The Chief Justice of Uganda Alfonse Owiny Dolo has appointed Justice Stephen Musota as the new Inspector of courts, following the unfortunate demise of Justice Rubby Opio Aweri.
The Chief Justice unveiled the new appointment of Justice Stephen Musota while giving his opening remarks during the 24th Annual Justices’ conference at Mestil Hotel, Nsambya on Monday.
“I have just appointed a new Chief Inspector of Courts, Justice Stephen Musota following the unfortunate demise of Justice Rubby Opio Aweri,” CJ Alfonse C Owiny Dollo said
Justice Rubby Aweri Opio, the former inspector of courts was also the Justice of the Supreme Court, but passed away on Wednesday, 07 December 2022.
The mandate of the Inspectorate is to monitor and evaluate the performance of Judicial Officers and other staff and court facilities. In the performance of the above mandate, the Inspectorate performs the following functions:-
i) Investigate and evaluating of complaints from the public.
ii) Conducting regular court inspections.
iii) Evaluating the performance of Magistrates and other judicial staff.
iv) Identify performance bottlenecks that impede effective delivery of justice.
v) Analyzing court returns to determine the efficiency of court operations.
vi) Producing and disseminating information to the public about the operations of the courts.
Meanwhile, the 24th Annual Justices’ conference was opened on Monday by the President of Uganda, and it is expected to end on February 2nd at Mestil Hotel Nsambya Kampala.
This Conference is being held under the theme, “The Judiciary transformation Agenda; Enhanced Access to Justice”
As one of the Key note Speakers, The Chief Justice of South Africa , Hon. Justice Raymond Zondo delivered the keynote address at the 24th Annual Judges Conference 2023 titled; “The independence of the Judiciary: An impetus to meaningful Access to Justice”
“An independent Judiciary is an enabler and promoter of access to Justice as enshrined in the Constitution- SouthAfrican. The responsibility does not lie with only Judiciary but with Parliament, Executive and the public to make sure the independence of the Judiciary is protected from unwarranted threats,” Chief Justice Raymond Zondo said
The Chief of Uganda Alfonse Owiny Dolo said Judicial officers need robust induction upon appointment at whatever level to know how to apply law and knowledge . “We intend to have trainings of a minimum of one every month.” he said.
