Kampala– The Deputy Chief Justice Designate, Justice Moses Kawumi Kazibwe, has urged Research Magistrates attached to the Court of Appeal to uphold the highest standards of excellence, integrity and professionalism, describing their role as critical to the quality and credibility of judicial decisions.
Justice Kazibwe made the remarks during an engagement with Research Magistrates and Registrars at the Court of Appeal in Kampala. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss challenges affecting their work, explore possible solutions and identify measures to improve the performance of the Court.
Commending the researchers for their invaluable contribution to the work of the Justices, Justice Kazibwe noted that although their names do not appear on judgments, their input is reflected in every well-reasoned decision issued by the Court.
“Own that judgment as yours, as for the Court, and feel proud when it comes out and it is excellent,” he said.
He emphasized that excellence encompasses not only sound legal analysis and quality writing but also timeliness in the preparation of opinions and judgments. Delays or poorly researched work, he observed, affect the Court’s ability to meet constitutional and statutory timelines for delivering justice.
Justice Kazibwe cautioned researchers against incomplete or inaccurate research, warning that such shortcomings could inadvertently mislead the Justices they support, particularly given the heavy workload handled by appellate courts.
He further challenged the Research Magistrates to remain committed to their responsibilities and appreciate that they are an integral part of the Court of Appeal whose conduct directly impacts its reputation and performance.
On integrity, the Deputy Chief Justice Designate expressed concern about reports that some judicial officers have allegedly leaked or sold confidential draft judgments to litigants. He warned against such conduct and stressed the need for strict adherence to confidentiality requirements and ethical standards.
“The integrity of the Judiciary depends on our ability to safeguard confidential information and maintain public trust,” he said.
Describing the Court of Appeal as an important training ground for judicial officers, Justice Kazibwe encouraged researchers to take advantage of the exposure and experience available at the Court to prepare themselves for future leadership and judicial responsibilities.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining an open-door policy and encouraged officers to engage Court Administration whenever they encounter challenges affecting their work.
Addressing concerns about inadequate technology, Justice Kazibwe acknowledged complaints regarding outdated computers and encouraged researchers to continue raising issues requiring administrative intervention.
“I will protect and defend any of you when your integrity is not in question, where you are being falsely accused. I will not do so where the evidence is against you,” he said.
Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, a Justice of the Court of Appeal and the Court’s Administrator, welcomed the Deputy Chief Justice Designate’s commitment to accessibility and engagement with staff.
He urged Research Magistrates to align closely with the Justices they serve and reminded them that the Judicial Code of Conduct applies equally to them as judicial officers.
Justice Kiryabwire reiterated the importance of confidentiality, noting that sensitive information can sometimes be leaked through casual conversations even where there is no deliberate intention to disclose it.
He also acknowledged concerns relating to computers, laptops and internet connectivity, noting that the Judiciary’s increasing reliance on technology through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), the Judgment Writing Tool, LexisNexis and the Uganda Legal Information Institute (ULII) requires adequate technological support for judicial officers.
