Hello

Your subscription is almost coming to an end. Don’t miss out on the great content on Nation.Africa

Ready to continue your informative journey with us?

Hello

Your premium access has ended, but the best of Nation.Africa is still within reach. Renew now to unlock exclusive stories and in-depth features.

Reclaim your full access. Click below to renew.

Justice must flow like a river at all times, deputy CJ tells judges

Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera (R) inspecting registries at Mbarara High Court on January 15, 2025. PHOTO/ FELIX AINEBYOONA

What you need to know:

  • Justice Buteera said delivering justice is a challenging task but since judges accepted the job, they must endeavor to serve the justices needs of the country.

The Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera has tasked judges to improve on the timely delivery of justice to easily serve the needs of Ugandans.
According to him, the social service which a judge renders to the community is the removal of any sense of injustice.

“The doors of court are always open to all court users that knock on them. The most onerous task the judge performs is to render fair decisions. The Judges repeatedly do what other people seek to avoid; they make decisions,” Justice Buteera who was addressing the justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal at the closure of their five-day retreat in Mbarara said on Friday.

He urged judges to commit themselves to their work while dispensing justice to Ugandans who have confidence in the court.
“Let us dedicate ourselves to the work we do, particularly by executing our Constitutional mandate timely. The judgments we write will continue to live after us. They speak loudly and clearly what sort of a judge you were. We are expected to deliver well-researched and reasoned judgments or rulings as you are Courts of record,” he said.
Justice Buteera said delivering justice is a challenging task but since judges accepted the job, they must endeavor to serve the justices needs of the country.

“Justice in our courts must flow like a river at all times. Amos, I am quoting the bible Chapter 5:21-24 emphasizes this as follows: “But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream”. Administer justice to all irrespective of their social or economic status. We should not pervert justice or promote unfairness. William Pitt (Former Great Britain Prime Minister) put it thus “where the law ends, tyranny begins”. We are all enjoined to administer justice impartially and expeditiously to all manner of people,” he said.

He added “Our actions inside and outside court should attract respect and acceptance from the public. Trust, confidence and honour to the judicial office is derived from the way we conduct ourselves and do our work as Judges.”

According to him, the workload in the Appellate Courts is on the increase due to expansion of the High Court and the Judiciary generally. 
“The public confidence in our court system will grow if we navigate through the challenge of delays and case backlog. This retreat and training equipped us all with methodologies and tactics on how to speed up our Court work,” he said.

The retreat was intended to enhance and maintain professional competences, build team work, foster collegiality, build personal and social networks, share practical experiences and challenges, promote efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of judicial services.