What Chief Justice Zeija aims to achieve with newly launched judiciary policy instruments

The Chief Justice, Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, has launched three major Judiciary policy instruments aimed at strengthening justice delivery and improving accountability within the institution.

The launch took place on Wednesday evening during the third health aerobics session of the year held at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala.

Addressing staff and participants, Justice Dr Zeija said the Judiciary is adopting a more deliberate and structured approach to planning and implementation. He explained that strategic decisions will now be clearly unpacked, communicated and tracked using tools such as Gantt charts to map timelines, responsibilities and deliverables.

During the session, the Chief Justice officially launched the Judiciary Client Charter, the Service Delivery Standards, and the Judiciary Strategic Plan VI, describing them as critical instruments for enhancing service delivery, efficiency and accountability.

“This is the right venue to launch these documents because you are healthy,” Justice Dr Zeija said, underscoring the importance of staff wellness in achieving effective justice delivery.

The Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Judiciary, Dr Pius Bigirimana, congratulated Justice Dr Zeija upon his recent elevation to Chief Justice, recalling that during the previous aerobics session he had hinted at a surprise, which was the formal presentation of Justice Dr Zeija as the new head of the Judiciary.

Dr Bigirimana noted that earlier in the day, the Chief Justice had presided over a Supreme Court coram during the hearing of an election petition application, highlighting the demanding nature of judicial work and the need to prioritise staff wellness.

He reiterated that participation in health aerobics sessions is mandatory, stressing that physical and mental wellness are essential for productivity and sustained performance in the Judiciary.

Dr Bigirimana further noted that during his swearing-in, Justice Dr Zeija had outlined to H.E. the President of Uganda his vision for improving justice delivery, and that the three instruments launched are intended to support the implementation of those commitments.

He explained that the documents clearly define the Judiciary’s values, standards and expectations. The Client Charter outlines the institution’s commitments to court users, the Service Delivery Standards detail how services are delivered, while the Judiciary Strategic Plan VI sets out the Judiciary’s priorities over the next five years, both in the short and long term.

Dr Bigirimana added that the Judiciary will print and distribute adequate copies of the documents to ensure that all staff read, understand and internalise them.

He concluded by thanking participants for attending the session and wished them a productive week ahead.