The Judicial Service Commission has promoted 32 judicial officers in the magistrate court and registrar ranks. The promotions were communicated at the end of this week.
The new promotions include nine judicial officers promoted to Deputy registrar, five to Assistant registrar and 14 to Chief magistrate, one principal magistrate grade one and one to senior magistrate grade one.
Also appointed is a senior State Attorney and an advocate as Deputy registrar and chief magistrate respectively.
The JSC chief registrar Sarah Langa Siu is optimistic that promotions will help to reduce on the case backlogs.
“We are delighted with the promotions because it is a perfect boost in the ranks where we have a huge caseload,” Sarah Langa Siu said.
She however noted that the promotions create gaps in the lower judicial structures but pledged to work with JSC to fill the gaps.
“Although we have 15 new Chief magistrate, 12 of the existing ones have been elevated to Deputy and assistant registrar. This means that, in fact, the number of chief magistrate has only gone up by three from 42 to 45. Also, the number of Magistrate Grade one has dropped from 175 to 165 due to promotions. But we shall continue working closely with JSC to ensure the gaps are filled.” Sarah Langa said.
She added that the elevated officers would be deployed soon and allowed time for transition due to COVID-19 situation.
The promoted officers are among others; Mushebebe Moses Nabende who has been serving as Magistrate Grade one in Anti corruption court and Nantege Christine who has been working as Magistrate Grade one in Masaka promoted to Principal Magistrate Grade one and Senior Magistrate Grade one respectively
