Newly appointed judges deployed, others transferred

Barley two days after they were sworn in, the seven newly appointed High Court judges have been deployed to various stations by the Principal Judge, Dr Yorokamu Bamwine.

According to a press release over the weekend, ten other judges were transferred from their present stations, according to the May 11 Administrative Circular, which also confirmed the creation of eight new High Court Circuits and the dissolution of one. The new changes bring the total number of circuits to 20.

Justice Anna Mugenyi Bitature has been posted to the Commercial Court; Justice Ketrah Kitariisibwa Katunguka - Land Division; Justice Suzan Okalany is sent to Mbale; Justice Stephen Mubiru is going to Arua; Justice Anthony Oyuko Ojok posted to Fort Portal, while Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi sent to Kabale and Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija sent to Masaka.

The transfers saw Justice Henrietta Wolayo being transferred from Soroti to the Civil Division in Kampala; Justice Patricia Basaza Wasswa from Jinja to Civil Division; Justice Elizabeth Jane Alividza from study leave to the Commercial Court; Justice Damalie Lwanga from Nakawa to Land Division and Justice Eva Luswata from Land Division to Jinja Circuit (head).

Others transferred are Justices Michael Elubu from Kabale to Jinja, David Batema Ndikabona from Fort Portal to Soroti, Vincent Okwanga from Arua to Gulu, Benjamin Kabiito from Civil Division to Fort Portal, and Margaret Mutonyi from Gulu to Mukono.

Congratulating the newly appointed judges upon joining the Judiciary, Dr Bamwine said in his circular dated May 11, 2016:

"Except for new postings which take immediate effect, the transfers take effect from July 15, 2016. The transfers are subject to completion of any partly heard cases in advanced stage at current stations."

Dr Bamwine confirmed the phasing out of the High Court Central Circuit at Nakawa, and the creation of new Circuits at Mubende, Mukono, Iganga, Tororo, Rukungiri, Hoima, Mpigi and Luwero.

These will be additions to the High Court in Kampala, Jinja, Mbale, Soroti, Lira, Gulu, Arua, Masindi, Fort Portal, Mbarara, Kabale and Masaka.

However, the PJ indicated that there existed vacancies for judges in the new Circuits of Iganga, Tororo, Rukungiri, Hoima, Mpigi and Luwero. Other vacancies existed in the Criminal Division, Family Division and the High Court Circuit in Gulu.

"Nine High Court judges are needed by July this year," he said.