The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has commenced ad hoc inspections of courts handling election petitions arising from the 2026 General Elections, urging judicial officers to remain focused on the demanding national assignment while prioritising their wellbeing.
The inspections, which began on Tuesday at the Civil Division of the High Court and the High Court sitting at Wakiso, come on Day 17 of the election petition hearings.
The petitions are expected to be heard and determined by mid-November 2026.
Lady Justice Abodo said the visits were intended to assess the progress of the proceedings, check on the judges and reassure them that the Judiciary appreciates the sacrifices they are making in handling the sensitive and time-bound matters.
“I am here simply to check on you. But most importantly, I am here to tell you that we appreciate the sacrifices you make because election petitions are demanding. They are very sensitive and time-sensitive,” she said.
She commended the judges for accepting the assignment despite their already demanding schedules, describing the handling of election petitions as a national duty whose outcomes can have a significant bearing on public confidence and stability.
“National elections shape our country. When we have election petitions, they can either cause more chaos or they can bring calm to society. We have the capacity, responsibility and opportunity to bring calm to society after all the fanfare that comes with elections,” Lady Justice Abodo said.
She reminded the judges that they had been selected based on their knowledge, experience and judicial temperament, urging them to remain fair, impartial and guided by the law and evidence.
“Just be fair. Listen properly and know your files so well. Read all the affidavits and know the evidence. The beauty of us as judges is that we do not invent anything. We listen to the evidence, apply the law to it and come up with a decision,” she said.
The Principal Judge also reminded the judicial officers to carefully manage the strict timelines attached to election petitions.
She noted that although the hearings commenced later than initially anticipated due to funding challenges, the Judiciary remains committed to completing the exercise within the set period.
Lady Justice Abodo further urged judges to maintain firm control of their courtrooms, particularly where limited space requires regulation of the number of people attending proceedings.
“Your courtroom is your courtroom, so you control it. If the seats are full, there should be no standing in the courtroom or in the corridors. You have to regulate the numbers so that you can manage the proceedings,” she said.
On media coverage, Lady Justice Abodo encouraged courts to facilitate responsible reporting while cautioning against live streaming of proceedings.
She said the Judiciary has official arrangements for recording and communicating court proceedings, adding that live streaming could affect witnesses who may follow proceedings before giving their own evidence.
She also urged judges to manage the heightened emotions that often accompany election petitions, noting that the temperament of the court can influence the atmosphere in the courtroom.
“You are the regulator. If the judge flares up, everyone will flare up and the whole courtroom will become tense. You must remain calm because calm will reign in the courtroom,” she said.
Wellness remains a priority
A key message during the inspection was the need for judges and other judicial officers handling the petitions to protect their physical and mental wellbeing.
Lady Justice Abodo acknowledged that the judges are working beyond normal hours and over weekends to meet the demanding timelines but cautioned them against allowing the workload to consume their personal lives.
She urged the judicial officers to create time for rest and personal wellbeing despite the pressure associated with the election petitions, stressing that maintaining good health is essential to ensuring that they effectively discharge their judicial responsibilities.
The inspections are expected to continue in other courts handling election petitions as the Judiciary works to conclude the cases within the legally prescribed timelines.
