Africa-Press – Uganda. The Judiciary has officially made participation in bi-weekly health aerobics sessions mandatory for all staff at its Headquarters in Kampala, a move aimed at improving employee wellness and fostering greater productivity.
The announcement came during a session this evening, which saw participation from a broad cross-section of Judiciary staff, including senior management, court officers, and support personnel from various stations.In his opening remarks, Acting Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija emphasized the importance of physical exercise as a cornerstone of both health and professional performance.
He reiterated the position of the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, who has long advocated for making the aerobics sessions compulsory.
Dr. Zeija linked the decision to the theme of this year’s Annual Judges’ Conference: wellness, noting that regular exercise is essential for improving health and preventing illness in the high-pressure judicial environment.
“This initiative aligns with the theme of our Annual Judges’ Conference. It’s not just about improving physical health, but also about fostering a productive and efficient workforce,” Dr. Zeija said, adding that the sessions will now be incorporated into the Judiciary’s Performance Enhancement Tool (PET) to ensure long-term engagement and accountability.
The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Abodo, praised the initiative, describing it as crucial for maintaining both the physical and mental well-being of Judiciary staff.She emphasised that the mandatory nature of the sessions would result in greater participation, which in turn would enhance overall productivity within the organization.
“Physical health is vital to mental clarity, and these aerobics sessions serve as an investment in the health and productivity of our staff,” she said.
Dr. Pius Bigirimana, the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary, also spoke on the significance of the aerobics sessions, which he referred to as a longstanding tradition within the Judiciary.
He reminded staff that the sessions would remain intensive, with one hour dedicated to exercise, and highlighted the additional benefit of the sessions as a platform for staff to engage with administrative updates and policies in a communal setting.
“The aerobics forum is more than just a health activity. It’s a time for us to connect, share updates, and reinforce the culture of engagement within the Judiciary,” Dr. Bigirimana explained.
He further announced that attendance in the aerobics sessions would now be monitored, with participation being factored into staff promotions and commendations.
“When the Chief Justice speaks, it becomes policy. This is now compulsory, and we are serious about its implementation,” he added.
The session was well-received, with enthusiastic participation from staff. Among those present were the Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya, senior management, and a large contingent of Judiciary staff from across the country.
The initiative reflects a broader commitment to staff wellness, addressing the need for balance in a profession often marked by high stress and demanding workloads.
By making health aerobics a mandatory part of the Judiciary’s operations, the leadership aims not only to improve the physical well-being of employees but also to foster a more collaborative and productive work environment.
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