Group photo: The 15 newly appointed Justices and Judges of the Courts of Judicature.
Entebbe (December 10, 2019): President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni swore in the 15 newly appointed Judges - three for the Court of Appeal/Constitutional Court and 12 for the High Court.
Two of the new appellate Justices: Hon. Lady Justice Irene Mulyagonja Kakooza and Hon.Lady Justice Monica Kalyegira Mugenyi only received a presidential handshake because they already took the Judicial Oath and Oath of Allegiance when they were first appointed Judges of the High Court.
The third new Court of Appeal's Hon. Justice Muzamiru Kibeedi and the 12 new High Court judges took the oaths and got the presidential handshake at the Entebbe-based State House.
Senior officials attended the swearing in ceremony this afternoon from both the central government and Judiciary.
President Museveni congratulated the new Judges saying he was happy to swear in a younger crop of Judges. "I used to swear in Judges older than me...I am now happy to swear in the "Kampala Parents group" like Abinyo and Jeanne."
The President said that as a freedom fighter he had a strong view of some concepts of justice. "Equal justice is what we believe in. Murder must result into death," adding that this is not being vindictive but rather standing against impunity.
He urged the Judiciary to support the transformation of society by ensuring that the courts do not grant bail easily to "village thieves."
The President further urged the courts to take the issue of land justice seriously noting that many bibanja owners have been unfairly evicted and affected.
He said the Judiciary should help the country deal with a new society from pre-capitalist system to the industrial money economy. "Can you prioritize businesses so people can get quick justice to maintain competitiveness? Slow commercial justice is not acceptable."
The Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Bart M Katureebe, thanked the President for appointing new Judges saying the number was the biggest batch to be sworn in at the same time.
He further thanked the President for being the biggest supporter of the Judiciary.
To the new Judges, the Chief Justice said the appointment comes with heavy responsibility and work that called for double efforts.
He added that the new Judges are coming at a time where there is a Performance Enhancement Tool in place to monitor their performance.
On his part, the Attorney General, Mr William Byaruhanga, urged the new Judges to take their oaths seriously and administer justice to all manner of people. He equally pledged to ensure the support of his office whenever need arises.
The newly sworn in High Court Judges are:
Hon.Lady Justice Esta Nambayo; Hon. Justice Isaac Muwata; Hon. Justice Isah Serunkuma; Hon. Justice Vincent Emmy Mugabo; Hon. Lady Justice Immaculate Busingye; Hon.Justice Philip Odoki, Hon. Justice Jesse Byaruhanga Rugyema, Hon. Lady Justice Susan Abinyo, Hon. Lady Justice Jane Okuo, Hon. Justice Boniface Wamala, Hon. Lady Justice Jeanne Rwakakoko and Hon. Lady Justice Victoria Katamba Nakintu Nkwanga.
Posted 11th, December 2019
