JUDICIARY Latest Features

A delegation of Judicial Officers from Uganda comprised of Justices, Judges, Registrars, Chief Magistrates and Magistrates Grade I together with a team from the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), are Nairobi attending the 14th International Association of Refugees and Migration Judges (IARMJ) Conference. The five-day conference is being held under the theme: "Protecting the Integrity of Refugees and Migration Systems."

In his keynote address, H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, thanked IARMJ for convening such an important conference at a time when refugee protection and management of migration systems have become global concerns. He noted that more than 120million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes due to political instability, climate change and other disasters. The President emphasized that refugees are entitled to the same rights as citizens of host countries and urged nations to create environments where refugees and host communities can live and work together.

He called on Judges and Judiciaries around the world to ensure asylum claims are handled fairly and in line with the principles of natural justice, noting that the decisions made by courts have far-reaching effects that directly impact people’s lives. He further urged member states to build strong institutions and invest in human resource capacity in order to safeguard the integrity of refugee and migration systems.

The Chief Justice of Kenya and President of the Supreme Court, Lady Justice Martha Koome, thanked the President for honouring the invitation and delivering the keynote address. She observed that the conference affirms member countries' commitment to confronting refugee issues, which remain a global concern. She remarked that the theme of this year's conference reflects the hope of displaced persons who trust that existing laws and systems will protect them. She encouraged member states to ensure that justice for asylum seekers is fair, quick and responsive to their needs.

Justice Isaac Lenaola, Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya and President of IARMJ, thanked the President for officiating the opening ceremony, and appreciated the support received during the preparation of the conference. He also thanked all delegates for attending in large numbers and wished them productive deliberations.

The Conference aims to enhance judicial engagement on refugee and migration matters by improving understanding and application of international law, sharing knowledge and experiences from different jurisdictions, and strengthening the role of Judiciaries in protecting displaced persons. It also provides a platform for examining emerging trends, discussing challenges such as loopholes in legal frameworks, methods that undermine migration systems, standards of detention, and the broader role of the criminal justice system in safeguarding the integrity of refugee and migration management.

Uganda's delegation includes Court of Appeal's Justice Cheborion Barishaki and Justice Musa Ssekaana; High Court Judges; Justice David Matovu, Justice Tadeo Asiimwe, Justice Serunkuma Isah,Lady Justice Kavuma Joyce, Justice Vincent Emmy Mugabo, Lady Justice Abinyo Susan, Justice Acellam Collins, Justice Nshimye Allan Paul, Justice Mwaka Philip, Lady Justice Magala Grace, Justice Vincent Opyene, Lady Justice Mary Babirye. In attendance is HW Bucyana Lilian, Ag. Registrar Judicial Training Institute, HW Nanteza Zulaika, Deputy Registrar Alternative Dispute Resolution; HW Bamuhiga Patric, Chief Magistrate; and Magistrates Grade I; HW Esther Murungi and HW Nyero Reagan. The IDLO team accompanying them is led by Mr. Alfred Hill, Programme Lead.

The participation of the Ugandan delegation has been made possible through the support of the Judiciary, the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Association of Refugees and Migration Judges (IARMJ).