Law society unveils rule of law advisory panel

PIC:  Uganda Law Society President Francis Gimara. (File photo)

KAMPALA - The statutory umbrella body of lawyers, Uganda Law Society (ULS), has unveiled a high-level  advisory panel as part of a strategic duty to deepen the rule of law in the country.
 
The panel was unveiled by ULS President Francis Gimara during a ceremony held in Kampala.
 
According to the principle of rule of law, all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced, through the principle of government by law.
 
Gimara explained the move, saying as ULS marks its 60th anniversary, it is logical to pursue a proactive approach on issues of rule of law.
 
The panel will be chaired by Prof. Fredrick Ssempebwa. The other members are Prof. Joe Oloka-Onyango, ULS President Emeritus Andrew Kasirye, Lydia Ochieng-Obbo, and Getrude Wamala-Karugaba.
 
Gimara said the move anchors the aspirations of the National Development Plan (NDP).
 
"According to NDPII, Government is committed to not only pursue strategies for economic growth but also to create the required legal and socio-political environment that would create economic and social transformation to attain national vision," he said.
 
The panel has five terms of reference. It is expected to work with the Law Council and the rule of law committee of ULS to promote and uphold the rule of law and advise on emerging rule of law issues.
 
The panel will advise on constitutionalism, access to justice, democracy, good governance, accountability, and transparency.
 
It is also expected to advise on legal reforms and developments affecting the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.
 
Gimara said the panel will advise and guide stakeholders on the legal implications of proposed constitutional and electoral reforms.
 
It is also tasked to mediate and initiate dialogue on behalf of ULS on issues of constitutionalism and electoral reforms.
 
ULS has also instituted other initiatives to champion the rule of law. It has recruited a Rule of Law Officer to track  developments and compile the Annual State of Rule of Law Report for Uganda.
 
The entity will also hold the annual rule of law week and symposium, the annual High-Level Stakeholders' symposium to discuss rule of law issues, and strategic public interest litigation and advocacy to enhance rule of law.
 
ULS is also set to champion constitutional and electoral reforms agenda, and to establish a coalition on strengthening the independence of the judiciary.
 
The ceremony was attended by the panelists and several lawyers.