Chief Justice Alfonse C Owiny-Dollo emphasized the importance of judicial officers avoiding the perversion of justice and displaying partiality during the swearing-in ceremony of five officers at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala on Tuesday.
The newly sworn-in officers include Ms Hilda Bakanasa Walaga (Ag Chief Magistrate), formerly Manager of Prosecutions at Uganda Revenue Authority, along with Magistrates Grade I – Ms Asha Nakiwate, Ms Pepera Edith Anne, Mr Derrick Kamanzi, and Ms Kembabazi Ackline, who are joining from Private Practice.
Quoting Deuteronomy 16:18-20, Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo cautioned against accepting bribes, highlighting the detrimental impact on wise judgment.
“Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent. And also follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you,” Owiny-Dollo asserted.
He urged the officers to follow justice alone and emphasized their responsibility to judge people fairly.
The four Magistrates Grade One and the Acting Chief Magistrate were reminded of their duty to understand the Constitution and work with integrity and later Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo wished them success in their divine duty.
The new officers pledged to exercise their judicial functions in accordance with the Constitution and national laws, promising to dispense justice without fear or favor.
Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera emphasized the need for collaboration with other government agencies, while Principal Judge Dr Flavian Zeija stressed the timely completion of cases and providing litigants with information about their next court dates.
“Bear in mind that the public looks at your single faces as the entire image of the Judiciary. And as such you should exercise high level of care as you exercise your duties by being descent, avoid being rude to the litigants and maintain good relationships at you stations to the people you supervise,” Dr. Zeija noted.
Registrar High Court Rosemary Bareebe cautioned against absenteeism and laziness, urging officers to maintain a positive image of the Judiciary.
“Exercise your functions in a manner that is expected by the Public. Your status is now changed, exercise high levels of intergrity and be free from corruption,” she added.
The Chief Justice, accompanied by Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera and Principal Judge Dr Flavian Zeija, highlighted the importance of integrity and collaboration in their roles.
The ceremony was attended by Lady Justice Damalie N Lwanga, Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute, Dr Pius Bigirimana, Judiciary Permanent Secretary, Ms Maureen Kasande, Under Secretary, and other senior Judiciary staff.