The Uganda Law Society (ULS) last week hosted a commemoration of International Women’s Day at the ULS House in Kampala, bringing together members of the legal fraternity and representatives from the Judiciary to celebrate the contributions of women to the advancement of justice and legal innovation.
The event was attended by the representative of the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Zulaika Nanteza, who also serves as Deputy Registrar of the Court of Appeal, alongside Malen Obizu from the Judicial Training Institute and members of the legal community.
In her remarks, Nanteza expressed appreciation to the Uganda Law Society for the invitation extended to the Chief Registrar and for organizing the commemoration.
“We may be here in different capacities, but we are all women celebrating this day together. I thank the Uganda Law Society for this initiative and for inviting the Chief Registrar, who asked me to represent her and convey her greetings,” Zulaika Nanteza said.
Nanteza highlighted the strides made by the Judiciary in the area of technology, emphasizing the significant role played by women judicial officers in advancing justice delivery through innovation.
“As women in the Judiciary, we have contributed greatly to technological development. If we were not there, many of the innovations you see today would be missing,” she said.
Speaking on the theme of women in technology, Nanteza pointed to several initiatives developed with the involvement of female judicial officers.
These include the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), the development of case digests through the Uganda Legal Information Institute, and the Judiciary’s social media platforms that facilitate public engagement and feedback.
“Technology is central to this discussion. While libraries still exist, online tools like ULII make research more accessible and efficient. Platforms such as our X and Facebook pages also allow the public to give feedback about our services. We do not fear criticism whether it is good or bad. Genuine concerns, such as delayed judgments, are important for us to know,” she said.
The event also featured the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards recognizing distinguished women for their contributions to leadership, law, and access to justice.
Among the recipients were National Unity Platform Vice President for Western Uganda and Acting Party President Dr. Lina Zedriga Waru, Linda Bonyo of the Law Society of Kenya, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Legal Aid Service Providers Network, Sylvia Namubiru Mukasa.
In her closing remarks, Nanteza emphasized the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), particularly mediation, as a key mechanism for resolving disputes efficiently.
“I encourage everyone to embrace mediation. It is a valuable process that can help resolve electoral disputes and other conflicts without resorting to lengthy court proceedings,” she said.
