Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija has urged the Judiciary to prioritise the physical and mental well-being of judicial officers, describing wellness as a critical pillar for effective case management and the administration of justice.
Speaking during the 27th annual judges conference at Speke Resort Hotel in Munyonyo on Monday, held under the theme “Judicial Wellness: A Tool for Effective Case Management,” Dr. Zeija said the theme was timely and transformative, noting that justice is delivered by human beings whose health and resilience directly affect the quality of decisions they make.
“The quality of justice we render cannot be separated from the wellness of those entrusted with its administration,” the Chief Justice said, urging judicial officers to recognise that well-being is not a luxury but a professional obligation.
Dr. Zeija emphasized that judges carry immense responsibility, with decisions that shape lives, communities, and generations. However, he noted that this responsibility often comes with pressure, isolation, heavy workloads, and even threats to personal safety, all of which can have lasting consequences on judicial officers’ lives and performance.
Citing a study by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Judicial Integrity Network, the Chief Justice revealed that 76 percent of judges worldwide do not maintain optimal physical and mental well-being, largely due to burnout, excessive workloads, and stigma surrounding judicial stress.
He referenced the 2024 Nauru Declaration on Judicial Wellbeing and the United Nations General Assembly Resolution of March 2025, which designated July 25 as the International Day for Judicial Wellbeing. Dr. Zeija called on the Judiciary’s leadership to ensure the day is formally observed every year.
According to the Chief Justice, international frameworks such as the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption underscore the importance of judicial integrity, which he said is inseparable from judicial wellness.
A supported and resilient Judiciary, he noted, is better positioned to resist undue influence and maintain public confidence.
Dr. Zeija reminded judicial officers that Uganda’s Constitution vests judicial authority in the people and mandates the Judiciary to administer justice in accordance with the law and societal values. To uphold this trust, he said, the Judiciary must be independent, competent, ethical, and empathetic, but also healthy and resilient.
“Behind every judgment is a human being—one who experiences stress, exhaustion, and emotional burden,” he said, adding that neglecting the well-being of judicial officers risks undermining the rule of law.
He stressed that judicial wellness should not be viewed as a sign of weakness, warning that chronic stress and burnout can impair judgment and decision-making, ultimately eroding public trust in the justice system.
To address these challenges, the Chief Justice outlined key priorities, including destigmatising mental health discussions within the Judiciary, strengthening peer support systems, and investing in structured wellness programs.
He committed to institutionalising support mechanisms such as training in stress management and work-life balance, as well as providing access to professional and confidential medical and psychological services.
Dr. Zeija highlighted the establishment of a medical camp at the conference venue, staffed by specialists from Mulago National Referral Hospital, and encouraged participants to utilise it.
The Chief Justice also noted ongoing initiatives such as gym facilities at the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, aerobic exercise sessions at courts, and plans to expand wellness facilities to other regions.
He pledged continued advocacy for better working conditions and improved terms of service for judicial staff.
“By protecting the well-being of judicial officers and staff, we protect the very foundations of justice,” Dr. Zeija said, urging the Judiciary to embrace wellness as a core value in delivering meaningful justice.
