Judiciary Deploys 18 New Judicial Officers, Transfers 48 in Major Reshuffle

The Judiciary has announced a major reshuffle involving 66 judicial officers, deploying 18 newly appointed officers and transferring 48 others across the country in a move aimed at reducing case backlog and strengthening justice delivery.

The changes were announced by the Acting Chief Registrar, Her Worship Pamella Lamunu Ocaya, who said the deployment of newly appointed officers takes immediate effect, while transfers of serving officers will become effective on January 12, 2026.

“The Judiciary continues to face increasing caseloads, and these deployments are intended to ensure that courts are adequately staffed to deliver justice efficiently,” Lamunu said.

According to the Judiciary, the reshuffle is part of a broader reform strategy to strengthen service delivery, reduce case backlog, and enhance access to justice by positioning judicial officers closer to the public.

Leadership Calls for Integrity and Innovation

Welcoming the changes, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo urged the affected officers to use their new postings as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

“I encourage you to leave a positive mark wherever you are deployed and to remain firm in the fight against corruption and abuse of office,” the Chief Justice said.

Similarly, Deputy Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, speaking at the annual registrars and magistrates’ conference at Hotel Africana, warned against complacency, noting the critical role of magistrates’ courts in the justice system.

“Over 70 percent of cases begin and end in the magistrates’ courts. The lower bench is the frontline of justice and must operate with maximum efficiency,” Dr Zeija said.

Focus on Alternative Dispute Resolution

The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, also urged newly deployed magistrates to prioritise Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms such as mediation and plea bargaining to ease pressure on the courts.

“ADR offers faster and less adversarial ways of resolving disputes and should be embraced to reduce delays and congestion in the trial system,” she said.

Promotions and Key Appointments

Ahead of the reshuffle, the Judiciary confirmed several promotions to fill leadership gaps in magisterial areas. Among those promoted to Deputy Registrar are Ronald Kayizzi, Nakyazze Racheal, Andrew Kabombo, Kosia Kasibayo, and Simon Toloko. Meanwhile, Doreen Ainembabazi, Julius Mwesigye, Daphine Ayebare, Patience Lorna Tukundane, Conrad Obol Oroya, and Asuman Muhumuza were promoted to Chief Magistrate.

Newly appointed officers, including Nicholas Nanyumba, Flavia Namugoma, Ceasor Chemutai, Phiona Natukunda, Brenda Nakabira, Edina Cox Akorimo, and Joy Janet Khayiyi, were deployed as Grade I Magistrates with immediate effect.

Nationwide Transfers

Notable transfers effective January 12, 2026, include HW Agwero Catherine to Luwero, HW Mulalira Faisal Umar to Masindi, HW Ajuna Doreen as In-Charge at Mengo, HW Barigye Said to Bushenyi/Buhweju, and HW Aciro Joan as In-Charge at Mukono.

The Judiciary said the full list of 66 officers spans High Court circuits, magisterial areas, and specialised divisions such as the Anti-Corruption Court and Commercial Court.