Respect others, Odoki advises
Jul 16, 2006
UGANDANS must learn to treat each other with respect and tolerance, especially under multipartyism, the Chief Justice has said.
By Anne Mugisa
and Joel Ogwang
UGANDANS must learn to treat each other with respect and tolerance, especially under multipartyism, the Chief Justice has said.
Benjamin Odoki also said there should be equitable distribution of resources to promote equitable and even development.
Odoki was on Saturday speaking at the Uganda Christian university Law Students symposium at the campus. Law students from other universities attended the symposium, which was addressed by judges, lawyers, law lecturers and an official from the Inspectorate of government.
The theme of the symposium was ‘Equal opportunities and the administration of justice’.
Odoki, who is the patron of the UCU Law Society, said those managing national resources must do so in an accountable and transparent manner.
He said the government must serve all Ugandans, irrespective of how they voted and that the earning capacity of everybody must be enhanced through creation of employment opportunities.
The Chief Justice also said Ugandans must respect the principle of equality before the law and non-discrimination on the basis of sex, race, colour, ethnicity, birth, religion, socio-economic standing, political opinion or disability.
He lashed out at lawyers who make it very hard for poor members of the public to access justice by demanding exorbitant legal fees. He said in some cases like political petitions, one demands hundreds of millions of shillings, a practice he attributed to lawyers’ high fees.
“Costs of litigation must be reasonable and affordable. Lawyers must lower their fees. When I say that, lawyers don’t like me wrong. If people do not get peaceful and affordable resolution of conflicts they’ll go up in arms,†Odoki said.
He said the Government, legal professionals and NGOs should provide legal aid to those who cannot afford the services of lawyers. He said inability to acquire legal services is undermining the equality of arms’ concept, which he said was important in justice.
He said Law students should show social responsibility by providing services to the poor, which he said would also provide them with experience.
High Court judge Justice David Wangutusi said the poor, the illiterate, children and women are getting a raw deal in attaining justice.
and Joel Ogwang
UGANDANS must learn to treat each other with respect and tolerance, especially under multipartyism, the Chief Justice has said.
Benjamin Odoki also said there should be equitable distribution of resources to promote equitable and even development.
Odoki was on Saturday speaking at the Uganda Christian university Law Students symposium at the campus. Law students from other universities attended the symposium, which was addressed by judges, lawyers, law lecturers and an official from the Inspectorate of government.
The theme of the symposium was ‘Equal opportunities and the administration of justice’.
Odoki, who is the patron of the UCU Law Society, said those managing national resources must do so in an accountable and transparent manner.
He said the government must serve all Ugandans, irrespective of how they voted and that the earning capacity of everybody must be enhanced through creation of employment opportunities.
The Chief Justice also said Ugandans must respect the principle of equality before the law and non-discrimination on the basis of sex, race, colour, ethnicity, birth, religion, socio-economic standing, political opinion or disability.
He lashed out at lawyers who make it very hard for poor members of the public to access justice by demanding exorbitant legal fees. He said in some cases like political petitions, one demands hundreds of millions of shillings, a practice he attributed to lawyers’ high fees.
“Costs of litigation must be reasonable and affordable. Lawyers must lower their fees. When I say that, lawyers don’t like me wrong. If people do not get peaceful and affordable resolution of conflicts they’ll go up in arms,†Odoki said.
He said the Government, legal professionals and NGOs should provide legal aid to those who cannot afford the services of lawyers. He said inability to acquire legal services is undermining the equality of arms’ concept, which he said was important in justice.
He said Law students should show social responsibility by providing services to the poor, which he said would also provide them with experience.
High Court judge Justice David Wangutusi said the poor, the illiterate, children and women are getting a raw deal in attaining justice.