The Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, has urged judicial officers and staff to prioritise their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being, saying a healthy Judiciary is essential to effective justice delivery.
Justice Kazibwe made the call on Saturday while representing the Chief Justice, Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, during celebrations to mark the International Day of Judicial Well-Being at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala.
Held under the theme, “Judicial Well-Being for Effective Justice Delivery,” the event began with a procession through Kampala City before participants returned to the Judiciary Headquarters for aerobics, blood donation, free medical screening and wellness awareness sessions.
Justice Kazibwe commended the Uganda Judicial Officers Association (UJOA), led by its President, High Court Judge Daphine Ayebare, for placing judicial wellness at the centre of institutional dialogue.
He said justice is delivered not by institutions alone but by people whose health directly influences the quality, fairness and integrity of judicial decisions.
Delivering the Chief Justice’s message, Justice Kazibwe said a healthy and supported Judiciary is less vulnerable to corruption and external influence, while stressed and burned-out judicial officers may face health challenges that affect their judgment and decision-making.
He said judicial well-being should not be viewed merely as a personal concern but as a cornerstone of judicial independence and an effective justice system.
Justice Kazibwe noted that judicial officers face numerous pressures, including heavy caseloads, traumatic matters, public scrutiny and demanding deadlines, making wellness an important aspect of maintaining a strong and independent Judiciary.
He said the recognition of July 25 as the International Day of Judicial Well-Being by the United Nations reflects the growing global recognition of the need to prioritise the welfare of judicial officers as a safeguard for judicial independence, integrity and quality justice.
Drawing lessons from judges who served during the Nuremberg Trials, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, Justice Kazibwe said administering justice requires not only legal competence and independence but also emotional resilience and inner strength.
He emphasised that judicial wellness extends beyond physical fitness to include mental health, emotional resilience, professional development, healthy social relationships and spiritual well-being.
Justice Kazibwe also highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the Judiciary to promote staff welfare, including health runs, weekly aerobics at the Judiciary Headquarters and various courts, gym facilities, professional counselling services and wellness programmes integrated into activities of the Judicial Training Institute.
He further commended the Judiciary HIV Committee for conducting nationwide health screening, counselling and awareness programmes, as well as the Sexual Harassment Committee for promoting a safe and respectful workplace.
Other initiatives include peer-support programmes and quarterly interfaith prayer breakfasts aimed at nurturing the spiritual well-being of judicial officers and staff.
