President Museveni Presides Over Swearing-In of Nine New Judges
At State House in Entebbe, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni presided over the swearing-in of nine recently appointed judges, highlighting the importance of a legal system that is representative of Uganda’s historical and cultural values.
Among those sworn in was Justice Muzamiru Mutangula Kibeedi as Justice of the Supreme Court. The new Justices of the Court of Appeal 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,
- Lady Justice Nambayo Esta.
President Museveni emphasized how Uganda’s legal system was shaped by independence fighters and warned against importing foreign judicial systems without taking local conditions into account.
We, the independence warriors, contended in the 1960s that justice ought to be customized for our own society rather than being imposed by European norms. We have been able to comprehend justice and truth in this way,” he remarked.
He called out the custom of providing bail to capital offenders, calling it an error that needs to be corrected.
The Banyankore have a proverb that goes, “Aleileyo yagalika,” which means that he stole and got out of jail without any problems. People are tired of this. It must end because it is provocative,” he emphasized.
The President claimed that civilian courts would weaken military discipline and justified the use of military courts to handle cases involving armed criminals. He cited Karachunas and livestock rustlers who were convicted in military courts, claiming that the procedure helped them get out of the system and gave them an opportunity to change.
“They think a guy can marry another man, yet they say it is ‘irregular’ for armed civilians to be convicted in military courts. What sort of logic is that?” he questioned.
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo welcomed the appointments, calling them a historic milestone in strengthening Uganda’s judiciary. “This is a record; 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 justices at the Court of Appeal, now totaling 21, would enhance efficiency in delivering justice. Plans are also underway to establish regional Courts of Appeal in Gulu and Mbarara.
