KAMPALA-The Judiciary will on Friday 17th October 2025, will be rolling out a web based Performance Enhancement Tool (PET) which will be accessed via https://pet.judiciary.go.ug/ with a view of improving service delivery and Accountability within the Judiciary. The application which will be used to asses the performance of Judicial officers and Judicial Staff.
On addressing the press at Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala, Dr. Pius Bigirimana, the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to Judiciary revealed that this tool will be replacing the old manual evaluation system which has been marred with several inconsistencies and challenges.
“After evaluation process, some will be awarded for working hard, others reprimanded for low performance, well as others will be offered training opportunities depending on the results. Through this tool , we shall be able to understand where we have gone astray.” Remarked Bigirimana
That this system which is based 360 degree model will grant everyone an opportunity to participate in the evaluation process whereby the seniors will evaluate their subordinates, who will also be evaluated by the juniors and on top of that the Advocates as well as Litigants will be engage in the evaluation process.
“The tax payers have a right to ask for accountability for the money given to us. When I was given money to build the twin towers, I produced results that can be physically seen by everyone. Five years back, this place was not like this. It has greatly changed and turned into a center for tourism attraction, you always see many buses bringing in students from various schools to this place.”
Justice Mike Chibita, the Chairperson of PET implementation committee revealed that for a very long time, the Judiciary like many other MDAs has relied on borrowed Performance Appraisal Tools which have not been fitting with the needs of the Judicial officers.
“The tool was born out of necessity and the public demand for accountability as well as transparency in the justice system, technology now allows us to integrate data , feedback and analysis in real time. Judiciary under took consultative engagements with Judicial officers and Judiciary staff together we developed performance standards i.e quantitative (case disposal, backlog, timelines and adjournments) as well as qualitative (accessibility, integrity, customer service and customer service satisfaction) which were all embedded in the system.” Remarked Chibita
He also noted that although this initiative has faced a number of challenges including resistance from some members, they have done a lot sensitizations to ensure that the same doesn’t happen again.
Advantages of the System
Enhanced Performance and Efficiency: The ultimate goal of the Performance Enhancement Tool is to improve the performance and efficiency of judges and court staff. Regular evaluations identify strengths and areas for improvement, fostering a culture of continuous professional development.
Strengthened Public Trust: A Transparent and accountable Performance Enhancement Tool helps to enhance public confidence in the judicial system. When the public participates in the performance evaluation of the Judicial Officers and sees that judges and court staff are held to high standards, trust in the judiciary is bolstered.
Data Driven Decision Making: The Judicial Service Commission, Top Management, and Court administrators can rely on the data collected and generated from the Performance Enhancement
Tool in form of Reports to aid them in making informed decision regarding awards and sanctions and performance reviews. Regular feedback and performance reviews enhance the quality of judicial decisions, contributing to more consistent and fair rulings.
Enhanced Professional Development: The Performance Enhancement Tool identifies specific areas where judges and court staff can improve, allowing for the design and implementation of targeted training and development programs. It also highlights key areas for growth, and promotes a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
Motivation and Morale: Through the use of the Performance Enhancement Tool, high-performing judges and staff can be recognized and rewarded, boosting morale and encouraging others to strive for excellence. The tool also provides constructive feedback, helping individuals understand their strengths and weaknesses, which can be motivating and lead to self- improvement.
Standardization of Evaluations: The Performance Enhancement Tool provides a standardized method for evaluating performance, ensuring consistency and fairness across board on how judges and court staff are assessed. By relying on objective criteria and diverse feedback sources, the tool helps minimize potential biases in performance evaluations.
Legal and Ethical Compliance: The Performance Enhancement Tool ensures that judges and court staff are adhering to legal and ethical standards, which is crucial for the integrity of the judiciary. In addition, the PET provides a mechanism for Risk Management through regular evaluations to identify potential risks, such as ethical lapses or procedural errors, allowing for proactive management and resolution.
Enhanced Organizational Culture: The tool fosters a culture of accountability within the judiciary, where judges and staff are aware that their performance is regularly monitored. It also encourages collaboration through the feedback process which often involves input from various stakeholders, promoting collaboration and communication within the court system.
Support for Judicial Reforms: As part of broader judicial reform efforts, the tool supports the modernization of Court processes and the adoption of best practices. The tool can be aligned with international best practices and standards, helping courts meet global benchmarks for judicial performance.
