The Chairperson of the Governing Council of the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), Justice Mike Chibita, has urged Chief Magistrates to uphold integrity, diligence, and emotional composure as they prepare to preside over electoral disputes in the upcoming election season.
Justice Chibita made the remarks during the closing ceremony of a two-day training on Electoral Disputes Management held at the Court of Appeal Conference Hall. He was represented by Justice John Eudes Keitirima, Head of the High Court’s Family Division, who delivered the message on his behalf.
He commended the participating magistrates for their active engagement and commitment to professional excellence, noting that the training had equipped them with both practical and technical tools to manage post-election petitions effectively.
Justice Chibita outlined four key lessons necessary for handling electoral cases: thorough preparation, strict adherence to statutory timelines, maintenance of emotional composure, and continuous consultation and peer learning.
“Electoral justice is central to democracy,” he said. “The Judiciary carries the responsibility of ensuring fairness, transparency, and credibility in the electoral process.”
Referencing Uganda’s growing population—now over 51 million—and the expanded parliamentary representation across 353 constituencies, Justice Chibita cautioned that the number of election petitions is likely to rise. He encouraged magistrates to apply the knowledge gained during the training to uphold impartiality and constitutional integrity.
Justice Chibita also lauded the Judicial Training Institute for delivering a comprehensive and practical programme.
He noted that participants received essential legal materials, precedents, and recorded sessions to support them in future assignments.
Speaking at the same event, Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, the Executive Director of JTI, reaffirmed the Chief Justice’s directive that all judicial training must be results-oriented. He announced that the Institute will establish a mentoring and coaching team to support Chief Magistrates handling election recounts and petitions—an initiative to be launched officially by the Chief Justice.
He further commended JTI staff for their dedication, revealing that many worked extended hours to ensure the training’s success.
The second day of the workshop featured interactive and experiential sessions, including an Election Petitions Quiz led by Justice Khaukha and a presentation by Justice Boniface Wamala titled “An Overview of Election Petitions for Local Councils.” Magistrates also participated in a simulation exercise that replicated real-life petition handling, testing their skills in case management, legal analysis, and judgment writing.
A reflective panel discussion brought together Justices Boniface Wamala, Phillip Odoki, and Christine Kaahwa, alongside advocates Caleb Alaka and Jude Byamukama. They offered insights on ethical conduct, effective adjudication, and best practices in managing election-related disputes.
Representatives from the Electoral Commission, Ibrahim Kakembo and Abubaker Kayondo, enriched the discussions by displaying key election materials—including ballot boxes and packing lists—and highlighting their role in promoting transparency and procedural integrity.
The workshop concluded with the award of certificates to the participating magistrates, marking the end of a rigorous, hands-on programme designed to strengthen judicial capacity to handle electoral disputes with integrity, efficiency, and confidence.