Judiciary hosts Benedicto Kiwanuka memorial lecture

23 September 2024, 11:41 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Having recognised the significant judicial contributions made by Uganda’s first Chief Justice and Prime Minister, the late Benedicto Kiwanuka, who was assassinated in 1972, the Ugandan judiciary decided to honor him with an annual memorial lecture. This marks the 7th edition of the lecture held under the theme “Benedicto Kiwanuka: Promoting a People-Centered Approach to Justice”.

The event took place at the High Court headquarters in Kampala. In his address, the Chief Justice of Uganda, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, highlighted that the judiciary’s transformation agenda focuses on reducing case backlog and improving access to Justice services across Uganda. “We are making every effort to bring court service closer to the people so that access to justice is given the same importance as access to safe water” he said. He added that they are working to make both physical and functional access to justice a reality for all Ugandans.

Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo also mentioned that the judiciary has strengthened its inspectorate to tackle the real and percived corruption within the system.
He noted that the Judiciary has gazetted 38 High Court Circuits under the Judicature (Designation of High Court Circuits) Instrument, 2023, and under the Magistrates Courts (Magisterial Areas and Magistrates Courts) Instrument, 2024, every district has been designated as a Magisterial Area, with every county-constituency receiving a Magistrate Grade One Court.

He emphasised their commitment to seeking funds to operationalise these courts. “We are also making every effort to simplify court processes and enhance the use of ICT in the delivery of justice services, in order to demystify court processes and make courts more accessible and user friendly. Virtual hearings are now a reality which has reduced on litigation costs and promoted efficiency” he said.

The Speaker of Parliament of Uganda Rt. Hon. Anet Anita Among, who represented the president, paid tribute to the Judiciary for keeping the legacy of Ben Kiwanuka alive. “It is a fitting tradition to always remember our countrymen and women who have made an enormous contribution to the development of the people of the pearl of Africa” she said.

The Speaker also emphasised the collaborative relationship between the three arms of government in advancing the President’s vision for a peaceful, united, democratic, harmonious, industrialised, transformed and prosperous Uganda within a strong and united Africa. She pledged Parliament’s continued support to the Judiciary in pursuing a people-centered justice system.
The keynote speaker,Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Deputy Principal of the School of Law at Makerere University, expressed her gratitude to the Judiciary for the opportunity. Other dignitaries in attendance included Deputy Chief Justice Richard Butera, Vice President of the Uganda Law Society Mr. Martin Asingwire, among others.