KAMPALA– In a move to promote efficiency and reduce Case backlog within the Uganda’s Judicial system, the Judiciary has invented the Performance Enhancement Tool (PET )https://pet.judiciary.go.ug/, a web based application which will be used to asses the performance of Judicial officers and Judicial Staff.
This tool which is set to be launched to be launched this week, is a web based tool will be replacing the Manual appraisal form which has been being conducted by supervisors, but with several challenges like bias, slow on top of not being data driven.
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“This system use 360 degree model. I Pius Bigirimana (Secretary to Judiciary) will be appraised by my the Chief Justice who is my supervisor, as well as my peers and my subordinates. For example, if I have been harassing those I supervise, then there will be a problem – The public , lawyers, Litigants and other court users will also have an opportunity to appraise Judicial officers with reasons.” Remarked Dr. Pius Bigirimana while addressing journalists at his offices in Kampala.
He also noted, that before the Performance Enhancement Tool, Judiciary has been using the ancient manual process which has been found to have a number of irregularities and inconsistencies.
“In the manual process, there has been many cases of biasness at times, Sexual harassment and whoever didn’t those who didn’t cooperate or appease the supervisors were denied marks.”
Bigirimana added that being since PET is an impartial process, it will greatly improve service delivery within the Judiciary.
Justice Mike Chibita
“For a long time Judiciary like many other MDAs has relied on borrowed Performance Appraisal Tools , that were borrowed and generic , they didn’t fully reflect the reality Judicial work, they overlooked issues like weight of cases, complexity of the proceedings and the voice of Court users.” Remarked, Justice Mike Chibita, the Chairperson of PET Management committee.
He also stated that, the old system created a lot of gaps which they have hope that PET will address in the due process since it was developed been developed by the Judiciary staff who knows the real problems with in the system.
“The tool was born out of necessity and the public demand for accountability as well as transparency in the justice system, technology now allows us to integrate data , feedback and analysis in real time. Judiciary under took consultative engagements with Judicial officers and Judiciary staff together we developed performance standards i.e quantitative (case disposal, backlog, timelines and adjournments) as well as qualitative (accessibility, integrity, customer service and customer service satisfaction) which were all embedded in the system.” Said Chibita
Benefits of the System
Enhanced Performance and Efficiency: The ultimate goal of the Performance Enhancement Tool is to improve the performance and efficiency of judges and court staff. Regular evaluations identify strengths and areas for improvement, fostering a culture of continuous professional development.
Strengthened Public Trust: A Transparent and accountable Performance Enhancement Tool helps to enhance public confidence in the judicial system. When the public participates in the performance evaluation of the Judicial Officers and sees that judges and court staff are held to high standards, trust in the judiciary is bolstered.
Data Driven Decision Making:
The Judicial Service Commission, Top Management, and Court administrators can rely on the data collected and generated from the Performance Enhancement
Tool in form of Reports to aid them in making informed decision regarding awards and sanctions and performance reviews. Regular feedback and performance reviews enhance the quality of judicial decisions, contributing to more consistent and fair rulings.
Enhanced Professional Development: The Performance Enhancement Tool identifies specific areas where judges and court staff can improve, allowing for the design and implementation of targeted training and development programs. It also highlights key areas for growth, and promotes a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
Motivation and Morale: Through the use of the Performance Enhancement Tool, high-performing judges and staff can be recognized and rewarded, boosting morale and encouraging others to strive for excellence. The tool also provides constructive feedback, helping individuals understand their strengths and weaknesses, which can be motivating and lead to self- improvement.
Standardization of Evaluations: The Performance Enhancement Tool provides a standardized method for evaluating performance, ensuring consistency and fairness across board on how judges and court staff are assessed. By relying on objective criteria and diverse feedback sources, the tool helps minimize potential biases in performance evaluations.
Legal and Ethical Compliance: The Performance Enhancement Tool ensures that judges and court staff are adhering to legal and ethical standards, which is crucial for the integrity of the judiciary. In addition, the PET provides a mechanism for Risk Management through regular evaluations to identify potential risks, such as ethical lapses or procedural errors, allowing for proactive management and resolution.
Enhanced Organizational Culture: The tool fosters a culture of accountability within the judiciary, where judges and staff are aware that their performance is regularly monitored. It also encourages collaboration through the feedback process which often involves input from various stakeholders, promoting collaboration and communication within the court system.
Support for Judicial Reforms: As part of broader judicial reform efforts, the tool supports the modernization of Court processes and the adoption of best practices. The tool can be aligned with international best practices and standards, helping courts meet global benchmarks for judicial performance.
