The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed 25 judicial officers to the lower bench.
This decision, enacted under Article 148 of the Constitution, is expected to significantly enhance the operational capacity of the judiciary.
The appointments include a diverse range of judicial roles: twelve acting Chief Magistrates have been appointed for a one-year term, while seven Senior Principal Magistrates Grade 1, four Principal Magistrates Grade 1, and two Senior Magistrates Grade 1 were named in a permanent capacity. This development aims to expedite the judicial process and improve access to justice throughout the country.
According to the JSC spokesperson, Maria Theresa Nabulya, the selection of these officers was part of the Commission’s commitment to delivering timely justice and improving court efficiency. Among the appointed acting Chief Magistrates include; H/W Nambatya Irene
H/W Ojok Tonny Obonyo, H/W Okwonga Stella Paculal, H/W Lumunye Timothy, H/W Longoli Mathew, H/W Asiimwe Abert, H/W Gimugu Kabiri Kenneth, H/W Nassozi Rehema Ssebowa
H/W Birungi Phionah, H/W Kirya Martins, Kwesiga Joseph and Ndagire Patricia.
Senior Principal Magistrates Grade 1 include: H/W Nsobya Ronald Kamya, H/W Nambozo Sanula, H/W Aisu Nicholas,H/W Watyekere George Wakubona, H/W Basajjabalaba Jalia, H/W Khaukha Paul and H/W Jatiko Winnie Nankya.
Meanwhile, appointed Principal Magistrates Grade 1include; H/W Tiyo Jonathan,H/W Kasule Sumaya Rutahirwe, H/W Turibamwe Christine, H/W Akello Irene.
Senior Magistrates Grade 1 are; H/W Karamagi Pamela May and Osillo Okoth Jacob Israel.
According to reports, the Magistrates’ Courts, especially those handling civil matters with limited financial jurisdiction, struggle to keep up due to growing demands. For instance, the monetary limit for cases handled by Chief Magistrates is being revised to increase from 50 million UGX to 200 million UGX, and from 20 million UGX to 100 million UGX for Grade One Magistrates, under a 2024 bill currently before Parliament.
This amendment aims to lighten the caseload at higher court levels by redistributing cases to lower courts better equipped to handle civil matters with expanded jurisdiction
Currently, specific court circuits, such as the Masaka High Court, show a backlog with over 11,200 cases pending across the nation’s lower magistrate courts. Many cases remain pending for years, especially those involving high-value property or complex civil disputes that exceed the current jurisdiction limits of these courts.
In response, the Judiciary has initiated plea-bargaining, mediation, and the deployment of visiting judges to regions with heightened case loads, hoping to clear backlogs and improve access to justice throughout the country
The JSC hopes that these appointments will address caseload pressures and reinforce public confidence in the judiciary’s commitment to serve as the “People’s Bridge to Justice.”
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of Uganda is an independent constitutional body established under Article 146 of the Ugandan Constitution. Its primary mandate is to oversee the recruitment, promotion, discipline, and welfare of judicial officers, as well as ensuring that the judiciary remains independent, fair, and accessible to all Ugandans.
The JSC appoints judicial officers at various levels, including Magistrates, Registrars, and Judges, helping to ensure that the judiciary has the skilled personnel it needs.
The Commission also handles promotions and transfers within the judiciary, aiming to ensure a balanced distribution of judicial resources across Uganda. The JSC monitors judicial conduct, investigates complaints against judicial officers, and, where necessary, takes disciplinary actions to maintain ethical standards.
The JSC provides advice to the government on matters affecting the judiciary, such as policies or reforms aimed at improving judicial efficiency and accessibility. The Commission plays an educational role, raising awareness about the judicial system and citizens’ rights to promote access to justice.
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