📷 New law year: Museveni urges Judiciary to promptly dispense justice

President Yoweri Museveni has implored the Judiciary to promptly dispense justice.

The President’s call to the Judiciary was contained in a speech read by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at the launch of the New Law Year (2025) at the High Court in Kampala on February 7, 2025.

Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera with supreme court and court of appeal justices arrive for the opening of the New Law Year 2025 at the Judiciary headquarters in Kampala.

“As you hear and determine cases in the courts, please ensure that justice is dispensed promptly, fairly and in a manner that reflects the larger public interest,” Museveni said.

(L-R) Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera and Justice minister Nobert Mao during the launch of the New Law Year (2025).

By settling disputes and promoting fairness and justice, Museveni said the courts contribute to a conducive and equitable working environment and this supports the overall economic development and social welfare of Ugandans.

“Therefore, the role of courts goes beyond settling cases and extends to shaping the socio-economic transformation of the country. The decisions you make have a bearing on the economy and society,” Museveni said.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja arriving for at the launch.

The President noted that courts serve as stabilising forces promoting social harmony and economic progress.

(L-R) Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera and Justice minister Nobert Mao welcoming Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at the launch of the New Law Year (2025) at the High Court in Kampala on February 7, 2025.

“Justice must be for all and should be administered without discrimination. The judicial services you render and the justice you administer must benefit our people,” Museveni said.

Public interest

In the administration of justice, the President said judges should always keep in mind the public interest as they make decisions because that is when the scales of justice shall be balanced in a way that protects the interests of all.

“The responsibility of the courts should extend beyond the parties that appear before them. Every decision you make should be a reflection of the larger societal values of fairness, equity and justice,” Museveni added.

In deciding these cases, Museveni said courts must be sensitive to the rights of all beneficiaries, especially the most vulnerable ones such as the widows and the orphans.

“Some matters involve estate distribution, land ownership and family disagreements. They call for sobriety to be well managed,” Museveni said.

The President noted that when the people go to the courts and feel that they are protected, they are more likely to invest in their businesses and in turn contribute to national development.

“As you open the New Law Year today, you should be mindful of the challenges that may lie ahead of you. Dispute resolution mechanisms are rapidly changing. They are driven by global economic shifts, technological advancements and evolving workplace dynamics,” Museveni said. 

Uganda Law Society President Isaac Ssemakadde (center).

Concerning land matters, the President appealed to the judges to determine them judiciously and ensure the locus in quo is visited.

“You are the experts of the law, so I want you to help the wananchi in coming up with very comprehensive guidelines on land evictions. I still receive complaints and witness incidents where evictions are not handled well. These unjust evictions will frustrate the different initiatives we have put in place to alleviate poverty like the Parish Development Model (PDM) which I must report to you is doing very well in some parts of the country. Some people have embraced PDM and have made progress,” Museveni said.

Museveni noted that many beneficiaries of PDM have concentrated on growing cash crops such as coffee, tea and bananas while others have concentrated on rearing livestock but are being disturbed by thieves who have refused to work but want to reap where they did not sow.

“Why do you at times protect thieves who are anti-development? Why do you make it so easy for thieves, murderers, land grabbers, rapists to be released on bail? What about the rights of the victims and the broader community?” the President wondered.

Corruption, growing indiscipline

Museveni also decried corruption, growing indiscipline and impunity in the public service saying investors both local and foreign have continuously reported significant challenges when navigating the court system including allegations of corruption, delays in case processing due to case backlogs, a complex land tenure regime and a lack of transparency in legal proceedings making it difficult to enforce contracts and resolve commercial disputes effectively.

“Such challenges have negative consequences on our economy and consequently on the social and economic development of our country,” he said.

Underscoring the role of the Judiciary as an arm of government charged with overseeing accountability and proper resource usage and management, the President said there can be no state without the Judiciary in any democracy.

“When the Judiciary properly fulfils its constitutional mandate, then peace, good governance and sustainable economic development is achievable,” he said.

Embrace technology

The President also appealed to the Judiciary to embrace technology since it is essential for the swift administration of justice and ensuring that the judicial system remains efficient and transparent.

Museveni appreciated the work of judges, lawyers and prosecutors in the administration of justice saying it ensures a just society.

Underscoring the role judges, lawyers and prosecutors play in the administration of justice, Museveni said a nation cannot thrive where there is no justice.

The President said the Government remains committed to supporting the Judiciary in improving access to justice by promoting user-friendly courts, prompt disposal of cases, and quick dispensation of justice.

“We shall work tirelessly with all of you to ensure that justice is administered without delay,” the President said.

Supreme Court recommendations

Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuzi said they are studying the recommendations of the Supreme Court decision in the famous Michael Kabaziguruka case banning the trial of civilians in Army court to come up with appropriate amendments to the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Act.

“The Supreme Court in Kabaziguruka delivered its judgment on January 31, 2025, where it found civilians cannot be tried in army court, it is a landmark decision and the government undertakes to abide by it. Government is studying the recommendation of the court and will soon table a bill in Parliament for amendment of the UPDF Act,” Kafuzi said.

Justice minister Nobert Mao Nobert Mao interacts with the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Samuel Stephen Kazimba Mugalu and Monsignor Dr. Lawrence Semusu.

Justice minister Nobert Mao appealed to the judges to give priority to cases of citizen’s liberty. 

Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo revealed that last year courts recorded a total caseload of 425,638 and disposed of 246,730 cases amounting to 58% disposal rate with 178,908 cases carried forward.