21st September 2023.
KAMPALA – In a gathering of legal luminaries and dignitaries at the 6th Benedicto Kiwanuka Lecture, the President of the Uganda Law Society Bernad Oundo passionately emphasized the urgent need for transparent mechanisms to appraise judicial officers in the execution of their duties. The heart of the matter, as he eloquently put it, was the imperative to hold judges accountable to the public, ultimately fostering transparency within the country’s judiciary.
One of the chief concerns raised during the event was the growing trend of appointing judges on an acting basis, a practice seen as potentially undermining the independence of the judiciary. The call resonated for the streamlining of the judge appointment process to ensure openness and transparency, with an insistence that these processes should be made accessible to the public, thereby establishing a system of accountability. It was emphatically stressed that judges must be appointed based on merit, upholding the highest standards of legal excellence.
Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, representing the President as the Chief Guest, commended the Judiciary for organizing the event, offering praise for Benedicto Kiwanuka’s remarkable qualifications and experience, which he considered a great national asset.
Reflecting on the theme of this year’s Benedicto Kiwanuka lecture: Enhancing Judicial Accountability, Transparency, and the Rule of Law,” the Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo drew inspiration from the legacy of Benedicto Kiwanuka, to highlight the constitutional obligation and accountability that the judiciary holds towards all justice seekers in Uganda. He expressed his concern over the inappropriate interpretation of court decisions by state agencies, categorizing such actions as contrary to the rule of law. He advocated for returning to the courts to seek clarity and satisfaction with court decisions as the proper course of action.
Rtd Justice Jotham Tumwesigye, a keynote speaker at the event, passionately advocated for the prevention of events similar to the unfortunate fate of the late Chief Justice. He fervently argued that the rule of law should be blind to the distinctions between rich and poor, underscoring the dire consequences of its absence, particularly for marginalized communities. Justice Tumwesigye emphasized that the judiciary should actively address inequalities within its own system and strive to rectify the root causes of injustice.
The call for judicial accountability, transparency, and the steadfast defense of the rule of law were emphasized by all speakers at this year’s 6th Benedicto Kiwanuka lecture, throwing a reminder to all that the rule of law is not just an abstract concept; it is a collective responsibility, essential for a just and equitable society.
