Hon. Justice Benedicto Kagimu Mugamba Kiwanuka
KAMPALA: The Judiciary will on Friday 21 September 2018, hold an inaugural lecture for former Chief Justice, Hon.Justice Benedicto Kagimu Mugamba Kiwanuka. Hon. Justice Kiwanuka was, on the same date 46 years ago (1972), 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 Registrar, HW Esta Nambayo, issued a circular to all judicial officers to keep courts closed on Friday (September 21, 2018). "This is to notify you that the Chief Justice has granted permission to all courts to officially adjourn all matters for the day, to enable judicial officers and advocates to participate in the event," the circular reads in part.
The Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Bart M. Katureebe said Hon. Justice Benedicto Kiwanuka life was taken away because of convictions in defending the rule of law and defending the fundamental freedoms of the downtrodden. "Hon. Justice 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 Hon. 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 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, Hon. Justice Samuel W. Waako Wambuzi(1972-75, 1979-80, 1986-2001), for his departed predecessor.
The Judiciary has, among other things,procured a bust for Hon. Justice Benedicto Kiwanuka, which will permanently be installed at the stairs of the High Court building, facing the grounds. Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, who is also chair of the event organizing 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: Hon. Justice 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.
About Hon. Justice Benedicto Kiwanuka
Hon. Justice Benedicto Kiwanuka is remembered for having been a selfless defender of human rights and rule of law;for which he paid the ultimate price. Prior to his Judiciary assignment, Hon.Justice Ben Kiwanuka was an eminent Ugandan politician, who was instrumental in the processes leading to Uganda's attainment of its independence from colonialists in October 1962.
Born in 1922, Hon. Justice Kiwanuka was an accomplished advocate of the High Court, head of the Democratic Party, Chief Minister of Uganda's Self Government (1961-62) and Uganda's first Prime Minister(March-April 1962). In December 1969, he was one of the political prisoners taken to Luzira Prison by the Milton Obote government. He was in January 1971 released by Idi Amin, following a coup, and subsequently named Chief Justice by President Amin in March 1971. He was on 21 September 1971 kidnapped from his Chief Justice Chambers at the High Court in Kampala by state agents of the Idi Amin regime; and has never seen again.
A cross-section of stakeholders invited to the event include: Hon. Justice 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.
Posted 19th, September 2018
