Upholding Integrity and Respect: Guidance for Newly Sworn-In Magistrates
In a recent two-week induction for 88 acting Grade One Magistrates across the country, Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera delivered crucial advice on maintaining integrity and respect in their roles. He stressed the importance of not disrespecting their respective Chief Magistrates and outlined the need for polite behavior towards superiors. Buteera’s guidance comes in the context of concerns over improper conduct among some magistrates.
Buteera highlighted that politeness and respectfulness should be upheld because some Grade One Magistrates tend to assert their legal qualifications and act independently without due respect for senior colleagues. He shared an example from Luwero District where a magistrate rendered judgment without allowing the defendant to present their defense. Such incidents can lead to disputes with Chief Magistrates and compromise the integrity of the Judiciary.
In his address, Buteera cautioned the newly sworn-in magistrates about the potential misuse of power and urged them to make judicious decisions. He emphasized that, despite their independence, they must exercise their authority responsibly and fairly. The importance of treating junior staff with courtesy and ensuring that justice is served was also underscored.
The Deputy Chief Justice provided insight into the magistrates’ responsibilities at their duty stations, including the necessity of having a prior plan, creating annual work plans, forwarding files requiring High Court confirmation, and reporting to Chief Magistrates and Chief Registrars. Buteera recommended regular consultations with superiors and peers to maintain professionalism.
Buteera concluded by advising the magistrates to lead by example and avoid indiscipline, such as corruption, absenteeism, and lax management of court registry archives. Upholding respect for court property and adhering to ethical standards were key elements of his guidance.
Justice Michael Chibita, the Supreme Court Judge and chairperson of the Judicial Training Institute, reinforced the importance of integrity and hard work among judicial officers. Chibita emphasized that the administration of justice relies on integrity, and justice seekers expect honesty from trusted judicial officers. He shared a recent case where a magistrate was arrested for alleged impersonation during an exam. This incident revealed the consequences of a lack of integrity within the judiciary.
The arrested magistrate, Musa Ammaari Ssemogerere, was taken into custody for impersonating a student during an exam at the Law Development Centre’s Lira branch. He faces charges of impersonation, forgery, and uttering a false document. Notably, Ammaari was one of the 87 magistrates appointed by the Judicial Service Commission shortly before the incident.
