The 20th Triennial Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Conference, held in The Gambia—affectionately known as the Smiling Coast of Africa—has brought together over 300 judicial officers from across the Commonwealth, including more than 30 Chief Justices and distinguished members of the judiciary.
This landmark event, hosted at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre in Banjul from September 21-26, 2025, is a vibrant platform for advancing judicial innovation and reinforcing the rule of law under the theme, *”Innovations in Judicial Practice: Embracing Change for a Better Future.”
Uganda is proudly represented by a formidable delegation of 24 judicial officers, showcasing the nation’s commitment to judicial excellence and global collaboration. The delegation is led by:
- Deputy Chief Justice Hon. Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija
- JSC Catherine Bamugemereire
- JSC Dr. Singiza Douglas** (Chair, Judicial Service Commission)
- JSC Nakachwa Florence Dollo
- JSC Cheborion Barishaki
- His Lordship Wejuli Richard
- HL Tumusiime Linda** (Head of the Industrial Court)
- HL Wabwire Musana Anthony
- HL Dr. Nabisinde Winifred
- HL Khauka Andrew** (Executive Director of JTI)
Alongside these luminaries, the delegation includes esteemed Registrars and Magistrates, reflecting Uganda’s diverse and dynamic judicial community.
The conference’s opening ceremony was a momentous occasion, graced by His Excellency President Adama Barrow of The Gambia and CMJA President Justice Lynne Leith of Canada. The keynote address, delivered by JSC Hassan Jallow, Chief Justice of The Gambia, set an inspiring tone, emphasizing the need for judicial systems to adapt to modern challenges through technology, inclusivity, and ethical governance.
This year’s conference has attracted a remarkable assembly of judicial leaders, including over 30 Chief Justices from Commonwealth nations, fostering critical discussions on topics such as AI in adjudication, climate justice, and gender-sensitive judging. The event promises to deliver impactful resolutions, including a new CMJA charter for judicial resilience and guidelines for the ethical use of AI in sentencing.
The Uganda Judicial Officers Association (UJOA) encourages all judicial officers and legal professionals to stay engaged with global judicial forums like the CMJA. By subscribing to UJOA and becoming a member of the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association (CMJA), you can contribute to shaping the future of justice both locally and internationally.
