Courts to close Friday for Benedicto Kiwanuka Day

Courts countrywide will be closed this Friday, 21 September 2018 as the judiciary holds an inaugural lecture for former Chief Justice, Benedicto Kagimu Mugumba Kiwanuka.

According to communiqué from the judiciary, the judiciary's Chief Registrar Esta Nambayo, issued a circular to all judicial officers stating that the Chief Justice Bart M. Katureebe had granted permission to all courts to officially adjourn all matters for the day, to enable judicial officers and advocates participate in the event.

On the same date 46 years ago (1972), Kiwanuka was dragged from his chambers at the High Court in Kampala by soldiers of the Idi Amin regime and has never been seen again.

The Chief Justice Bart M. Katureebe said Benedicto Kiwanuka's life was taken away because of convictions in defending the rule of law and defending the fundamental freedoms of the downtrodden.

"Kiwanuka's life is worth commemorating, especially as the Judiciary assumes a heightened and pivotal role in nurturing and protecting the rule of law and the truth. He fiercely and above self, protected the rights of all for which he paid the ultimate price with his life," said Justice Katureebe.

The Chief Justice during this year's New Law Year event in January announced that the Judiciary, starting this year, will hold a public lecture in memory of Benedicto Kiwanuka adding that it will become an annual event on the Judiciary's calendar.

The half-day event to take place at the Kampala High Court grounds, will feature a keynote address by three time Chief Justice Emeritus, Samuel W.Waako Wambuzi (1972-75, 1979-80, 1986-2001), for his departed predecessor.

The Judiciary has, among other things, procured a bust for Benedicto Kiwanuka, which will permanently be installed at the stairs of the High Court building, facing the grounds.

Deputy Chief Justice, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, who is also chair of the event organising committee, said the day is not just about Kiwanuka, "but rather the rule of law which will continue to triumph over evil". 

A cross-section of stakeholders invited to the event include: Kiwanuka's family members, representatives of the central government, cultural institutions, Members of Parliament, representatives of religious, cultural and higher institutions of learning, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of political parties, representatives of the 18 Justice Law and Order Sector institutions, among others.