30 Magistrates deployed countrywide to handle election petitions

KAMPALA, UGANDA: A total of 30 magistrates have been moved to different parts of the country in a move intended to boost the management of election petitions.

According to a transfer schedule issued by the Judiciary Chief Registrar, Ms. Sarah Langa Siu, 15 of these are deployments of Magistrates Grade One who were recently appointed acting chief magistrates. The schedule also has transfers of seven other Chief Magistrates and eight Magistrates Grade One.

The Judicial Service Commission – a body mandated to recruit and regulate the conduct of all Judicial Officers and staff of the Judiciary – last month assigned the 15 Magistrates a six-month term as acting chief magistrates.

Ms. Langa said the changes and assignments are intended to boost service delivery in the Courts as well as address the staffing gaps in the Magisterial areas.

With the changes, the number of Chief Magistrates now increases from 42 to 57, while Magistrates Grade One now reduce from 190 to 175.

The new deployments are for Mukanza Robert, Mugagga John Kavuma, Nvanungi Sylvia, Tusiime Sarah Bashaija, Semondo Benson, Nambozo Joy, Aanyu Margaret, Okumu Jude Muwone, Basemera Sarah, Barigye Said, and Ms. Aciro Joan.

Others are Watyekere George W., Talisuna Patrick, Oji Phillip, and Muhimbise Gordon.

While the transfers of 28 of the 30 Magistrates are with immediate effect, Chief Magistrates: Jessica Chemeri (Iganga to Tororo) and Mulondo Masitula (Tororo to Mityana) will move to new stations on March 26.

Other changes have the Nabweru Chief Magistrate, Ms. Amoko Patricia, redeployed to the Judiciary headquarters to engage in administrative duties in the chambers of the Chief Registrar.