Judicial officers to sue government
Feb 26, 2008
JUDICIAL officers have threatened to sue the Government over discrimination in the increment of salaries for some magistrates. They claimed that Grade Two and senior Grade Two magistrates were left out in the recent pay rise for judicial officers.
By Hillary Nsambu
JUDICIAL officers have threatened to sue the Government over discrimination in the increment of salaries for some magistrates. They claimed that Grade Two and senior Grade Two magistrates were left out in the recent pay rise for judicial officers.
“I would like to warn the Government that the judicial officers’ association will not hesitate to file a suit in court if no immediate action is taken to rectify the situation,†the president of the body, Araali-Muhiirwa Kagoro, said.
He added that the selective salary increment among officers performing similar duties would create disharmony, discontent and suspicion which will affect the efficient delivery of judicial service in the country.
Kagoro was speaking during the opening of the New Law Year at the High Court in Kampala.
He, however, stated that the officers had promised to work relentlessly to expeditiously clear out the many cases in courts and fight corruption.
“We shall also continue to promote, protect and uphold the independence of the Judiciary. Any attempt to interfere with this autonomy should be resisted.â€
“The independence of the Judiciary, he noted, was a major pillar in promoting the rule of law, constitutionalism and good governance.
“We would like to assure everybody that we pledge to observe the highest ethical conduct this year and the years to come,†Kagoro promised.
But he noted that inadequate funding was their biggest challenge, considering the recent amendments of the Penal Code Act and related laws that increased their responsibilities.
The Government, he appealed, should give the Judiciary more funds.
The president of the Uganda Law Society, Oscar Kihiika, asked fellow lawyers to let the judges and magistrates do their work without undue interference. He commended lawyers working for the Legal Aid Project.
JUDICIAL officers have threatened to sue the Government over discrimination in the increment of salaries for some magistrates. They claimed that Grade Two and senior Grade Two magistrates were left out in the recent pay rise for judicial officers.
“I would like to warn the Government that the judicial officers’ association will not hesitate to file a suit in court if no immediate action is taken to rectify the situation,†the president of the body, Araali-Muhiirwa Kagoro, said.
He added that the selective salary increment among officers performing similar duties would create disharmony, discontent and suspicion which will affect the efficient delivery of judicial service in the country.
Kagoro was speaking during the opening of the New Law Year at the High Court in Kampala.
He, however, stated that the officers had promised to work relentlessly to expeditiously clear out the many cases in courts and fight corruption.
“We shall also continue to promote, protect and uphold the independence of the Judiciary. Any attempt to interfere with this autonomy should be resisted.â€
“The independence of the Judiciary, he noted, was a major pillar in promoting the rule of law, constitutionalism and good governance.
“We would like to assure everybody that we pledge to observe the highest ethical conduct this year and the years to come,†Kagoro promised.
But he noted that inadequate funding was their biggest challenge, considering the recent amendments of the Penal Code Act and related laws that increased their responsibilities.
The Government, he appealed, should give the Judiciary more funds.
The president of the Uganda Law Society, Oscar Kihiika, asked fellow lawyers to let the judges and magistrates do their work without undue interference. He commended lawyers working for the Legal Aid Project.