Chief Justice Flavian Zeija has cautioned that the Judiciary will take action against social media users who harass or abuse judicial officers, emphasizing that no judge or magistrate should be intimidated while performing their duties.
Speaking at the opening of the New Law Year, Zeija said while criticism of court decisions is legitimate, personal attacks on judges undermine judicial independence and public confidence in the justice system.
“No judicial officer should be harassed by anyone while in the line of duty,” he said, adding that the Judiciary will explore lawful mechanisms to protect officers from online abuse while maintaining transparency and accountability.
Zeija also announced plans to establish a Judiciary museum to preserve the institution’s history.
The museum, he said, would ideally be housed in one of the old Judiciary buildings and will document the evolution of Uganda’s courts and major milestones in the administration of justice.
The New Law Year opening marks the start of the court calendar and provides an opportunity to reflect on the state of justice, emerging challenges, and priorities for reform.
Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka called for timely disposal of cases and improved cooperation between judges and advocates, urging reconciliation between the Bar and the Bench in 2026.
“The year 2026 should see reconciliation of the Bar and the Bench,” he said, noting that strained relations between judicial officers and lawyers slow down the administration of justice.
Kiwanuka also highlighted government plans to domesticate the Singapore Convention on Mediation, enabling direct cross-border enforcement of mediated settlement agreements in international commercial disputes.
He appealed to the Vice President, who also serves as Chair of Cabinet, to support the bill once presented for consideration.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao urged the Judiciary to place the protection of human rights at the centre of its work, calling human rights one of the most pressing issues facing the country.
He dismissed claims circulating on social media that the Judiciary is unfair, urging the public to ignore misinformation.
“Even a chicken thief asks to be taken to court,” Mao said, noting that the growing number of people seeking redress through courts reflects increasing public trust in the justice system.
