National
The meeting which took place in the Chief Registrar’s chambers was attended by a seven-member delegation from Uganda Law Society (ULS) led by the President, Mr Bernard Oundo as well as Registrars; Rosemary Bareebe (Registrar High Court), HW James Ereemye Jumire Mawanda (Registrar Magistrates Affairs and Data Management/Public Relations Officer), and HW Pamella Lamunu (Inspector of Courts).
The others included the Private Legal Secretary to the Chief Registrar, HW Patricia Amoko and HW Timothy Lumunye, the Personal Assistant to the CR.
The Chief Registrar thanked the Society for their support in implementing innovations such as the Electronic Court Case Management Information System. She also commended advocates who had responded to the call for the state brief scheme, noting that requests to join the same were still coming through.
HW Langa briefed them on progress of the Performance Enhancement Tool, which will enable advocates and other court users to assess the performance of Judicial Officers as well as enhance transparency. This was welcomed by ULS who expressed readiness to assess judicial officers and the quality of judgments. They also proposed the establishment of an anonymous hotline for advocates to address their grievances while maintaining anonymity.
In terms of upcoming Judiciary events, the Chief Registrar informed the ULS Executive that Uganda was set to host the East African Magistrates and Judges Association Conference (December 4th – 8th, 2023), the Registrars & Magistrates Conference (December 14th – 15th, 2023).
The other events included the Annual Judges Conference (February 5th – 8th, 2024), the Opening of the New Law Year 2024 (February 9th) and that a formal invitation would be sent. She further informed them of the planned National Court Open Day whose date would be shared in due course.
The ULS President thanked the Chief Registrar for the meeting and requested that the same be held on a quarterly basis to make it more predictable which idea was bought.
He emphasized the need for improved communication between the Bar and the Bench, highlighting updates on court proceedings and other essential information.
Mr Oundo advocated for the digitization of Practicing Certificates to eliminate the need for advocates to physically obtain hard copies, aligning with the digital era.
Other concerns raised included; delayed judgments, conduct of some judicial officers, scheduling of court proceedings, sharing cause lists, customer service at certain courts, clerks’ conduct, and excessive bail amounts.
In response, the Chief Registrar said the concerns on high bail amounts would be addressed. On the issue of hotlines, she noted that the implementation of the same will be in line with the expansion of the Judiciary Call Centre.
The ULS team included; Mr Moses Okwalinga (CEO), Mr Isaac Newton Kyagaba (Treasurer), Mr Allan Musasire (Council Member), Mr Isaac Atukunda (Secretary), Ms Immaculate Namanda (PRO), and Mr Enock Kizito (Clerk to Council).
