Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo Urges Magistrates to Uphold Integrity and Accountability

Summary:

• Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo urged Magistrates at the Annual Registrars and Magistrates Conference in Kampala to uphold integrity and accountability in the justice system. He highlighted the Judiciary’s progress, including an increase in Magistrates and budget, but cautioned against corruption and performance decline.

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Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has urged Magistrates across Uganda to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability in the administration of justice. Speaking at the Annual Registrars and Magistrates Conference in Kampala, Owiny-Dollo emphasized that the credibility of the Judiciary depends on their actions and warned against any form of corruption or malpractice.

He reminded Magistrates of their privileged role in the justice system and stressed that their conduct directly impacts the public’s perception of the Judiciary. Owiny-Dollo reflected on the growth of the Judiciary, noting an increase in the number of Magistrates from 100 in 2020 to over 586 today, alongside a budget rise from 199 billion to over 300 billion shillings, enabling the recruitment of more judicial officers.

Despite these advancements, he cautioned that challenges like case backlogs and delays still persist. Owiny-Dollo also expressed concern over a decline in performance despite the increased number of Magistrates, suggesting there may be underlying issues. He called on Magistrates to be more careful in granting bail and to ensure they provide clear, reasoned decisions, especially when the prosecution objects.

Additionally, Owiny-Dollo highlighted the forthcoming Magistrates Grade One Bill 2024, which aims to enhance the monetary jurisdiction of Magistrates, enabling them to handle cases involving up to 100 million shillings. This move is part of efforts to reduce case backlogs.

Owiny-Dollo also used a phone analogy to explain the importance of integrity and competence in the Judiciary, stressing that the effectiveness of the justice system is determined by the actions of its officers, not by its physical infrastructure. He further urged Magistrates not to be intimidated by external pressures and to act decisively in delivering justice.

While addressing the request for a separate conference for Registrars, Owiny-Dollo acknowledged the unique challenges they face but maintained that such a gathering might not be necessary. He expressed openness to further discussions on the matter.

The conference, attended by Magistrates and Registrars nationwide, provided a platform for professionals to share experiences and address issues affecting the Judiciary, with a focus on improving service delivery and reinforcing professionalism within the system.