A delegation from the Judiciary of the Republic of Zambia paid a courtesy call to the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary, Dr Pius Bigirimana(2nd L)
This morning, a delegation from the Judiciary of the Republic of Zambia paid a courtesy call to the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary, Dr Pius Bigirimana.
The visit is part of the three-day benchmarking visit post performance assessment of the Case Management System.
The five-member team is led by Hon. Mr. Justice K. Limbani (Judge-in-Charge-Central Province). Other members include Hon. Annie N. Chisanga (Registrar High Court-Commercial Division), Ms. Njavwa M. Mupunda (Assistant Senior Research Advocate), Mr. Patrick Malawa(Procurement and Supplies Officer), and Mr. Mambwe Mondwa (Webmaster).
Hon. Mr. Justice K. Limbani noted that Zambia is trying to automate their court operations hence the need to benchmark on other Judiciaries that are already implementing it.
He said the team is openminded to learn all the lessons necessary on the journey to automation.
While speaking to the delegation, the PS/SJ explained his roles in the administration of the Judiciary. He also noted that he is the current Chairperson of Southern and Eastern African Judicial Administration Association (SEAJAA), a post he was elected to during their Annual General meeting that was held last week. In this capacity, he pledged to champion the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms, Automation of courts as well as infrastructure development.
Dr Bigirimana encouraged the team to adopt ways to make their Judiciary work better; saying that if an institution has got a faulty support system, it is not possible for it to perform. He stressed the fact that the gap between Judicial and non-judicial officers should be narrowed.
"However much you have a vehicle with a good engine, if it has no tyres, it won't move," he said.
Adding that there is need for motivated support staff for every institution to perform well, an agenda he preaches wherever he goes.
The PS/SJ shared Uganda's experiences in regard to the use of the Electronic Court Case Management Information system (ECCMIS), and Video conferencing system, and encouraged them to adopt them because in the long run, they save time, money and are convenient.
He further stressed the importance of the procurement cycle which include the role of the users, scoping, sourcing, evaluation and the delivery schedules in the contract management. He added that for these technological advancements, there is need to provide funding, and the system user rights to minimize cybercrime. He also noted the importance of proper management of the rollout in order to appreciate the challenges that can be experienced in the due course.
Apart from the use of technology, Dr Bigirimana drew their attention to there markable twin tower appellate court buildings that also need to be benchmarked.
"Itis a state of art structure and it is nowhere in Africa; in terms of layout, Information Technology, gym, steam bath and sauna". Adding that the structures give comfort and peace to the Judicial Officers as they execute their mandate.
Posted 14th, October 2024
