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CEP template 2012

THE JUDICIARY OF UGANDA Independent, competent, trusted and accountable The Judiciary is one of the three arms of the State vested with judicial authority. It complements the Legislature and Executive divisions in the management of public affairs. Mandate The mandate of the Judiciary is enshrined in Article 126 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995) which states that ‘Judicial power is derived from the people and shall be exercised by the Courts established under this Constitution in the name of the people and in conformity with the law and with the values, norms and aspirations of the people’. Article 126 (1) further states that ‘In exercise of judicial power, the Courts shall be independent and shall not be subject to the control or direction of any person or authority’. Vision Justice for all. Mission An independent, competent, trusted and accountable judiciary that administers justice to all. Objectives The Judiciary’s main objective, which is in line with the Justice, Law and Order Sector’s (JLOS) goals and objectives, is ‘To improve access to justice for all people in Uganda.’ Specifi c Objectives O To ensure that Justice shall be done to all irrespective of their social or economic status. O That Justice shall not be delayed. O To ensure that adequate compensation shall be awarded to victims of wrongs. O To promote reconciliation between parties. O To administer substantive justice without undue regard to technicalities. Functions of the Judiciary O To administer justice through resolving disputes between citizen and citizen and between the State and citizen. O To interpret the Constitution and the laws of Uganda. O To promote the rule of law and to contribute to the maintenance of order in society. O To safeguard the Constitution and uphold democratic principles. O To protect human rights of individuals and groups. Administration of the Judiciary The Chief Justice is the head of the Judiciary and is responsible for the supervision of all the courts in Uganda. The Deputy Chief Justice is the head of the Court of Appeal and in that capacity assists the Chief Justice in the administration of the Court of Appeal. The Principal Judge is the head of the High Court and in that capacity assists the Chief Justice in the administration of the High Court and subordinate courts. The Judiciary is administered under a twotier system, the judicial department headed by the Chief Registrar and assisted by Registrars and Chief Magistrates in their respective jurisdictions and the Finance and Administration Department headed by the Secretary to the Judiciary who also serves as the Accounting Offi cer and is assisted by the Under Secretary. The Judiciary Structure The courts of the Judicature comprises the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, Magistrates Courts and subordinate courts as established by law through Parliament, including Quadhis Courts for Islamic marriage, divorce, inheritance of property and guardianship.


CEP template 2012
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