Principal Judge Justice Flavian Zeija has urged newly appointed judges to exercise caution when handling judicial review cases. He warned that issuing writs or interim injunctions without careful consideration could disrupt government functions. While speaking at the opening of a two-week induction and orientation program for 21 new High Court judges, he stressed the importance of adhering to the Judicial Code of Conduct.
To maintain judicial integrity, he emphasized key principles such as independence, impartiality, integrity, propriety, competence, and diligence. Furthermore, he cautioned that delays in judgments weaken public trust in the judiciary. Therefore, he urged judges to prioritize efficiency, fairness, and transparency in their rulings. In addition, he encouraged them to promote reconciliation, mediation, and pre-bargaining, as required by the Constitution.
Justice Zeija reminded the judges that judicial power comes from the people and must reflect their values and expectations. As custodians of justice, they must ensure swift, fair, and impartial rulings that uphold the rule of law.
Justice Mike Chibita, Chairperson of the Judicial Training Institute Governing Council, reinforced these expectations. Drawing from his experience, he strongly warned against corruption, inefficiency, and negligence. According to him, any judge who fails to uphold ethical standards will face removal.
To ensure success in their new roles, he advised judges to seek mentorship, engage actively in training, and take full advantage of the learning opportunities available. Moreover, he pointed out that Uganda’s growing population has placed immense pressure on the judiciary. The system was originally designed to serve 10 million people, but the population has now surpassed 40 million. As a result, the courts are struggling with an increasing case backlog.
Chibita explained that recruiting new judges is part of a larger effort to reduce case congestion and improve judicial efficiency. With this addition, he expressed optimism that the backlog will significantly decrease.
The Judicial Training Institute designed the induction program to equip judges with essential skills. It covers judicial ethics, court administration, case management, and strategies to enhance judicial efficiency. By the end of the program, the judges will be better prepared to handle their responsibilities effectively.
