JUDICIARY Latest Features

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged continued Government support for the Judiciary’s transformation agenda, including recruitment and retention of a skilled workforce, infrastructure development and deeper digital transformation, while underscoring the importance of institutional independence and accountability in the administration of justice.

The President’s remarks were delivered earlier today by the Vice President, H.E. Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, during the 9th Benedicto Kiwanuka Memorial Lecture at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala.

Held under the theme, “Justice for All: Carrying Forward Benedicto Kiwanuka’s Vision,” the annual lecture commemorates the life, courage and legacy of Chief Justice Benedicto Kiwanuka, the first Ugandan Chief Justice.

President Museveni said the commemoration provides an important opportunity to reflect on Uganda’s history and the continuing responsibility to build strong institutions capable of serving the country beyond the individuals who occupy them.

“A country that does not understand its history cannot properly understand its present, and it cannot correctly prepare for its future,” he said.

Reflecting on Justice Kiwanuka’s courage in defending the rule of law, the President said the protection of justice should not depend solely on the personal courage of individuals, but must be anchored in strong institutions and constitutional safeguards.

“The protection of justice should not depend only on the personal courage of an individual. Of course, courage is necessary, but a country must build institutions and safeguards that enable those entrusted with public responsibility to perform their duties in accordance with the law and their conscience without intimidation, arbitrary interference, or fear of personal repercussions,” he said.

The President noted that rebuilding state institutions following years of instability was central to Uganda’s recovery, with peace and security providing a foundation for effective institutions and a functioning justice system.

He emphasised that judicial independence must operate within the constitutional order and be accompanied by accountability, with the three Arms of Government exercising their distinct but interconnected responsibilities in service of the public.

“Independence must be balanced with accountability, so that each institution operates within its constitutional limit,” he said.

President Museveni further noted that constitutional safeguards protecting the Judiciary ultimately protect the public by enabling Judicial Officers to decide cases according to the Constitution, the law and evidence without fear of personal consequences.

“These safeguards are important. They are not privileges for Judges. They are protections for the people,” he said.

President Backs Judiciary Transformation

Turning to justice delivery, the President noted that Uganda’s growing population, expanding economy and increased commercial activity have generated greater demand for justice services, requiring the Judiciary to continuously adapt.

He called for greater use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to complement formal adjudication and respond to emerging disputes.

“The Judiciary cannot keep up with these challenges and emerging conflicts using only the British system, which makes little impact. Therefore, alternative dispute resolution that we know very well should be taken up seriously. I thank the Judiciary for being alive to the unique needs of our people; this is how transformation works,” he said.

The President also underscored the importance of the welfare and working conditions of Judicial Officers, noting that effective and independent decision-making requires adequate institutional support.

“A nation cannot expect judicial officers to make tough, independent decisions unless they are provided with the institutional support and environments essential for their work,” he said.

He consequently pledged continued Government support for the Judiciary’s transformation agenda.

“We shall continue to facilitate the Judiciary’s recruitment and retention of a skilled workforce, improve infrastructure, and support all efforts to deepen digital transformation and advance the Chief Justice’s agenda, which he informed me about as he took his oath. We continue to strengthen the institutional safeguards that enable judicial officers to make decisions firmly, independently, and in accordance with the Constitution,” President Museveni said.

He also challenged young lawyers and Judicial Officers to regard the law as more than a means of earning a livelihood, but as a public responsibility requiring discipline, integrity and service.

Chief Justice Calls for People-Centred Justice

In his speech, the Chief Justice, Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, said the commemoration should provide an opportunity not only to remember Justice Kiwanuka, but also to reflect on the justice system Uganda is building for future generations.

He said Justice Kiwanuka’s commitment to the rule of law, human rights and judicial independence remains relevant to the Judiciary’s responsibility to ensure that justice is accessible to all, irrespective of social or economic circumstances.

The Chief Justice stressed that Judiciary performance should not be measured solely by the number of cases disposed of, but also by the experience of people seeking justice.

“A Court may dispose of a case statistically, but the true measure of justice is whether the person who came before that Court feels that the process was fair, impartial, accessible and worthy of public confidence,” he said.

Justice Zeija also underscored the relationship between judicial independence and accountability.

“An independent Judiciary must also be an accountable Judiciary. We must therefore maintain the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct,” he said.

He highlighted ongoing investments in digital justice, including the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), as well as ADR initiatives aimed at improving case management, reducing delays and making justice more accessible, affordable and responsive.

The Chief Justice further called for effective cooperation among the three Arms of Government while respecting their respective constitutional mandates and independence.

“The delivery of justice is a chain. If one link is weak, the entire system suffers,” he said.

DCJ Calls for Meaningful Justice

The Deputy Chief Justice and Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, said carrying forward Justice Kiwanuka’s vision requires more than remembrance and should prompt reflection on justice delivery, professional conduct and the responsibility of every stakeholder.

He said “Justice for All” should mean a legal system in which the weak are protected against excesses of the powerful and the law cannot easily be manipulated to serve particular interests.

“Let it be an active examination of our systems as well as our hearts and minds. Let it spur us to administer justice that is meaningful, and inspire us to attain higher standards, and fiercely guard the rule of law,” he urged.

Justice Owiny - Dollo Receives Benedicto Kiwanuka Award

During the Commemoration, Chief Justice Emeritus Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo was the recipient of the 2026 Benedicto Kiwanuka Award.

He expressed appreciation for the recognition and reflected on his years of service, describing the Judiciary as his extended family.

Justice Owiny - Dollo urged Judicial Officers to remain guided by the Constitution, the law and their conscience, and to make upright decisions that sustain public confidence in the justice system.

Sekaggya Calls for Accessible, Timely Justice

Delivering the keynote address, Ms Margaret Sekaggya, Executive Director of the Human Rights Centre Uganda, said carrying forward Justice Kiwanuka’s vision requires justice that is independent, accessible and timely, irrespective of a person’s social or economic status.

“Efficient, effective, and timely, easily accessible justice is the key for the rule of law, peace and security, observance and protection of human rights, and economic growth,” she said.

Ms Sekaggya commended the Judiciary’s use of mediation, plea bargaining and Alternative Justice Systems to advance timely justice and called for continued support to justice institutions to strengthen service delivery.

Attorney General Calls for Meaningful Access to Justice

The Attorney General, Hon. Sam Mayanja, said carrying forward Justice Kiwanuka’s legacy requires moving beyond formal access to justice towards meaningful access that can be experienced by all citizens without discrimination.

He identified poverty, geographical distance, limited legal awareness, delays, the cost of legal representation, language barriers and complex legal processes among the obstacles that must continue to be addressed.

“The rule of law cannot survive where institutions bend according to the identity, status or power of the person standing before them,” he said.

The Attorney General also reminded government legal officers that their responsibility extends beyond winning cases to ensuring that State actions and decisions are lawful, constitutionally compliant and consistent with the public interest.

“We must never become so concerned with winning cases that we forget the broader duty of ensuring justice,” he said.

He called for strong institutions, ethical and competent legal professionals, professional prosecution and investigation, respect for court decisions, rights-based legislation and responsible citizenship.

The lecture attracted Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, Judges of the High Court, Registrars, Magistrates and senior Judiciary administrators led by the Under Secretary Ms Maureen Kasande.

Also in attendance were members of the Kiwanuka family, Judicial Service Commission, heads of diplomatic missions, development partners, academic institutions, advocates, the media and representatives of the Inspectorate of Government, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The event was moderated by the Chief Registrar, HW Agnes Alum, as Director of Programmes, assisted by the Judiciary Public Relations Officer, HW James Ereemye Jumire Mawanda.