JUDICIARY: The Judicial Service Commission of Uganda (JSC) has opened regional offices in the city of Masaka to ease access to the people’s bridge to Justice
The Judicial Service Commission (the Commission) is an independent agency of the state established under the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. It is a specialized appointing Commission enjoying broad oversight functions in relation to services delivered to the people by the Judiciary. The mandate and functions of the Commission are defined under Articles 146-151 of the Constitution.
In Masaka, the JSC Offices are located at the building housing the Probation Office a few meters from Masaka Central Police Station.
Ms. Maria Theresa Nabulya the Senior Communications Officer at the Judicial Service Commission said they want to decentralize their services all over Uganda to reach out to more people across the country.
“In the past we only had offices in Kampala but as our theme goes that we are the people’s bridge to justice, we are not only bringing justice to the people in Kampala. For now we have offices in Moroto for the Karamoja region, in Mbarara and Masaka. So our people no longer need to travel to Kampala to access our services.” Ms. Maria Theresa Nabulya said.
One of the initial activities of the Commission in Masaka sub region was to engage the Fourth Estate on its presence and also sensitize media personnel on their role in the course of administration of Justice.
This Judicial Service Commission as created by the Constitution of Uganda is mandated to;
• To advise the President on appointments, disciplinary control, and removal of
the Chief Justice; Deputy Chief justice; Principal Judge; Justice of the Supreme
Court; Justice of the Court of Appeal; Judge of the High Court; Chief Registrar and
Registrar;
• To appoint, confirm, discipline and remove from the office of the Deputy Registrar,
Assistant Registrars, Chief Magistrates, Magistrate Grade 1 and Magistrate Grade
• To appoint, confirm, discipline and remove from office the staff of the judiciary
such as clerks;
• To review and make recommendations on the terms and conditions of service of
judicial officers;
• To carry out programs for the education of both the public and judicial officers
about the law and the administration of justice;
• To receive and process people’s recommendations and complaints concerning
the Judiciary and the administration or management of justice; and
• To advise the Government on improving the administration of justice.
As part of its roles to educate and distribute information to judicial officers and the public about the law and the administration of justice, the Commission undertakes the following programs and activities:
• Sensitization of members of the public at barazas, conferences or meetings on
topical matters of public interest and concern.
• Education visits to universities, tertiary institutions, schools, colleges, and other
institutions.
• Prison visits to meet with inmates.
• Performance management meetings with judicial officers and staff of the judiciary.
• Radio and television talk shows.
• Radio jingles and other presentations of educational materials.
• Publication of the Citizens Handbook on Law and the Administration of Justice
and its translation in the various languages in the country.
• Court inspections and interacting with court users and other stakeholders.
• Interaction with other local and international NGO’s undertaking similar objectives
and activities.
• Explain and simplify court processes and procedures for all to understand.
• Support public engagement platforms.
• Distribute educational materials on law and administration of Justice.
• Offer its Resource Center to the public to get legal information.
Ms. Maria Theresa Nabulya said that the commission will engage the public in Masaka sub region on all the above mentioned programs and activities through community barazas and radio talk shows.
The Commission is composed of 9 members with powers to facilitate improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Justice administration in Uganda. The Commissioners are drawn from persons of integrity and unquestionable character.
The Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is Justice Benjamin Kabiito who is deputised by Supreme Court Judge, Justice Faith Mwondha.
The Commissioners are; Hon. Kiwanuka Kiryowa (Attorney General), Ms Ruth Sebatindira (SC), Ms Norah Matovu Winyi, Mr Johnson Bitarabeho, Mr. Jimmy Okello and Hajji Lubega Waggwa Badru.
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