President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officiated at the swearing-in ceremony of 21 newly appointed High Court Judges at State House Entebbe, urging them to uphold fairness and efficiency in their work.
The event, held in the presence of top government and judiciary officials, marked a significant addition to Uganda’s judicial system aimed at enhancing the dispensation of justice.
In his address, President Museveni congratulated the new judges and encouraged them to use their positions to contribute positively to the nation.
He emphasized two key principles that should guide their work: Obuteeka—the maintenance of peace and ensuring that no one suffers due to injustice—and Oburinganiza—providing justice fairly to those who have been wronged.
“The judiciary plays a critical role in ensuring justice for all. It is through fair and expeditious justice that we maintain peace and stability in the country,” President Museveni stated.
“I call upon the newly sworn-in judges to listen to the people’s cases carefully and avoid unnecessary delays. I often hear about time-wasting in court with objections and legal semantics. The priority should be to listen to the truth and dispense justice swiftly.”
The President’s remarks highlighted a growing concern among Ugandans regarding the slow pace of judicial proceedings, which often leads to case backlogs.
He urged the judges to focus on efficiency and ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done in a timely manner.
“We should not waste time, but rather ensure that the truth is heard and justice is served,” he said.
Government Commitment to Supporting the Judiciary
During his speech, President Museveni also reiterated his commitment to supporting the judiciary, particularly in terms of budgetary allocations.
“I pledge to support the judiciary even more. The budget will increase; it’s just a question of when, not whether,” he assured.
This statement signals the government’s recognition of the judiciary’s financial needs, including infrastructural improvements, judicial appointments, and better remuneration for judicial officers.
Uganda’s judiciary has often faced challenges such as inadequate funding, which affects case handling and the general effectiveness of the judicial system.
The promise of increased financial support is expected to enhance the performance of the courts, reduce case backlogs, and improve access to justice across the country.
Judiciary’s Response and Expectations
The newly sworn-in judges expressed gratitude for their appointments and pledged to serve with integrity and dedication.
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, who attended the ceremony, commended the President for prioritizing judicial appointments and increasing the capacity of the High Court.
“The appointment of these 21 judges is a significant boost to our efforts in tackling case backlog and improving service delivery. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure Ugandans receive the justice they deserve,” Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo stated.
He also called on the new judges to uphold the principles of impartiality, diligence, and integrity in their judicial functions.
“Your duty is to the people of Uganda. Justice should be fair and timely, and I urge you to be firm yet fair in your decisions,” he added.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The swearing-in of the 21 judges has been widely welcomed, especially among legal practitioners and human rights advocates who have long called for an increase in judicial officers to address case backlog issues.
With more judges in place, the judiciary is expected to expedite hearings and rulings, improving access to justice for ordinary Ugandans.
However, some Ugandans have expressed hope that the increased judicial appointments will be matched with structural reforms that address corruption, inefficiency, and access to justice for marginalized communities.
“Justice is not just about appointments; it is about ensuring that every citizen, regardless of status, can access fair and impartial rulings,” commented activist.
Looking Ahead
The swearing-in ceremony underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening Uganda’s judiciary and ensuring the rule of law prevails.
With the promise of increased funding and a fresh batch of judicial officers, the focus now shifts to the implementation of these commitments.
As the judges take up their new roles, Ugandans will be keenly watching to see whether their presence translates into real change in the justice system.
The expectations are clear: efficiency, fairness, and integrity. Whether these 21 judges will rise to the challenge remains to be seen, but the directive from the President is unequivocal—justice must be served, and it must be served swiftly.
