Justice Chibita Advocates for Human Rights Approach to Fortify Public Trust in Judiciary

Judicial officers across Uganda are being called upon to embed a human rights perspective into their daily work to enhance public trust. Supreme Court Justice Mike Chibita, while speaking at a training session for judicial personnel in Kampala, stressed that justice administration is fundamentally a public trust.

Justice Chibita, who chairs the Judicial Training Institute’s Governing Council, explained that this human rights approach encompasses not just legal decisions but also the professional demeanor and integrity of judicial officers. He highlighted the importance of courtesy, timely delivery of judgments, and simplifying court processes so that litigants can understand proceedings, especially when explained in accessible language.

“Judicial power is exercised on behalf of the people, and therefore every interaction we have with court users should reinforce public confidence in the Judiciary,” Justice Chibita stated. He further cautioned against any form of discrimination, asserting that courts must be equitable and accessible to everyone, irrespective of their gender, age, disability, social status, or ethnicity.

The training, organized by the Judicial Training Institute, aimed to equip officers with the skills to integrate human rights principles, thereby improving access to justice and bolstering confidence in the courts. Separately, Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo noted the increasing reliance on forensic science in criminal adjudications. She pointed out that as criminal activities become more sophisticated, judicial approaches must also evolve, noting that over 70 percent of court cases dependent on forensic evidence are successfully resolved, underscoring its significance.

This initiative reflects a broader effort to ensure the judiciary serves the public effectively and maintains its legitimacy through principled and rights-respecting practices.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)