Directorate

Complaints, Investigation and Disciplinary Affairs (CIDA)

CIDA promotes accountability, integrity, investigations, disciplinary enforcement, and anti-corruption oversight within Uganda’s justice system.

Directorates

Legal Education, Public Affairs & Research

Complaints, Investigations & Disciplinary Affairs

Departments

At a glance

Mandate

Complaints handling, investigations & disciplinary oversight

Secretariat lead

Registrar

Reports to

The Commission, Disciplinary Committee & Anti-Corruption Committee

Core functions

Investigations, inspections & anti-corruption enforcement

Public role

Receives complaints on maladministration of justice and judicial misconduct

Directorate structure

Complaints & Investigations; Disciplinary Affairs; Anti-Corruption, Advisory & Inspections

Operational Mandate

The Directorate is headed by a Registrar who performs the following functions:

1

Receiving and processing peoples' recommendations and complaints concerning the Judiciary and the administration of justice;

2

Developing tools for continuous improvement of the investigation and prosecution processes;

3

Monitoring the administration of justice to identify areas for reform and enhancement of performance;

4

Preparing proposals for improving the administration of justice through court inspections;

5

Providing Secretariat services for the Disciplinary Committee of the Commission;

6

Providing secretariat services for the Anti-corruption Committee of the Commission;

6

Performing any other duties assigned by the Permanent Secretary and the Chairperson of the Commission.

Procedure

The Directorate of Complaints, Investigations and Disciplinary Affairs (CIDA) comprises of three (03) departments that is Complaints and Investigations; Disciplinary Affairs; and Anti-Corruption, Advisory and Inspections.

Complaints and Investigations

The Commission is constitutionally mandated to receive and process people's recommendations and complaints concerning the Judiciary and the administration of justice. This department conducts investigations on complaints received on alleged incidents of maladministration of Justice and misconduct. As a result of the complaints handling mechanism, those found liable for misconduct are held accountable for their conduct while executing duties.

Disciplinary Affairs

The Commission has a constitutional mandate of disciplining Judicial Officers, other staff of Judiciary and officials of other quasi-judicial institutions that have been found to have committed acts of misconduct. This department provides secretariat services to the Disciplinary Committee and supports it in the conduct of disciplinary functions against staff of the Judiciary Service.

Anti-Corruption, Advisory and Inspections

In an effort to combat corruption in courts and ensure quality performance of Judicial Officers and staff of the Judiciary, the Commission through the Department of Anti-Corruption, Advisory and Inspections conducts court inspections and the inspection of other quasi-judicial institutions. The department also implements the Commission's Anti-corruption campaign through public sensitization, radio talk shows, monitoring, coordination and engagement with stakeholders. The Department of Anti-Corruption, Advisory and Inspections provides secretariat services to the Anti-Corruption Committee of the Commission.

Public Access Channel

Suggestion boxes, Nationwide.

For Ugandans who cannot travel to Kampala or who prefer to lodge a concern anonymously, suggestion boxes installed at courts and public buildings give the Directorate a nationwide listening post. Every submission is collected, logged, and — where within the Commission's jurisdiction — processed through the same procedure as any other complaint.

A channel without a return address.

Anonymity is protected by design. If a complaint is lodged without identifying details, the Directorate may still investigate where the complaint discloses matters that warrant it — though the ability to follow up with the complainant or to communicate the outcome will be limited.

How to file a complaint

Have a complaint about a judicial officer?

You do not need a lawyer. You do not need to travel to Kampala. A written or spoken complaint is enough to begin.