Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija has launched three critical policy instruments aimed at improving service delivery and accountability in Uganda’s Judiciary. The launch took place during the third health aerobics session of the year at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala.

Addressing participants, Chief Justice Zeija highlighted the Judiciary’s move toward structured planning and implementation. Strategic decisions will now be clearly outlined, communicated, and tracked using Gantt charts to map timelines and clarify deliverables.

The Chief Justice officially introduced:

- Judiciary Client Charter

- Service Delivery Standards

- Judiciary Strategic Plan VI

“These are critical tools for improving service delivery and accountability,” Justice Zeija said. He added: "This is the right venue to launch these documents because you are healthy," emphasizing the link between staff wellness and effective justice delivery.

Emphasizing Judicial Wellness and Leadership

Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary, Dr Pius Bigirimana, congratulated Justice Zeija on his elevation to Chief Justice, recalling that a previous aerobics session hinted at a surprise, the formal presentation of Justice Zeija as Uganda’s Chief Justice.

Dr Bigirimana noted that earlier in the day, the Chief Justice led a Supreme Court coram during an election petition hearing, demonstrating the demanding nature of judicial work and the importance of wellness. Participation in health aerobics is mandatory, he emphasized, because judicial wellness is key to productivity and sustained performance.

He added that during his swearing-in, Chief Justice Zeija had outlined plans to improve justice delivery, and the three launched policy tools are central to achieving those goals.

Defining Judicial Standards and Strategic Priorities

Dr Bigirimana explained that the three documents clearly define the Judiciary’s values, expectations for officers, and commitments to the public:

- The Client Charter outlines the Judiciary’s commitments to court users.

- The Service Delivery Standards explain how services are delivered efficiently and transparently.

- The Judiciary Strategic Plan VI sets priorities for the next five years, detailing both short- and long-term objectives.

To ensure effective adoption, copies of all documents will be printed and distributed to staff for reading and internalization.

Dr Bigirimana concluded by thanking participants and wishing them a productive week.