The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has closed an eight-hour training on effective court interpretation for court clerks from the Western Region, organised by the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) at the Court of Appeal Conference Hall.
Justice Abodo urged the clerks to uphold professionalism and integrity, noting that their role goes beyond interpreting languages to include observing ethics and court protocol, providing customer care, and supporting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Alternative Justice Systems (AJS).
She described court clerks as an important link between the courts and the public, helping court users understand proceedings and participate meaningfully in the administration of justice.
The Principal Judge also undertook to champion the welfare concerns raised by the clerks and encouraged them to continue working hard as the administration addresses these concerns. She noted that beyond welfare, clerks also require the necessary tools to effectively perform their duties.
Justice Abodo thanked JTI and its Governing Council for organising the training and congratulated the participants for being pioneers of a programme that is expected to be cascaded to other court clerks across the country. She encouraged them to put the knowledge and skills acquired into practice and share them with their colleagues.
The Chairperson of the JTI Governing Council, Hon. Mike Chibita, congratulated the participants upon completing the training, noting that court clerks perform essential duties behind the scenes, including preparing files, organising courtrooms and records, and ensuring that court documentation is in place.
He emphasised that the administration of justice is a collective responsibility in which every officer, regardless of rank, has an important role to play. He said the training was intended to help clerks appreciate the importance of their work and reflect on their professional responsibilities.
Hon. Chibita added that the programme marks the beginning of a wider initiative to extend the training to court clerks across the country and encouraged the participants to share the knowledge and skills acquired with their colleagues.
The Executive Director of JTI, Hon. Justice Andrew Khaukha, thanked the facilitators, the Governing Council Chairperson and the Principal Judge for supporting the training. He also appreciated the presence of the Acting Registrar, HW Simon Kintu Zirintusa, who represented the Chief Registrar, noting that this would help ensure that the concerns raised by the clerks are brought to the attention of the Chief Registrar.
Afternoon Panel Discussion
Earlier in the afternoon, the clerks participated in a panel discussion focused on their role in supporting the Judiciary’s broader mandate and transformation agenda.
HW Daniel Lubowa, Registrar for Alternative Dispute Resolution, explained how court clerks contribute to the Judiciary’s vision for ADR and the role they can play in supporting the effective resolution of disputes.
Mr. Baker Musobozi from the Judicial Service Commission addressed performance and some of the ethical dilemmas officers may encounter in the course of their duties.
Hajji Sulaiman Hirome, Principal Assistant Secretary, representing the Permanent Secretary, spoke about the contribution of court clerks to the implementation of the Judiciary’s Strategic Plan. He also noted that providing staff uniforms would help members of the public easily identify officers they interact with while seeking court services.
Senior IT Officer Mr. Robert Mutebi, representing the Principal Information Technology Officer, spoke about the Judiciary’s ongoing transformation in case management. He noted that the transition towards a data-driven institution requires a change in mindset and encouraged court clerks to remain dynamic and adaptable as technology continues to reshape court operations.
The panel discussion was moderated by the JTI Deputy Registrar in charge, HW Lillian Bucyana.
Posted 14th, October 2026
