The newly appointed judges have received their official vehicles and also given body guards by the judiciary at a function witnessed by Secretary to Judiciary/Permanent Secretary, Mr. Pius Bigirimana and the Chief Registrar, Ms. Sarah Langa Siu. This is the first time that newly appointed Judges are given official vehicles on the very day they are sworn in. The Judges were each given fuel coupons worth 50 litres to facilitate their movements until they officially start earning their benefits and entitlements.
At the handover ceremony, which took place this afternoon at Judiciary headquarters ,the PS/SJ explained, “in the recent past we did not have a scenario where Judges get cars immediately after their swearing-in.” He described the handover as the second ceremony where new Judges not only receive new cars but also get security guards.
The PS/SJ briefed the Justices that each of them would be given a bodyguard, one day time residential guard and two night police guards at their respective residences. He went on to thank government for availing funds to the Judiciary to procure the vehicles and appealed to the judges to ensure use that the cars are used for only the purpose they are meant for.
Justice Tom Chemutai hailed the concerted efforts between the office of the PS/SJ and the CR in setting a new precedent. On her part, the Chief Registrar congratulated the appointees and followed this with a thanksgiving prayer for the elevation of the new Judges. She also asked God to guide and protect them as they undertake new assignments.
The Justices sought guidance in regards the appropriate places to park vehicles at close of business vis-à-vis the drivers transport facilitation, and arrangements for scenarios where a Judge already had security guards before the new appointment. In response, the PS/SJ advised the new Judges to ensure that their official vehicles are parked at their residences and only arrange facilitation for the drivers. He also urged the judges who already possess guards to submit their names for enlisting onto the Judiciary records.
President Yoweri Museveni presided over the swearing in Ceremony of six new judges including Justice Gashirabake Christopher, Justice Chemutai Tom, Justice Nakacwa Florence, Justice Alice Komuhangi, Justice Wagona Vincent and Justice Tweyanze Lawrence, at a ceremony held at State House Entebbe.
Newly elevated Court of Appeal Justice, Eva Kawuma Luswata, did not take oath as she had previously taken the same when she was appointed as Judge of the High Court. However, plans are underway to introduce her to the President. The handover was witnessed by among others, Judiciary’s Public Relations Officer, HW Jamson Karemani, the Ag. Commissioner Human Resource Management, Ms. Apophia Tumwine, the Principal Assistant Secretary, Mr. Hirome Sulaiman, and DPC – High Court, Mr. Ngabirwe Steven.
