enhancing access to justice and transforming societies.
Justice Koome highlighted the importance of judicial independence and reforms for good governance and the rule of law. She stated that empowering Judiciaries is essential for meaningful societal transformation and urged participants to implement reforms such as specialized courts to meet the needs of vulnerable groups.
She also stressed the significance of embracing technology in judicial processes, including e-filing and virtual court proceedings, to improve access to justice.
Furthermore, she advocated for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, underscoring the need for African Communities to explore their justice systems.
Justice Koome also acknowledged the challenges to judicial independence and the importance of safeguarding it through appropriate reforms. She urged her fellow Chief Justices to remain vigilant in protecting the progress made toward judicial independence.
She thanked the Uganda Judiciary and the organizing committee for their hospitality and support. She extended her appreciation to all participants for their contributions to the conference, encouraging continued collaboration and learning to advance justice in Africa.
Hosted by Uganda, the conference was attended by delegates from countries including Zambia, Gambia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Zanzibar, South Sudan, Somalia, and Burundi.
Posted 2nd, October 2024
