The Chief Registrar, HW Sarah Langa Siu, today held a meeting with all Chief Magistrates at the Supreme Court Building Conference Hall.
The Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary, Dr. Pius Bigirimana, expressed his happiness at seeing everyone. He said, "I am here because I am passionate about working with the people I serve. Thank you, Chief Registrar, for continuously holding these gatherings. This shows good leadership, which is about influence, inspiration, and mentorship, and you are demonstrating these qualities."
Dr. Bigirimana shared that he had been elected as the new Chairperson of the Southern Eastern African Judicial Administrators Association (SEAJAA) due to the positive changes in the Ugandan Judiciary. He highlighted the importance of teamwork, saying, "You are sitting here for the first time in a hall and building of this kind. Thank you for working with us to achieve this structure."
He urged the Chief Magistrates to love and respect their roles, emphasizing the need to carry their title as Judicial Officers seriously. His first point was the importance of responsibility, encouraging them to take charge of their stations and be accountable for the resources provided. "Do not abuse the trust the Chief Registrar has placed in you," he said.
His second point was on attitude, noting that attitude, behavior, and performance were interconnected. He urged them to maintain a positive attitude: "Love your job and perform well."
Lastly, he stated, "We have a national planning framework that sets the objectives and principles the Government uses for budgeting. I mention this because some of you have been receiving funds from other institutions. If you receive money, declare it and use it properly for inspections, court open days, and other activities. Make sure to account for it."
In response to some challenges raised, he assured that they would be addressed as soon as resources became available.
The Chief Registrar expressed her joy at seeing everyone. "It is heart warmingthat we are now 102, with the new additions," she said. She thanked the Permanent Secretary for attending the meeting.
She congratulated the 'Bagole' the new members for having joined the team.
She explained that the meetings, are usually held quarterly to help build strong and effective teams. "Through these meetings, we learn from each other, evaluate our performance, mentor and guide one another, and stay updated on Judiciary developments," she said.
The Chief Registrar urged them to be firm and diligent in their work. She stressed the importance of maintaining a professional and welcoming environment: "Your office is like your home; maintain it as you would your home. When people come to your court, let them see the glory of the Temple of Justice."
She advised the Chief Magistrates to set up finance committees to help manage resources for different court activities and staff needs.
She commended those who were mentoring and supervising their teams, saying, "Mentorship and supervision are key. I thank those who have been actively guiding their teams. Effective mentorship starts with how you present yourself, starting with competence and other qualities."
She concluded by mentioning that the national court case census for 2024 was approaching, and their cooperation and support, including team supervision, was crucial.
She reminded the chief magistrates that Mediation was being revamped, with ongoing trainings and the provision of the tools. She also shared updates on renumeration for mediators.
Lastly, she noted that the Performance Enhancement Tool rollout and implementation was ongoing and that there was a Performance Management and Awards Committee chaired by Justice Mike Chibita. Adding that the Chief Justice would soon recognize top performers.
The Chief Magistrates were introduced to the new data entry tool by the Registry of Magistrates Affairs and Data Management. Mr. Isaac Bbossa Sserunkuma, made the presentation of the Tool which will aid them during the National Court Case Census, 2024.
Some of the challenges raised by the Chief Magistrates included the condition of some court facilities, staff transfers, few staff at stations, lack of tools such as laptops for typing judgments, and inadequate transportation, among other issues.
In response, the Commissioner Human Resource Management, Ms. Apophia Tumwine, recommended rationalizing the use of current staff while waiting for recruitment.
The Head of ICT, Mr. David Sunday Kikabi, informed the participants that laptop procurement was ongoing for this Financial Year.
The meeting was moderated by the Registrar of Magistrates Affairs and Data Management, HW Mary Kaitesi, and the Ag. Chief Magistrate, HW Timothy Lumunye.
In attendance; Registrars, HW Pamella Lamunu (Inspectorate of Courts), HW James Ereemye Jumire Mawanda (Communications and Public Relations), HW John Paul Edoku (Planning, Research, and Development); Deputy Registrar and Private Legal Secretary to the Chief Registrar, HW Patricia Amoko; Principal Engineer from the Engineering and Technical Services Department, Ms. Priscilla Nakiboneka; Principal Information Management Officer, Mr. Joseph Ssinabulya.
Posted 8th, November 2024
