Hon. Justice Batema (standing) at the closing of the performance review and team building workshop at Mukono Chief Magistrate Court
"Everyone should know his or her own role for us to win as a team. Do not be the complainant, do your part and pass on the battle in time."
These were Hon. Justice David Batema's remarks while closing a performance review and team building workshop at Mukono Chief Magistrate Court, on Thursday (October 8, 2020). It was attended by both judicial and non-judicial staff from the magisterial areas of Mukono, Kayunga and Lugazi.
Drawing lessons from his judiciary career story, Hon. Justice Batema, who is the Mukono Senior Resident Judge, urged the participants to inspire positivity, teamwork, hope and perseverance.
"Working in Judiciary is challenging, but trust me when I say perseverance, diligence at work, patience and changing attitude, pays" he said.
Adding that there is need for everyone to do the right thing even when it is at times unpopular, he encouraged the participants to remain steadfast and focused, and wait to be seen by their works.
He applauded the Chief Magistrate, HW Hatanga Juliet Harty, for organizing such an activity which cultivates teamwork, needed for smooth operations in courts since "nobody can conduct a court session alone."
HW Ikit Mary, the Deputy Registrar - Mukono Court, emphasized the importance of team building activities saying that "we need to work better and change our attitude as we adopt working under the new normal."
HW Hatanga said that the workshop was intended to provide judicial officers with a platform to share best practices, exchange ideas and jointly brainstorm on the solutions to the challenges they face during the course of administration of justice.
The CM called for timely planning and creativity as the best strategy towards resolving challenges. "I do not want my team to be the complainants, let us be the problem solvers, for as long as we plan in time we shall be able to sort out what we can deal with ourselves," she said, adding that identified challenges that can't be locally solved will be forwarded to Headquarters for further management.
HW Hatanga called upon the staff never to compromise their principles during the execution of their duties for as long as they’re doing the right thing.
Activities
Mr. Steven Langa, the Executive Director of Family Life Network engaged the participants in a teambuilding session with games and tips on how to maximize the potential of a given team.
Positive attitude, strategically adjusting to the new realities, and strengthening one's values and character are some of the tips he gave on how to thrive in the new normal. During the session, insights on proper management of stress and energizing when depressed or fatigued were discussed.
Performance Review Session
Strategies on how to achieve better results were adopted during the opening session of the event in addition to reviewing performance, identifying challenges and best practices.
Statistics revealed that the total revenue collected from the three magisterial areas was UGX144,154, 415 for the previous financial year 2019/2020. The total pending cases for a Mukono are 2180, Lugazi (1220) and Kayinga (592), out of which 418, 328and 66 cases are backlog respectively.
It was observed that Koome Magistrate court which is situated on one of the islands on Lake Victoria, is faced with a great challenge that may not only hinder accessibility to justice for locals but also presents a high risk on the life of the judicial officer. This island can only be accessed using a canoe boat which the magistrate shares with litigants cruising on very unstable water waves.
Lack of qualified court clerks, prosecutors, other essential court staff, furniture and appropriate court premises, are the major challenges shared by these courts.
In attendance were Magistrates; HW Muinda Tadeo, HW Wabuze Ludia, HW Wandera Wilson, HW StellaOkwang, HW Egessa Wilberfoce, HW Nahinya Esther, HW Akello Irene, HW Kaburunga Patience, HW Wadhuba Steven, and other court staff most of whom confessed that this was the very first team building activity ever attended in judiciary.
The day was crowned with cake cutting and a 'meet and greet' cocktail which the CM said was meant to celebrate the milestones so far registered and the success anticipated.
Posted 8th, October 2020
