The Judiciary has deployed 48 newly appointed Magistrate grade ones and transferred 17 in a bid to bring judicial services closer to Ugandans.
The new deployments will see Goma, Kangulumira, Gomba, Mbirizi, Kibuku, Nakisunga and Lamwo Courts fully operationalized with the posting of a Magistrates Grade One.
According to the transfers, Courts at Amuru, Apala, Kalungu and Bugembe will receive substantive Magistrates.
In a first of its kind, some Magistrates have been attached to the chambers of Justices and Judges following the review of the Judicial Structure that elevated the position of Research Officers to the position of Magistrate Grade One.
The Chief Registrar, Sarah Langa Siu, in her memo stated that the deployments take immediate effect while the transfers are effective January 01, 2022.
The deployments come after a swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed Magistrates held Wednesday and presided over by Chief Justice, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny–Dollo.
“Go out there knowing that you carry a banner and mantle that says Justice for
all,” said the Chief Justice. “The Judicial Oath and Judicial Code of Conduct should therefore be your guardrail and source of inspiration if you are to perform effectively in accordance with the demands of your judicial office.”
The Deputy Chief Justice, Richard Buteera, advised the magistrates to ensure that they do the right thing in the discharge of their duties.
“Don’t be surprised that there are complaints against you, your worry should be, are the complaints valid.” He also cautioned them against acts of corruption.
The Principal Judge, Dr Flavian Zeija, called for integrity.
“If you know you have come to steal in the Judiciary, withdraw your oath. You will not survive here, because there is no compromise.” He equally cautioned them on absenteeism.
The Chief Registrar said as pioneer appointees in the rank under the Administration of the Judiciary Act, 2020, the new Magistrates have a great responsibility bestowed upon them.
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“The Judiciary has become very attractive, many want to come in, the entry gate is a narrow gate but the exit gate is wide, so guard your place by doing what is right,” she said.
The appointment of the 48 brings the total number of Magistrates Grade One to 212.
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