HE President Yoweri Museveni speaking at the opening of the 4th African Judicial Dialogue
KAMPALA: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni called upon African Judges to always prioritize the hearing of cases that will bring about economic development.
HE Museveni equally re-echoed the need to hang those who have murdered others instead of handing them jail sentences, saying he believes in the Law of Moses in the Bible that calls for an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
"I usually talk with their lordships in Uganda and their issue is case backlog,but if I am faced with a case of people who fought in a bar and another involving a factory; I would first deal with that of the factory since it employs many people and pays taxes to government then later handle cases of people who fought," President Museveni said.
The Head of State further urged Judicial Officers across Africa to embrace the original traditional justice system aimed at ensuring harmony, rather than the western judicial system, which is all about evidence and not co-existence.
"I think it's a good chance for you (African Chief Justices) to see how we apply our original traditional justice towards the struggle for human rights and also enhance harmony in society," he said.
He was speaking at the African Union 4th Judicial Dialogue at the Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort in Kampala.
The dialogue, which is scheduled to end on Friday 1st November, is running under the theme "Tackling contemporary Human Rights issues: The Role of the Judiciary"
Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Bart Katureebe spoke fondly of the Ugandan Judiciary saying in the past, Uganda could not be thought about to host international conferences.
He also said he was proud that Uganda is the second country on the continent to host the dialogue. The previous three dialogues were hosted in Arusha,Tanzania.
Explaining the genesis of African Judicial Dialogue, Amb. Thomas Kwesi Quartey, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union said since Africa has witnessed decades of numerous human rights challenges, it was prudent that African states solemnly resolve to promote and safeguard freedoms, equality and human divinity across the continent.
Citing the theme for the Dialogue, Amb. Kwesi called upon members of the Judiciary at all levels to collectively work together to promote and protect the human and people's rights in Africa.
Notably present were representatives from the central Government as well as different JLOS Institutions.
Posted 31st, October 2019
