ENTEBBE– The Judiciary’s Case Management Committee, chaired by the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, convened the High Court Quarterly Performance Review Retreat at the Imperial Golf View Hotel.
The two-day retreat, running from August 28–29, has brought together the Heads of Divisions and Circuits united in a common mission: to take stock of the fourth quarter of the Financial Year 2024/25 and chart fresh strategies for a more efficient and people-centered justice system.
A call for accountability and innovation
In his opening remarks, Justice Dr. Zeija lauded Judges for their resilience amidst funding constraints that slowed down activities in the last quarter. He reminded the gathering that the retreat is far more than a routine exercise, it is a moment of accountability, a mirror held up to the institution’s performance.
“I congratulate you for completing the last quarter. I am aware that it has not been without challenges, especially related to the timely release of funds…”
He decried delays in submission of performance statistics by some courts, insisting on strict adherence to reporting deadlines going forward. On case backlog, he spotlighted missing High Court records from out of station sessions as a stumbling block for the Court of Appeal, directing Judges to personally ensure the prompt return of files.
Justice Zeija further announced plans to roll out daily criminal case hearings in the Circuits of Luwero, Mukono, Wakiso, and Entebbe, alongside the High Court Criminal Division, as a deliberate push to unclog the justice pipeline. He also urged Judges to adopt measures such as monthly performance reviews, weeding out non-starter cases, and wider use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
“It’s crucial that when you come here, you pick something new to implement when you return to your stations,” he remarked.
Shared vision for a stronger Judiciary
In her remarks, the Acting Principal Judge, Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga, called on Judges to lift their gaze beyond their individual circuits and divisions, and instead act as stewards of the Judiciary’s broader vision.
“Let us not look at our work in isolation… We must think as leaders in the Judiciary and develop strategies that help each other in achieving institutional targets,” she urged.
She underscored the importance of ICT integration in judicial work, noting that the Judiciary’s ICT Committee would present practical pathways for digital transformation. She also stressed the urgency of the Judiciary’s upcoming Five-Year Strategic Investment Plan under the National Development Plan, urging Judges to actively contribute through forthcoming tools for consultation.
Addressing concerns over bail delays for capital offenders, Justice Okuo revealed that a survey commissioned by the Chief Justice is underway to map the extent of the issue. She also clarified media misconceptions regarding acting Judges “without work,” citing the Administration of Judiciary Service Regulations, which define the effective assumption of duty.
Building efficiency and Integrity
The Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya, reminded participants that performance goes beyond judgments delivered, it rests on the efficiency, integrity, and responsiveness of processes. She commended the dedication of Judges but called for sustained commitment to timely service delivery.
The retreat is being moderated by HW Faisal Umar Mulalira, Deputy Registrar of Wakiso High Court Circuit, and will feature detailed presentations from all High Court circuits and divisions.
