During the inspections, Abodo urged judges handling the petitions to exercise firm control over their courtrooms while ensuring that proceedings remain fair, orderly and accessible within the limits of available space.
The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has directed courts handling election petitions arising from the 2026 General Elections to stop live streaming of proceedings and prevent people from standing in courtrooms and corridors during hearings.
Abodo said the measures were necessary to maintain order, protect the integrity of proceedings and ensure judges have effective control over their courtrooms as they handle the time-sensitive election disputes.
She issued the directives on Wednesday during ad hoc inspections of the Civil Division of the High Court and the High Court sitting at Wakiso, as the election petition hearings entered their 17th day.
“Your courtroom is your courtroom, so you control it. If the seats are full, there should be no standing in the courtroom or in the corridors. You have to regulate the numbers so that you can manage the proceedings,” Abodo told the judges.
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She also cautioned against live streaming of election petition proceedings, saying although the Judiciary supports responsible media coverage, live broadcasts could interfere with the presentation of evidence, particularly where witnesses are yet to testify.
Abodo said the Judiciary has established official mechanisms for recording and communicating court proceedings, making live streaming unnecessary.
The Principal Judge’s directives come as courts continue to hear petitions challenging results from the 2026 General Elections, with the cases expected to be heard and determined by mid-November.
Judges urged to maintain courtroom control
During the inspections, Abodo urged judges handling the petitions to exercise firm control over their courtrooms while ensuring that proceedings remain fair, orderly and accessible within the limits of available space.
She said overcrowding, including people standing in corridors, could make it difficult for courts to effectively manage proceedings.
Abodo also reminded judges that they had been selected for the demanding assignment because of their knowledge, experience and judicial temperament.
She urged them to remain impartial and base their decisions strictly on the evidence and law.
“Just be fair. Listen properly and know your files so well. Read all the affidavits and know the evidence. The beauty of us as judges is that we do not invent anything. We listen to the evidence, apply the law to it and come up with a decision,” she said.
Election petitions must meet timelines
Abodo also reminded judges of the strict timelines governing election petitions, noting that the Judiciary remains committed to completing the cases within the prescribed period despite the hearings having started later than initially expected because of funding challenges.
She described election petitions as both sensitive and time-bound, noting that their outcomes can have a significant impact on public confidence and stability following elections.
“National elections shape our country. When we have election petitions, they can either cause more chaos or they can bring calm to society,” she said.
Judges urged to remain calm
Abodo further cautioned judges against allowing the heightened emotions surrounding election disputes to affect the atmosphere in their courtrooms.
She said judges must remain calm because their conduct can influence the behaviour of everyone participating in the proceedings.
“You are the regulator. If the judge flares up, everyone will flare up and the whole courtroom will become tense. You must remain calm because calm will reign in the courtroom,” she said.
Principal Judge checks on judicial officers
The inspections were also intended to assess the progress of the petitions and reassure judicial officers handling the cases that their efforts are recognised by the Judiciary.
Abodo commended the judges for taking on the election petition workload alongside their normal judicial responsibilities, describing the assignment as a national duty.
She also urged judges and other judicial officers to protect their physical and mental wellbeing, noting that many are working beyond normal hours and over weekends to meet the strict deadlines.
The Principal Judge encouraged them to deliberately make time for rest and personal wellbeing as they work towards completing the petitions within the prescribed timelines.
