Gov't given ultimatum over Chief Justice appointment

By Mary Karugaba and Henry Sekanjako

Two years without a substantive Chief Justice and his deputy, MPs are now putting pressure on the executive to appoint a new head of Judiciary.

As a result, Parliament has given Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda up to Tuesday next week to explain the matter and the people responsible for the delay.

During Plenary debate on Thursday, MPs asked Rugunda to explain the delayed appointment and who is holding up the process.

MP Eddie Kwizera told legislators that the absence of a Chief Justice has increasingly caused backlog in Courts and curtailed the work of the Judiciary.

“Its two years since the country had a substantive Chief Justice. Could we be informed of the individuals who are not doing their work?” he asked.

Positions of the Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice fell vacant after the former chief justice Benjamin Odoki Odoki clocked the constitutional retirement age of 70 in 2013 after serving at helm of the institution for 12 years. His deputy Justice Leticia Kikonyogo also retired in 2012.

Justice Stephen Kavuma is the acting Chief Justice.

President Yoweri Museveni however in 2013 defied the recommendations of the Judicial Service Commission and opted to re-appoint Odoki but the constitutional court ruled that it was unconstitutional.

Representing the Prime Minister, Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere said the Government was aware of the matter and will soon appoint a Chief Justice.

His response however angered members who warned him against taking things casually.

“When I make a substantive inquiry on behalf of Ugandans, I expect a substantive answer. Those answers we have heard them over and over in this House. Why is Government delaying the process?” Kwizera shot back.

Ayena Adongo wondered whether it was in order for Prof. Kabwegere to respond “casually” yet it was a serious matter.
But the Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah halted further debate and directed Government to explain the matter next week.