Chief Justice Asks Judicial Officers to Embrace Ramadan Values in Dispensing Justice

Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija has called on judicial officers and religious leaders to uphold justice, integrity and accountability as foundational values for national development.

Speaking at the inaugural Iftar dinner organized by the Judiciary’s Muslim fraternity in Kampala, Justice Zeija said the holy month of Ramadan reflects virtues that closely mirror the ethical demands of judicial service.

He noted that Ramadan is a period of patience, self discipline and deep reflection which are qualities equally required of judicial officers entrusted with dispensing justice.

“Just as fasting demands commitment to a higher purpose, the law requires us to set aside personal bias in favor of the common good,” he said.

Justice Zeija noted that justice must not only be grounded in the law but also in conscience.

Quoting the Holy Quran, he reminded guests of the command to stand firmly for justice, even if it is against oneself or close relatives, a principle he said mirrors the highest ethical standards of judicial office.

He said the gathering reflected Uganda’s constitutional identity as a nation founded on human dignity, equality and freedom of belief, adding that when citizens of different faiths meet in mutual respect, they affirm justice as a shared national value.

The Chief Justice commended religious leaders for their role in promoting social harmony and peaceful dispute resolution. He particularly applauded Muslim clerics for supporting mediation and reconciliation efforts within communities, noting that such alternative dispute resolution mechanisms complement formal justice systems and foster restorative outcomes.

Justice Zeija revealed that the Judiciary is strengthening collaboration with religious leaders through training initiatives to enhance their capacity to support justice both in workplaces and communities. He also praised the Muslim community for its contribution to national development, citing the Islamic Development Bank as a key financial partner in government projects.

As Muslims observe Ramadan, Justice Zeija urged judicial officers and the general public to reflect on their duty to protect the vulnerable and uphold the rights of those in need.

“Ramadan teaches empathy and compassion,” said Zeija. “Our profession charges us with protecting the rights of the vulnerable. May this evening renew our commitment to serve with integrity, transparency and open hearts.”

The Patron of the Judiciary Muslim Association and Justice of the Constitutional Court, Musa Ssekaana, described the inaugural Iftar as a significant spiritual and institutional milestone.

He said Ramadan is not merely a period of fasting but a divine invitation to introspection, discipline and compassion which he said are values that resonate deeply with the Judiciary’s mandate to uphold justice and the rule of law.

“Fasting teaches patience and self control, virtues essential for judicial officers who must deliberate with clarity and impartiality,” Justice Ssekaana said.

Ssekaana announced the launch of a Muslim Judiciary SACCO, a cooperative savings and credit initiative tailored to Muslim judicial staff. The SACCO, he explained, will provide Sharia-compliant financial services, promote economic empowerment and strengthen financial independence among members.

He further proposed that the Iftar dinner be formalized on the Judiciary’s annual calendar to promote inclusivity and institutional recognition of religious diversity, noting that other arms of government have embraced similar engagements during Ramadan. He congratulated the Chief Justice upon his recent appointment and thanked partners who supported the event.

In her remarks, the Principal Judge, Jane Frances Abodo, described the gathering as a historic moment that shows unity and inclusion within the Judiciary. She said the event was more than an occasion to break the fast; it was a celebration of diversity and mutual respect.

“Ramadan reminds us that justice is rooted not only in the law but also in moral responsibility, empathy and fairness,” Abodo said.

She also commended  Muslim judicial officers for pioneering the initiative. She emphasized that professional excellence and spiritual observance can coexist, strengthening both personal conviction and institutional integrity.

Acting Chief Registrar Pamela Lamunu Ocaya said the evening was a profound moment for the Judiciary, because of bringing together leaders in justice, government and international cooperation for reflection during the holy month. She observed that fasting cultivates accountability, discipline and moral consciousness  principles essential for judicial officers entrusted with public confidence.

“In the Judiciary, we are custodians of rights and trustees of public trust; our responsibility extends beyond legal procedure to moral stewardship and institutional efficiency,” she said, adding that Ramadan enhances patience, resilience and clarity in decision-making. 

Ocaya welcomed the establishment of the Muslim judicial officers’ SACCO, describing it as a milestone in promoting financial stability and collective welfare within the institution.

The Permanent Secretary of the Judiciary, Pius Bigirimana, congratulated Muslim staff for organizing the Iftar and emphasized the importance of unity within the Judiciary family. He encouraged mentorship of younger officers and adherence to institutional discipline, noting that judicial service demands commitment, integrity and professionalism.

“It is important for Muslims to come together, support one another and mentor young officers so they understand the responsibility that comes with judicial service,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, businesswoman and women’s empowerment Advocate Aisha Kasolo called for greater economic and social empowerment of women, particularly Muslim women.  She urged men to support women’s inheritance rights, leadership opportunities and financial independence.

“If you were making your will today, would you allow your daughter, if capable, to be your heir?” she asked, challenging participants to rethink traditional practices that disadvantage women.

Kasolo further advocated for reforms within financial systems to eliminate barriers faced by married women seeking loans, and lauded Islamic financing as an inclusive model that supports ethical and interest-free business practices.

She called on leaders within the Judiciary to support policies that empower women to own property, run businesses and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s socio economic transformation.

The Iftar dinner brought together judicial officers, religious leaders, government officials and development partners.

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