The Judiciary has deployed 48 newly appointed judicial officers at the rank of Magistrate Grade One to different stations across the country. The Judiciary also transferred 17 Magistrates.
According to a statement from the Judiciary, the transfers are meant to bring services closer to the people. Sarah Langa Siu, the Chief Registrar, said in her memo that the deployments take immediate effect while the transfers are effective January 01, 2022. In the new developments, Goma, Kangulumira, Gomba, Mbirizi, Kibuku, Nakisunga and Lamwo Courts have been fully operationalized with the posting of Magistrates Grade One.
“Similarly, Courts at Amuru, Apala, Kalungu and Bugembe have now received substantive Magistrates. In the 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 statement reads.
The deployment of the 48 newly appointed judicial officers took place after their swearing in ceremony presided over by the Chief Justice, Alfonse Owinyi-Dollo at the Judiciary Headquarters on November 24. At the swearing in ceremony, the Chief Justice charged the new Magistrates to support Judiciary’s goal of “transforming Judiciary landscape, image and place in the country.” “Go out there knowing you are carrying a banner and mantle that says justice for all,” Owiny-Dollo said.
“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 and cautioned them against acts of corruption.
The Principal Judge, Dr. Flavian Zeija also called for integrity and warned corrupt judicial officers. “If you know you have to steal from the Judiciary, withdraw your oath. You will not survive here because there is no compromise,” he said. The appointment of the 48 Magistrates brings the total number of Magistrates Grade One to 212.
