Katureebe bitter with 'press conference' lawyers

Aug 09, 2019

Katureebe observed that political activism had shrouded law practice.

KAMPALA-Chief Justice (CJ) Bart Katureebe has expressed discontent with lawyers who convene press conferences and make disparaging remarks about judges.

Katureebe voiced his disapproval on Thursday in Kampala. He was presiding over training for Judges and lawyers, on the new rules on how cases will be conducted.

The training was organised by Judiciary and Uganda Law Society(ULS), to enable them to acquaint themselves with Civil Procedure Rules(Amendment), instituted by the CJ.

The CJ noted that some lawyers habitually convene press conferences to vent their anger, rather than follow the requisite expected of the law fraternity.

Chief Justice Bart Katurebe (third left) interacting with Uganda Law Society President Simon Peter Kinobe  (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Katureebe observed that political activism had shrouded law practice. He remarked that some lawyers had failed to draw the line.

"It is sad to see counsel address media instead of court. I have seen many lawyers address press conferences outside court. Time has come for us to start a conversation between lawyers and judges on how to conduct ourselves in court," said Katureebe.

The CJ also proposed a draft of guidelines be drawn to regulate the use of cameras by the media. He explained that in some countries, artists are employed to draw sketches depicting what transpired in court. 

ULS president Simon Peter Kinobe, challenged lawyers to respect colleagues, saying such virtues are taught to lawyers at law school.

"The reason we are called learned friends is because there is a level of decorum expected of us. In some courts, you find a judge abusing a lawyer. The moment we burn down this house (Judiciary), we will have nowhere to stay," said Kinobe. 

Article 133(1b) of the Constitution, gives CJ power to effect changes for institutional development of the Judiciary.

The provision describes the CJ's administrative functions. Specifically, the provision says: "The Chief Justice may issue orders and directions to the courts necessary for the proper and efficient administration of justice."

 

 

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