Kampala- The Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya, has called for stricter compliance with licensing requirements, improved professionalism, and enhanced training for court bailiffs, as she chaired a meeting of the Court Bailiffs and Disciplinary Committee at the Judiciary headquarters in Kampala.
Addressing the Committee, HW Lamunu, who also serves as Patron, said the Judiciary is currently undertaking inspections and renewal of bailiffs’ licences countrywide, prompted by reports received by her office. She noted that the inspections are particularly focused on ensuring bailiffs operate from properly established and independent premises, warning against the continued practice of
Sharing offices.
She further stated that the Judiciary is issuing new identification cards for bailiffs, which will bear individual licensing serial numbers, with plans underway to introduce digital identification cards as part of ongoing court modernization efforts. She urged the leadership of the Uganda Court Bailiffs Association (UCBA) to sensitize members to fully comply with inspection requirements.
HW Lamunu raised concerns over reported friction between magistrates and bailiffs, allegations of favoritism, and instances of licenses being issued before completion of academic qualifications. She stressed that structured training, particularly in the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), execution of court processes, and ethical conduct, is essential to professionalize the sector. She also proposed expanded use of online processes to reduce opportunities for corruption, supported by targeted capacity building.
On the contentious issue of testimonials for prospective bailiffs awaiting graduation, HW Lamunu expressed reservations but proposed a limited grace period, conditional upon submission of academic certificates upon completion of studies.
Responding on behalf of the profession, UCBA President Mr. Milton Mataze welcomed the guidance from the Office of the Chief Registrar and commended the inspection teams for their diligence. He acknowledged improved compliance with the requirement for independent offices and encouraged judicial officers and court users to engage a broader pool of bailiffs to fairly assess competence and curb perceptions of favoritism.
Mr. Mataze proposed that bailiffs awaiting graduation be allowed to operate on the basis of testimonials as they await formal graduation, and suggested that those facing disciplinary proceedings continue working pending the outcome, with licences revoked if culpability is established. He pledged the Association’s full cooperation with the Committee.
The meeting was attended by Committee members; Registrars; HW Prossy Katushabe (High Court), HW Thadius Ayebare Tumwebaze (Supreme Court), HW Agnes Alum (Magistrates Affairs and Data Management), HW Sarah Tusiime Bashaija (Inspectorate of Courts), HW Festo Nsenga (Deputy Registrar, Inspectorate of Courts), Ms. Brenda Biira (representing the President of the Uganda Law Society), and HW Fidelis Otwao (Personal Assistant to the Chief Registrar)
