Judiciary launches policy against sexual harassment

In a bid to enhance service delivery in the country, the judiciary has introduced a policy to curb sexual assault within its working environment.

The policy was launched alongside the judiciary client charter and an HIV and AIDS workplace policy.

While launching these policies at the Judiciary headquarters in Kampala, the Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny Dollo, said the transformation process is meant to make courts of law pro client centred hence improving service delivery.

He emphasised that the new policies will reinforce the constitutional mandate of the judiciary to administer justice and also build public trust.

https://nilepost.co.ug/2019/08/21/deputy-solicitor-general-cleared-of-sexual-harassment-allegations/

“We have come up with this client charter to set out clearly our commitment to enhance access to services. The client charter enhances our commitment as an institution to carry out our mandate without discrimination,"he said.

He said HIV/AIDS work policy and sexual harassment policy will boast integrity in offices in court and kick out discrimination for the smooth running of the judiciary.

"The constitution is very clear that the judiciary is actually an agent of the people. We deliver justice in the name and the authority of the people. Sincerely speaking, the people can't be our clients, they are our masters, our principals, " he said.

The judiciary's Permanent Secretary Pius Bigirimana said this was the right time to launch the policy given the huge numbers of sexual harassment cases reported by judicial staff.

He reminded the judicial staff, court staff officers under the charter to uphold professionalism, transparency, accountability, integrity, equality and respect.

"These polices will help in delivering justice in time, delivering justice without any corruption, delivering justice without discrimination so that everybody know what the judiciary stands for,"he said.