The opposition forum for democratic change 9 (FDC) party president Patrick Amuriat attacked the deputy chief justice Owinyi Dollo for inviting president Museveni on his thanks giving ceremony that happened at Patongo Akwee Primary School grounds in Agago District.
Speaking while addressing the press at the party headquarters, Amuriat said there is need for Dollo to explain to Ugandans why he made such a decision.
He adds that the judiciary is a top organ of the government which should be independent therefore Museveni’s appearance on his thanksgiving is an indication of being compromised.
Speaking while appearing on the same event, President Museveni said that as they celebrate the elevation of Judge Alphonse Owinyi Dollo, This elevation was as a result of the new dispensation that came after 1986.
“When we came into leadership, our ambition was to make Uganda democratic through regular elections and make the ascension to leadership in public service founded on merit. Therefore, state leadership was to be through these elections (political) while technocratic leadership, should be through competition, ie interviews, exams…etc.” he stated.
He added that these people you see here (judicial officers), I did not know them myself, but the system brought them up. For instance, I first knew Dollo when he came to the Constituency Assembly and later Parliament, after you people elected him.
“The days of appointing someone because you like him are gone. It is now either through election or merit. The appointment of judicial officers is done by the Judicial Service Commission, who conduct all the exams and interviews, they just send me names of qualified candidates to choose.” He added.
