PRESIDENT MUSEVENI SWEARS-IN NINE NEWLY APPOINTED JUDGES скачать в хорошем качестве

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI SWEARS-IN NINE NEWLY APPOINTED JUDGES

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today presided over the swearing-in ceremony of nine (9) recently appointed judges at State House, Entebbe. In his address during the ceremony, the President emphasized the importance of the role these judges will play in upholding the law and ensuring justice for all Ugandans. He made a compelling appeal for a justice system that aligns with Uganda’s cultural and historical context, stressing the need for a legal framework that reflects African traditions rather than relying solely on Western models. The ceremony saw the official swearing-in of Hon. Justice Muzamiru Mutangula Kibeedi, the Justice of the Supreme Court. Also sworn-in as Justices of the Court of Appeal were, Hon. Justice Ssekaana Musa, Hon. Lady Justice Sabiiti Cornelia Kakooza, Hon. Lady Justice Stella Alibateese, Hon. Lady Justice Florence Nakachwa, Hon. Justice Byaruhanga Jesse Rugyema, Hon. Justice John Mike Musisi, Hon. Lady Justice Ketrah Kitariisibwa Katunguka, and Hon. Lady Justice Nambayo Esta. These appointments, made by President Museveni on February 7, 2025, are expected to enhance the judiciary’s efficiency in delivering justice. 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. However, with societal evolution, some traditions need to be reviewed and phased out where necessary. 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,” 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. “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, President Museveni 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. 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.