Judges and magistrates hit the streets for judicial well-being

The Uganda Judicial Officers Association (UJOA) joined the global community on Saturday to commemorate the International Day of Judicial Well-Being, a United Nations-declared observance held annually on July 25th.

The day is dedicated to highlighting the critical importance of mental and physical health for judicial officers, ensuring they remain mentally sharp to produce well-reasoned judgments and physically fit to handle the demands of their roles. 

Leading the commemoration in Kampala were UJOA President Daphine Ayebare and Deputy Chief Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, who guided judicial officers through a 10-kilometer walk that began and ended at the High Court premises.

Speaking after the walk, Ayebare emphasized that the event's core focus is the overall well-being of every individual working within the judiciary, both judicial and non-judicial staff.

UJOA president Daphine Ayebare (2nd right-front) and the deputy chief justice of Uganda Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi (center) engage in an aerobic session with other judges after the Judges Walk at the High Court. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

She noted that as an association, one of its primary mandates is to advocate for the welfare of its members, which inherently requires prioritizing their well-being. 

This includes assessing working conditions, such as seating arrangements during court sessions, and pushing for improved terms of service, including better salaries and allowances.

This year marks the second anniversary of the event, which is organized in conjunction with the International Women Judges Association, Uganda Chapter, and will now become an annual celebration.

Ayebare further explained that the UJOA, which began as the Uganda Magistrates Association in 1970 before expanding in 2000 to represent all judicial ranks, focuses holistically on proper working environments, workspaces, and service terms.

UJOA president Daphine Ayebare (center) and the deputy chief justice of Uganda Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi (2nd left) and UJOA members participate in the Judges Walk at the High Court. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

The physical activities, including aerobics and the walk, are a deliberate starting point because many judicial officers spend prolonged periods seated at desks, writing and hearing cases. 

To effectively deliver justice to the people of Uganda, she stressed, officers must be in a proper state of mind and body. Her message to all was clear: prioritize wellness, exercise regularly, cultivate peace of mind, and speak out against stress, as depression remains a silent but serious threat nationwide, and physical activity helps release stress and rejuvenate cognitive capacity.

The event was made possible through partnerships with the National Medical Stores (NMS) and the Rotary Wellness and Fitness Fellowship (RWFF). NMS, alongside the Ministry of Health, delivered a health talk on self-care and proper medication use, while RWFF coordinated the walk and aerobic sessions. Notably, wellness activities at the High Court already take place weekly, with aerobics sessions held every Wednesday and Friday.

 RWFF fitness coach Robert Ssebugwawo emphasized that their role was to coordinate the walk and amplify the message of consistent, deliberate fitness. Participant Ronald Mulindwa echoed this sentiment, adding that given the sedentary nature of judicial work, the fitness campaign is highly welcome, and he urged people to also pay attention to their diet as an equally important component of overall health.