President Museveni, Justices and other delegates pose for a group photo
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The administration of justice in Uganda is likely to improve following the swearing in of 9 newly appointed judges in the Court of Appeal.
The judges were sworn in today at a function presided over by President Yoweri Museveni at State House, Entebbe.
Sworn-in were Justices of the Court of Appeal who included Justice Ssekaana Musa, Lady Justice Sabiiti Cornelia Kakooza, Lady Justice Stella Alibateese, Lady Justice Florence Nakachwa, Justice Byaruhanga Jesse Rugyema, Justice John Mike Musisi, Lady Justice Ketrah Kitariisibwa Katunguka, and Lady Justice Nambayo Esta.
The ceremony also saw the official swearing-in of Justice Muzamiru Mutangula Kibeedi as Justice of the Supreme Court.
Speaking during the colourful ceremony, President Museveni noted that justice is often defined according to societal norms and circumstances.
Citing historical practices such as wife inheritance among the Banyankore, he explained that such customs were once considered a form of social security for widows and their children. He however pointed out that with societal evolution, some traditions need to be reviewed and phased out where necessary.
Nobert Mao, the Justice minister delivering his address
Reflecting on Uganda’s political journey, the President underscored the role of freedom fighters in shaping the country’s constitutional framework.
“In the 1960s, we, the freedom fighters, argued that justice should be tailored to our own society, not imposed upon us by European standards. That is how we have been able to understand truth and justice,” he said.
The President also addressed Uganda’s judicial approach to crime and punishment, particularly the death penalty.
He pointed out that traditional African societies adhered to strict principles of justice, often demanding full accountability for crimes such as murder.
“In African traditions, if you killed my brother, you had to face revenge. This aligns with the Old Testament’s ‘an eye for an eye’ principle. However, the modern legal system insists that execution is not a solution, opting for long imprisonment instead. This does not sit well with many communities, who would prefer the death penalty,” he said.
The President expressed satisfaction with the adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, calling on the legal fraternity to embrace a mindset that better understands the Ugandan people.
Justice Nakacwa was sworn in as a judge in the Court of Appeal
“It is not your primary responsibility as lawyers, but it would be helpful if legal professionals understood our people’s perspectives. That way, when we enact legislation, it will be well received,” he urged.
President Museveni further reiterated his long-standing opposition to granting bail for capital offenders, calling it a mistake that must be addressed.
“The Banyankore have a saying: ‘Aleileyo yagalika’ meaning, he stole and returned from prison unbothered. People are fed up with this. It is provocative and must stop,” he stressed.
On the role of military courts, he defended their jurisdiction over both soldiers and certain civilian cases.
“The military courts serve two key purposes: first, to maintain discipline within the army, and second, to handle cases involving armed criminals. If a soldier commits an offense, handling it through civilian courts would undermine military discipline,” he explained.
President Museveni cited the example of the cattle rustlers and Karachunas who were tried in the military courts.
“I hear there are 3,000 of them now, and this process helped remove them from circulation, giving them a chance to reform,” he noted.
Military Courts genuine
The President also questioned why some Western nations criticize Uganda’s use of military courts for civilians in armed-related offenses while simultaneously endorsing values contrary to African traditions.
“They claim it is ‘irregular’ for armed civilians to be tried in military courts, yet they believe a man can marry another man. What kind of reasoning is that?” he asked.
Responding to the fund-seeking from the judiciary, the President reiterated the need for prioritization in government spending.
“We freedom fighters never asked for money; we only needed bullets and guns to fight for our cause. When I met Muammar Gaddafi in 1981, he asked what I needed. I told him: ‘Guns and bullets.’ We knew that with weapons, we could handle everything else,” he recalled.
President Museveni addressing the judges
He further urged government institutions, including the judiciary, to adopt a similar mindset of prioritizing “essential needs over luxuries”.
“The economy is growing because we emphasize sectors that can grow quickly. Each year, we allocate Shs1 trillion to the Parish Development Model (PDM). Soon, we will have a surplus of eggs, milk, meat and other produce,” he said.
President Museveni also downplayed Uganda’s removal from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade benefits by the United States, and the suspension of USAID operations, stating that the country is not worried.
“I saw a U.S Congressman talking about these issues, but we were never worried. Our industries, electricity, roads, and production are still growing. The only thing we need now is to invest more in railway infrastructure,” he remarked.
Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, the Chief Justice welcomed the new judicial appointments, describing them as a historic milestone in Uganda’s judiciary.
He termed as a record that one Justice has been elevated to the Supreme Court and nine to the Court of Appeal.
Justice Sekaana was also sworn in
“Never before have we had such a large number of appointments at once. It reflects the commitment to transforming the judiciary so it can better serve the people,” he said.
He noted that the increase in the number of justices will enhance efficiency in delivering justice.
He said with 21 justices now at the Court of Appeal, the judiciary will be able to convene multiple constitutional panels simultaneously, ensuring faster resolution of petitions.
The Chief Justice noted plans to establish regional Courts of Appeal, starting with Gulu and Mbarara, pending budget approval in the next financial year.
He also acknowledged the government’s efforts in rationalizing High Court circuits in districts like Kiboga, Bushenyi, Kitgum, and Kasese, with further expansion planned in areas such as Apac, Wakiso, Entebbe, Bugiri, and Ntungamo.
Norbert Mao, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs said the Constitution has given us the foundation, but it is good leadership that ensures the judiciary can function effectively by increasing the number of judicial officers.
Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, the Chief Justice and Nobert Mao, the Justice minister listening in
He noted that the judiciary plays a pivotal role in stimulating the economy, particularly as trillions of shillings are tied up in the courts, especially in commercial disputes.
“The judiciary is essential in ensuring that businesses can thrive by resolving disputes efficiently,” he added.
Mao said while judicial accountability and independence are often discussed, the real responsibility is in delivering justice fairly and without bias.
The Minister also reiterated the idea that the three arms of government, the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary must work together to protect and preserve the Constitution, adding that we must all ensure that the Constitution continues to guide our nation and safeguard the rights of all Ugandans.
