The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has called for closer collaboration between the Judiciary and the Leadership Code Tribunal to strengthen integrity, accountability, and the efficient administration of justice.
She made the remarks during a courtesy visit by members of the Leadership Code Tribunal at the Supreme Court, their first formal engagement with the Judiciary since the appointment and swearing-in of the Tribunal's new members earlier this year.
Welcoming the delegation, Lady Justice Abodo congratulated the members on their appointment and expressed confidence in their ability to discharge their constitutional mandate with integrity, independence, and diligence.
She said the Leadership Code Tribunal plays a vital role in the administration of justice by adjudicating cases involving breaches of the Leadership Code of Conduct, complementing the Judiciary's broader mandate of upholding the rule of law and promoting accountability.
“The Judiciary and the Leadership Code Tribunal share a common responsibility of promoting justice, integrity and public confidence in governance. By working more closely together, we can strengthen accountability and enhance the effective administration of justice,” she said.
The Principal Judge pledged the Judiciary's continued support to the Tribunal and emphasized the need for sustained institutional cooperation to improve justice delivery.
To enhance efficiency, she encouraged the Tribunal to embrace digital transformation by digitising its registry and adopting the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS).
She also recommended the use of mediation as an alternative means of resolving suitable matters, suggesting that retired judges and experienced retired civil servants could serve as mediators to help reduce the Tribunal's workload.
Lady Justice Abodo stressed that integrity remains the foundation of every justice institution, noting that public confidence is the Judiciary's greatest asset and must be protected through ethical leadership, transparency, and professionalism.
She further proposed regular engagements
between the Judiciary and the Tribunal, recommending biannual meetings to strengthen institutional collaboration, review progress, and jointly address emerging challenges affecting the administration of justice.
“Integrity is the foundation of every justice institution. Public confidence is our greatest asset, and it must be safeguarded through ethical leadership, transparency and professionalism,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Leadership Code Tribunal, the Chairperson, Dr. Roselyn Karugonjo Segawa, congratulated Lady Justice Abodo on her historic appointment as Uganda's first female Principal Judge and thanked her for receiving the delegation despite her demanding schedule.
She also expressed appreciation to the Principal Judge for presiding over the swearing-in of the Tribunal members on 7 January 2026.
Dr. Segawa briefed the Principal Judge on the Tribunal's constitutional mandate to receive, examine, and determine cases involving alleged breaches of the Leadership Code of Conduct referred by the Inspectorate of Government, as well as hear appeals and applications arising from decisions of the Inspectorate.
She reaffirmed the Tribunal's commitment to serving with integrity, independence, and impartiality, observing that corruption continues to undermine national development and that the Tribunal remains committed to contributing to the country's anti-corruption efforts.
Dr. Segawa informed the meeting that the Tribunal is finalising its five-year Strategic Plan and is committed to eliminating case backlog by ensuring that every matter is determined fairly and expeditiously.
She also requested continued collaboration with the Judiciary in key areas, including case management, registry administration, capacity building, implementation of ECCMIS, coordination of appeals, enforcement of Tribunal decisions, and support for regional hearings.
Members of the Tribunal thanked the Principal Judge for her guidance, practical insights, and commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two institutions.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Chairperson of the Leadership Code Tribunal, Dr. Anthony Kakooza, other Tribunal members, and the Principal Judge's Personal Assistant, Edgar Nyakairu.
