Chief magistrate Ayebare elected new judicial officers’ president
Ayebare replaces High Court Judge Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya. She was elected during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Supreme Court conference hall on May 16, 2026.
Principal Judge, Jane Frances Abodo in a group photo with the new Uganda Judicial Officers’ Association (UJOA) executive. (Photo by Farooq Kasule)
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Chief Magistrate Daphine Ayebare has been elected the new president of the Uganda Judicial Officers’ Association (UJOA).
Ayebare replaces High Court Judge Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya.
She was elected during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Supreme Court conference hall on May 16, 2026.
Representing the Chief Justice, Dr Flavian Zeija, who is the patron of the association, the Principal Judge, Jane Frances Abodo, urged judicial officers to remain united, professional and committed to service delivery.
She commended UJOA for fostering unity among judicial officers at all levels and thanked Justice Kazaarwe and her executive for their service and commitment despite demanding workloads.
Following the enhancement of the pecuniary jurisdiction of magistrates, Abodo urged them to uphold diligence, competence, fairness and integrity while handling more complex matters.
“Resist any form of influence, whether political, financial or social and continue to deliver justice without fear or favour,” Abodo said.
She also urged judicial officers to prioritise wellness, noting that judicial work is mentally and emotionally demanding.
Abodo encouraged them to dedicate time to family, exercise, spiritual nourishment and rest.
Kazaarwe thanked her executive for the support that enabled them to achieve most of their objectives.
She revealed that the association’s work during her tenure was anchored on three pillars: professional excellence, unity and compassion.
Kazaarwe acknowledged challenges faced during her tenure, particularly concerns raised by some magistrates regarding representation and service delivery, and appealed to the new executive to address them.
She congratulated the incoming executive and encouraged unsuccessful candidates not to lose hope, but to continue offering themselves for leadership opportunities in future.
Ayebare thanked the judicial officers for voting for her and pledged to work with all stakeholders while promoting unity among judicial officers.
Ayebare will be deputised by fellow magistrate Conrad Obol Oroya as vice president.