Govt explains delayed appointment of Chief Justice

By Mary Karugaba and Moses Mulondo

Parliament has given the government up to Tuesday next week to explain delayed appointment of a Chief Justice, his Deputy and the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The former chief justice Benjamin Odoki retired on June 28 after serving for 12 years. His deputy Justice Elizabeth Mpagi-Bahigaine is also retired.

 Upon her retirement, the late Constance Kategeya Byamugisha was then appointed acting deputy chief justice. She was later replaced by acting justice Stephen Kavuma who is also the acting Chief Justice.

The DPP Richard Butera was appointed to the Court of appeal in the recent judicial appointments.

During the Thursday Parliamentary debate, MP Paul Mwiru, Merdard  Ssegona and Theodore Ssekikubo demanded to know why Government had delayed the appointments of the officials, which they said had caused a standstill in both the offices of the DPP and Chief Justice.

The MPs complained that although the chairman Judicial Service Commission, Justice James Ogoola pledged to advertise the posts by June, nothing had been done.

For the first time in Uganda’s history, this fourth most important post in the country will be advertised in the print media and the name of the rightful candidate will be forwarded to President Museveni for appointment.

MP Ssegona complained that although Government was aware of the pending retirement of the chief justice, it was never bothered to appoint a replacement as soon as possible.

“These people’s CVs are submitted and their retirement age was known to government way back before they actually retired. Unlike politicians, their retirement age is fixed and non-adjustable. The Chief Justice was even given three extra months to complete his work,” he said.

The MPs also said the law does not provide for the acting deputy chief justice.