President Yoweri Museveni has urged Uganda’s judicial officers to prioritise their mental and emotional health, warning that unchecked stress, isolation, and heavy workloads threaten the effective delivery of justice.

Speaking at the 2nd Uganda Judicial Officers Association dinner held at the Supreme Court in Kampala, he welcomed the theme “Stronger Together and Wellness for Effective Public Service”, noting that it aligns with the new UN Bill of Judicial Well-Being, first observed globally on July 25. Museveni said research consistently shows a link between judicial integrity and overall well-being, which he described as the mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual health of judges.

He stressed that supporting judicial wellness is a shared duty, one that requires reducing stigma around mental health and adopting a culture of awareness, prevention, and stress management. The President warned that pressures such as chronic occupational stress, exposure to traumatic cases, and professional isolation often go unseen yet strongly affect officers. He encouraged judges to rely on each other, use professional associations for support, and create spaces where challenges can be openly discussed.

Museveni cautioned that isolation can lead to absenteeism, alcoholism, and declining performance, and he urged officers to uphold social harmony by supporting colleagues despite differences. He also called for more efficient approaches to judicial work to reduce sitting hours, improve health, and promote reconciliation, arguing that amicable dispute resolution helps create a peaceful environment for economic growth.

He applauded UJOA for offering financial relief to members and urged the association to maximise the benefits of their cooperative initiatives. Judicial officers, he said, must serve impartially, honour Uganda’s traditional values, and ensure justice remains timely and people-centred. His speech was delivered by Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka.

Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, represented by Principal Judge Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, congratulated newly promoted officers and praised those promoting wellness in the judiciary, including Dr Pius Bigirimana. He observed that judicial work is emotionally demanding, and wellness is essential because officers frequently absorb distressing stories from victims and litigants. He warned that integrity and impartiality are difficult to maintain when an officer is exhausted or emotionally drained, noting that public-service crises often arise from “a depletion of humanity.”

Owiny-Dollo, who retires in January 2026, said his tenure has focused on fighting corruption and restoring trust, though even principled officers are vulnerable under extreme pressure. He acknowledged increased government funding for judicial expansion but reminded officers to balance personal and professional life.

UJOA President Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya cautioned that integrity suffers when wellness is ignored. She thanked Rotary International for supporting the wellness event and recognised partnerships within the judiciary that made the gathering possible. She said UJOA will continue prioritising wellness discussions, with Dr Bigirimana leading further engagements, because judicial officers face challenging human experiences throughout the year.

Dr Bigirimana, the Judiciary’s Permanent Secretary, thanked government for contingency funds that enabled construction of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal buildings, where the dinner was held. Hundreds of officers attended the celebration in ballroom attire.

During the event, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni received an award for his contribution to improving access to justice and strengthening judicial services. Several other judicial officers and journalists were also honoured for advancing justice in Uganda.