Judge warns colleagues implicated in corruption

Justice Jotham Tumwesigye of the Supreme Court, who heads the Judiciary's integrity committee, has vowed to unflinchingly expose colleagues at rank of Judges implicated in corruption.

Tumwesigye made the vow at the 19th Annual Judges' Conference, held at Speke Resort in the city suburb of Munyonyo.

He observed that there is need to dispel the perception that only the low-ranking judicial officers are prosecuted when netted for corruption.

"We shall deal with the big fish.We will not spare anyone because of status. Stand warned.We will go after Judges this year. We should eradicate the rotten apples in the judiciary," Tumwesigye said.

He was one of the panelists who made a presentation on ‘Combating Real and Perceived Corruption in the Ugandan Judiciary.

Tumwesigye highlighted some of the complaints gathered countrywide on instances that people link to corruption.

He cited connivance of judicial staff to change hearing dates of cases, stealing of exhibits by court staff, and disappearance of court files.

Also cited was active bribery for one to get court services like bail, and the lack of transparency in cause listing; violating the principle of first in, first out.

Tumwesigye recommended the establishment of customer care and information desks, and strengthening of the Inspectorate team to enhance supervision.

Inspector General of Government, Justice Irene Mulyagonja, noted that judicial corruption is a global phenomenon.

She observed that the Judiciary must listen critically to people outside, to comprehend the context behind the perceptions.

The President Uganda Law Society(ULS) Francis Gimara, cautioned that real corruption exists but the key players are unwilling to expose the culprits.

"You hear stories of Judicial officers who have partnered with some lawyers to promote unethical practice. In my circles, it is now normal to hear of lawyers who are known never to lose cases before particular judges," Gimara said.

He noted that ULS has continuously cautioned lawyers of the dangers of acting unethically in the clamour for overnight success

The executive director of the Anti- Corruption Coalition Uganda Cissy Kagaba, said whereas real corruption exists, the Judiciary must also fight with the perceived corruption.

She decried the practice of transferring judicial officers implicated in corruption. Kagaba asked the judiciary to partner with civil society in the anti- corruption drive.
 
Asked by the moderator Charles Mwanguhya, where she drew the line between perceived and real corruption, Mulyagonja responded that the Inspectorate of Government receives many unsubstantiated allegations.

"We receive may complaints about people being asked for bribes from unscrupulous court officials, to get bail.But when we tell many of these to return and validate, they never do so," Mulyagonja said.

Justice Moses Mukiibi recommended a peer system, to enable colleagues keep each other in check through advisory.

In his comment, Chief Justice Bart Katureebe, said lawyers who have concrete evidence on corruption, must submit it.

"The Judiciary must clean up its image.The rules are there.Integrity cannot be borrowed," Katureebe said.