Chief Justice asks judges to make upright decisions

Chief Justic Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo (second left) engages the Speaker of Parliament, Ms Anita Among (right) after the launch of the 26th annual Judges’ conference in Kampala on February 4, 2025. PHOTO/ ISAAC KASAMANI
What you need to know:
- He says a well-functioning Judiciary is central to promoting good governance, attracting investments, protecting human rights, and ensuring a fair and transparent environment.
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has tasked judges to always deliver upright judgments to those seeking justice in courts of law.
The administrative head of the Judiciary reminded his troops to administer justice without fear and that the court users would find peace in such decisions.
“I urge you, my Lords, to always serve with utmost humility and integrity and make upright decisions without fear, favour, malice, affection, or ill will. The people we serve should find peace and trust in your decisions. That will give them a reason to come to the courts for your adjudication… we are all reminded of our role as adjudicators” the Chief Justice made the call yesterday during the official opening of the annual judges’ conference in Kampala.
He added: “Adhere fully to the Code of Judicial Conduct, and execute your duties diligently and efficiently to eliminate perceived and actual corruption. Refrain from acts that lead to public mistrust of the judiciary as we strive to deliver justice for all. Note that God himself ordains the role of Judges.”
The Chief Justice further reminded his foot soldiers that a well-functioning Judiciary is central to promoting good governance, attracting investments, protecting human rights, and ensuring a fair and transparent environment that drives social stability and economic growth.
His call to the judges to be firm comes days after the Supreme Court, which he leads, delivered what is believed to be a bold landmark judgment, stopping the prosecution of civilians before military courts.
“All charges, or ongoing criminal trials, or pending trials, before the courts-martial involving civilians, must immediately cease and be transferred to the ordinary courts of law with competent jurisdiction,” Chief Justice Dollo ruled last Friday.
He added: “The provisions of the UPDF (Uganda Peoples Defence Forces) Act constituting and providing for the trial procedure of the GCM (General Court Martial), the Division Court Martial, and the Court Martial Appeal Court, do not contain any or sufficient constitutional guarantees and safeguards for them to exercise their judicial functions with independence and impartiality, which is a prerequisite for fair hearing provided for under Arts. 21, 28(1), 44(c), and 128(1) of the Constitution.”
The decision of the highest court in the land has since been welcomed mainly by human rights activists, lawyers, and Opposition leaders.
They reasoned that the regime was using the military courts to suppress any divergent voices.
However, President Museveni at the weekend, in reaction to the same decision, said judges do not govern Uganda .
“The military courts helped us to discipline Karamoja. We cannot and will not abandon this useful instrument for stability. Civilian magistrates were even fearing to go to Karamoja,” President Museveni said in a post on X.
He added: “Anyway, the country is not governed by the judges. It is governed by the people -all of us Ugandans, who are old enough to vote. In the matter of the constitution and other legislation, we govern ourselves by having a referendum, constitutional amendments or amendments of the law by Parliament.”
Back at the judges’ conference, the Speaker of Parliament Anita Among represented President Museveni.
In his speech, Mr Museveni preached Pan-Africanism and economic development to judicial officers.
“Our ideology of patriotism and Pan-Africanism enabled us to build a strong UPDF that has guaranteed peace in Uganda in this turbulent region,” the President said.
He added: “…Also, our correct philosophy on the economy of private-sector-led growth, has enabled our economy to grow. It will be $59.3 billion (approximately Shs217.4 trillion) by June 2025.”
The week-long conference is running under the theme: “Positioning Uganda’s Judiciary to Contribute to Social Economic Development”.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has urged judges to ‘‘adhere fully to the Code of Judicial Conduct’’. ‘‘Execute your duties diligenty and efficiently to eliminate perceived and actual corruption. Refrain from acts that lead to public mistrust of the judiciary as we strive to deliver justice for all. Note that God himself ordains the role of Judges,’’ he added.