The Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, presided over the swearing-in ceremony of seven newly appointed Grade 1 Magistrates on Monday, December 16, 2025, urging them to uphold their solemn oath and serve as pillars of the reformed Judiciary.
The ceremony, held at the Court of Appeal Building Conference Hall, saw the appointment of HW Khayiyi Joy Janet, HW Twesigye Natukunda Phiona, HW Nakabira Brenda, HW Nanyumba Nicholas, HW Namugoma Flavia, HW Chemutai Ceasor, and HW Akorimo Edina Cox.
In his address, Justice Dr. Zeija underscored the gravity of the judicial oath. “The oath that every one of you has taken is not simply ceremonial. You have undertaken, before your God, to serve truly and to uphold the Constitution, You must therefore hold yourselves accountable to that oath at all times,” he stated.
He charged the new officers to embody the vision of the “New Judiciary”—focused on efficiency, transparency, and improved access to justice.
Highlighting practical reforms, Justice Dr. Zeija outlined ongoing efforts to enhance the court’s capacity, including a proposal to significantly increase the financial jurisdiction of Magistrates Grade I from 20 million to 100 million Ugandan Shillings.
He encouraged the Magistrates to embrace technology, continuous learning, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to reduce the cost and time of justice.
Echoing these sentiments, the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, congratulated the appointees on passing a rigorous merit-based process.
She reminded them of their frontline role, stating they bear a “critical responsibility to deliver fair, impartial, timely, and accessible justice.”
She urged strict adherence to the Judicial Code of Conduct and a zero-tolerance stance toward corruption.
The Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya, concluded by reminding the Magistrates that their conduct directly shapes public trust in the entire judicial system.
The event marks a step in the Judiciary’s ongoing drive to strengthen its lower bench, which serves as the primary point of contact between the public and the justice system.
