Nakawa– on Wednesday, a cross-section of Judicial Officers convened at the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), Nakawa, for a pre-retirement roundtable held under the theme, “Transitioning with Purpose & Dignity.”
The one-day roundtable is designed to prepare judicial officers for a smooth and fulfilling transition from public service by equipping them with practical knowledge and skills in retirement planning, financial and risk management, wellness, and redefining purpose and identity beyond the formal office.
The participants included; Registrars, Deputy Registrars, Assistant Registrars, Chief Magistrates, and Magistrates.
Officially opening the roundtable on behalf of the Chief Justice, the Chairperson of the JTI Governing Council and Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Mike Chibita, commended the Judicial Training Institute for proactively preparing judicial officers for retirement well before they leave service.
He observed that while judicial officers dedicate the best years of their lives to serving the public, retirement often comes with significant adjustments relating to identity, financial security, social relevance, and personal fulfilment. He emphasized that retirement should not come as a shock but rather as a well-planned transition.
Justice Chibita encouraged participants to embrace the roundtable as an opportunity to prepare for the next phase of life with confidence and dignity, noting that leaving the Bench does not diminish one’s value, wisdom, or ability to continue contributing to society.
He urged participants to take advantage of the practical sessions on pension planning, investments, health and wellness, and highlighted Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as an avenue through which retired judicial officers can continue serving the justice sector as mediators, arbitrators, negotiators, and conciliators.
He further applauded the Judicial Training Institute for investing in officers approaching retirement, describing the initiative as a demonstration of the Judiciary’s commitment to the well-being of its officers throughout their professional journey and beyond.
The Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute, Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, noted that while retirement is an inevitable stage in every public servant’s career, many officers naturally fear the transition because much of their identity, routine, and daily interactions are tied to judicial service. He emphasized that the purpose of the roundtable is to help judicial officers manage this transition through practical experience-sharing rather than classroom lectures.
He explained that the programme brings together retired judicial officers and experienced professionals to share personal experiences and practical insights on life after retirement, enabling participants to prepare emotionally, financially, socially, and professionally for the next chapter of their lives.
Justice Khaukha also underscored that the roundtable is an opportunity to celebrate the dedicated service of judicial officers while helping them appreciate that retirement marks the beginning of a new and productive phase rather than the end of meaningful contribution.
Earlier, participants engaged in a guided panel discussion led by Mr. Amos Ngolobe, Advocate and Mediator, which provided an interactive platform for participants to reflect on retirement planning, share experiences, ask questions, and gain practical insights into successfully navigating the transition from active judicial service
Participants are attending a session on “Preparing for Retirement and Retirement Entitlements” facilitated by Mr. Victor Bua, Commissioner for Compensation, Ministry of Public Service. Ms. Sarah Abaru, Senior Human Resource Officer, Judiciary will later talk to the participants about retirement benefits payable to judicial officers. The session will be followed by a plenary discussion and an interactive simulation exercise
