Judicial officers Wednesday ended the nearly- half month strike they had started to denounce what they consider “unresolved welfare issues” by the government, a statement by the Uganda Judicial Officers Association (UJOA) said.
The president of the Uganda Judicial Officers Association (UJOA), Mr Godfrey Kaweesa told TheUgandan they have agreed to defer industrial action until 11th December as government works on their issues.
Also present was Chief Justice Bart Katureebe who is also the patron of UJOA.
From last month, the strike saw litigants stranded at various courts as judicial officers stayed away from courtrooms.
The officers’ petition describes the government’s response to their welfare demands as “lukewarm”, a scenario they say is unfair since the other two arms of government (Executive and Legislature) are well facilitated.
On Monday, the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Kahinda Otafiire, said Cabinet asked public service for a pay structure which is to be completed. The comprehensive pay policy will harmonise salaries across government departments.
UJOA now wants the pay to be revised as follows: chief justice to earn Shs 55m, his deputy Shs 53m, the principal judge 50m, justices of the Supreme court (who are seven) each to earn Shs 34m, justices of the Court of Appeal (who are 13) each to earn Shs 33m, Justices of the High court (who are 47) to earn Shs 31m each.
If government agrees to the above proposed salary structure, it would pay Shs 95 billion per year on salaries of judicial officials, up from Shs 14 billion.
They also propose that magistrates must have drivers who are paid Shs 500,000 per month. They also want a monthly fuel allowance of Shs 2m.
