The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, this afternoon met members of the Executive and Secretariat of the Uganda Judicial Officers Association(UJOA) at the Judiciary Headquarters.
Discussions focused on leadership, welfare, and strengthening collaboration between the Judiciary administration and judicial officers.
During the meeting, the Principal Judge thanked the team for visiting her and commended them for their dedication and selfless service to judicial officers.
Justice Abodo noted that service within the Association equips judicial officers with valuable leadership experience that prepares them for future leadership roles within the Judiciary.
"Leadership is important because we need the ability to manage our stations and ourselves, the service you are offering will not go to waste. When your time to lead comes, you will not scramble because you will already have the experience gained during your service in the Association," she said.
She commended the Association for initiating several engagement programs including dialogue sessions, mediation initiatives, talk shows, and the porridge project, noting that such initiatives strengthen the bond between judicial officers and the institution.
"I have always been touched by the plight of prisoners who are brought to court very early and sometimes return to prison late, missing meals. The porridge project is therefore a very good idea,” she said, encouraging the team to continue it while ensuring strict hygiene to prevent any food-related risks.
Justice Abodo encouraged the Association to continue building leadership among its members and to promote wellness initiatives, noting that such efforts help the Judiciary administration view the Association as a true partner.
Responding to concerns on welfare, she emphasized inclusivity across the Judiciary. She highlighted that some staff earn as little as Shs200,000, stressing the importance of ensuring that welfare support benefits both judicial and non-judicial officers.
Lady Justice Abodo therefore advised UJOA to consider extending initiatives, including the savings circle, to non-judicial staff to promote unity and collective welfare.
The Principal Judge welcomed the Association's charity walks and other engagement activities, saying they are important in fostering camaraderie and shared purpose among officers.
At the same time, she encouraged judicial officers to focus on delivering effectively in their work, noting: "When officers concentrate on their work, leadership can respond to concerns with greater zeal and understanding."
The Principal Judge also emphasized the importance of advocating for career progression for long-serving officers, noting that visible promotions motivate others by demonstrating a clear career ladder within the Judiciary.
"All in all, you are doing a great job and we appreciate your efforts," she said.
The President of UJOA, Lady Justice Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya, thanked the Principal Judge for granting the Executive time and congratulated her upon her appointment.
Justice Kazaarwe expressed confidence in the Principal Judge's leadership, saying that the Association was proud of her achievement.
She explained that the Association often receives concerns from judicial officers but lacks the authority to directly address some of them. "It is sometimes difficult to be powerless when concerns are raised by officers, which is why we present them to you," she said.
Justice Kazaarwe appreciated the Permanent Secretary for always giving the Association venue to hold their events. She, however, noted that UJOA operates within an evidence-based culture and expressed hope that the concerns raised would receive responsive consideration from leadership.
She highlighted that the Association currently has no dedicated budget and that members of the Association often use their personal resources to carry out UJOA programmes and activities. On this, the Principal Judge commended them for their selfless service, appreciating the personal sacrifice they make to advance the welfare and professional development of judicial officers.
Justice Kazaarwe requested the Principal Judge to champion some of the Association's concerns at top management level, including quarterly fuel facilitation for all magistrates and support in securing a van pledged by the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, to enhance mobility for judicial officers.
She also invited the Principal Judge to participate in upcoming regional meetings engaging judicial officers across the country. During the meeting, she handed over the Association's news bulletins, work plan, and gifted the Principal Judge an expenditure book as a symbolic gesture.
Earlier, the Vice President of UJOA, HW Daphine Ayebare, briefed the Principal Judge on the Association's work plan and members’ concerns, and congratulated her for" coming back home as the Principal Judge."
HW Ayebare explained that UJOA serves as a bridge between the Judiciary and its officers and is committed to supporting the initiatives of the administration. She highlighted some of the activities of the Association, such as member engagements, monthly dialogue series on wellness topics, Leadership Dialogue, stakeholder engagements, among others.
Among upcoming activities are the Leadership Dialogue on 25 April 2026, the UJOA Annual General Meeting on 9 May 2026, regional visits, and planned charity walks and a golf tournament, with dates to be communicated. HW Ayebare informed the Principal Judge about members’ concerns on salary enhancement for the lower bench, fuel, and housing allowances, and requested Top Management to consider these pressing issues that affect overall performance. She thanked Top Management for always according UJOA such opportunities for engagement.
HW Muwonge William, Representative of Magistrates Grade One, presented a petition calling for improved welfare for the Magistrates, including salary increments, fuel allowances, and provision of vehicles to facilitate their work.
The Principal Judge noted that judicial officers should exercise patience and do their work diligently, with the belief that the welfare of all Judiciary staff is a key priority to the administration.
Posted 11th, March 2026
