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In a significant move towards ensuring a robust judicial system, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni presided over the swearing-in of 11 newly appointed High Court Judges at State House Entebbe on Thursday 17, August 2023.

The ceremony highlighted the importance of the judiciary in Uganda’s democratic framework and the essential role these judges will play in upholding the rule of law in the country.

Upon their swearing-in, President Museveni extended his heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed judges. In his speech, he emphasized the crucial importance of transparency and integrity in their roles. “This is a very good opportunity for you, the future is in front of you don’t be tempted by any shortcuts because I have been watching people from the 1960s who made mistakes when they got power. Don’t contaminate your future, you have the opportunity, don’t spoil it,” the President said.

Beyond the immediate role of these judges, President Museveni addressed the broader vision for Uganda’s judiciary. He reassured those present that the goal to equip the judiciary with the necessary manpower to ensure justice for all Ugandans remains a top priority for his administration. “The target is to get enough manpower in the Judiciary to cover the geography of the country so that somebody does not have to go and look for justice very far,” he stressed.

However, President Museveni was quick to link the growth of the judiciary to the overall economic transformation of the nation. “What I have been explaining to everybody is that whatever the government does depends on the economy, and this is what I would like all citizens of Uganda to understand. The Judiciary must understand the political economy of the country so that we don’t keep arguing the way forward,” President Museveni noted.

“What we have done in the last 30 and so years, was number one; to bring back the small island by achieving minimum recovery, number two, expanding it and diversification, then number four is value addition and services sector. Now it is this transformation and growth of the economy that gives us revenues to employ more public servants, to pay more salaries and put-up infrastructure,” he added.

The Chief Justice, His Lordship Alfonse Owiny-Dollo hailed President Museveni for strengthening the Judiciary of Uganda by giving them more 11 well deserving manpower.

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao said the appointment of new Judges of the High Court is part of the building project that President Museveni is championing to ensure access to justice for all Ugandans.

This ceremony, therefore, not only marked the introduction of new faces in the High Court but also underscored the government’s commitment to fortifying the judicial branch in parallel with economic advancements.

As Uganda continues on its path of transformation, it remains to be seen how these newly appointed judges will contribute to the country’s vision of justice for all.

The Newly Appointed High Court Judges

• Justice Nabakooza Flavia
• Justice Mwaka Philip Willebrord
• Justice Kwizera Amos
• Justice Makumbi David Samson Lwokya
• Justice Dr. Akello Echookit Christine
• Justice Karemani Jamson Karemera
• Justice Jacqueline Mwondha
• Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala Justice Kania Rosette Comfort
• Justice Rubagumya Tumusiime Patience Emily
• Justice Lubega Farouk