Judiciary must fight corruption

From whatever angle one looks at the concept of Uganda’s development, it must be borne in mind that there is an unassailable truism that nation-building can only be effectively carried out by the people and national institutions. Any hope that foreigners will be the drivers of building our country is no more than political illusion.
Whilst an independent and impartial judiciary is one of the cornerstones of a democracy, It is also true that in exercising their judicial powers under the Constitution, courts in Uganda must constantly bear in mind the expectation of the people - that they wish to be happy in their country. It is a fact that dispensing justice is the primary role of the courts in nation-building. What our courts need to do, therefore, is to adopt a pragmatic approach in the dispensation of justice in a manner that would assure citizens of their (courts) role in building the nation.
Over the years, our courts have strived to accomplish the nation-building objective. But at the moment, the objective seems to be illusive. Adjournment has become the order of the day. Bribery has been prevalent in Uganda’s justice system. Fear by judicial officers of other arms of government has undermined the independence of the Judiciary. The Judiciary has nearly become a laughing stalk to many people. For instance, the Judiciary has simply watched as civilians are tried in military courts. Sometimes, court orders and summons are not responded to.
Recently, court summoned Maj Gen Matayo Kyalingoza, but he is yet to report. Currently, people in the Albertine graben sub-region have not been compensated by government since 2010 after being displaced from their homes and their case in court are unresolved due to frequent adjournments. People in Jinja have been aggrieved by NARO and Uganda Land Commssion since 2008, they took the matter to court but the case is yet to be resolved. There are several other similar cases. This must stop. Justice delayed is justice denied.
Courts should use their judicial powers to promote investments in the in the country. Citizens and institutions that have invested in various sectors of the economy ought not to be made to regret their investments due to an unreliable judicial system. There should not be corruption and greed in the Judiciary.
It is said corruption is a cancer that has eaten the moral fabric of Uganda. It should be the duty of our courts to eradicate corruption in the country. The concept of nation building and corruption are antithetical to each other. Nation building is aimed at fostering a harmonious relationship between the State and the citizenry with a view to improving people’s lives. The Judiciary must punish corruption wherever it rears its ugly head.
Brighton K. Aryampa,
[email protected]