news 16 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni Urges Judicial Officers to Uphold Constitution Fearlessly
President Yoweri Museveni has called upon judicial officers to remain steadfast in their commitment to the Constitution and the law, emphasizing the importance of making decisions without fear of retribution. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/museveni-tells-judicial-officers-to-stand-firm-on-constitution-5597666
President Yoweri Museveni has urged Ugandan judicial officers to discharge their duties with courage, ensuring their decisions are firmly rooted in the Constitution, law, and evidence, regardless of popularity.
Speaking through Vice President Jessica Alupo at the 9th Benedicto Kiwanuka Memorial Lecture, President Museveni stressed that judicial officers must be free to rule without intimidation or concern for personal consequences. He highlighted that while courage is essential, strengthening institutional safeguards is crucial for true judicial independence.
“A judicial officer must be free to make a decision that is firm even when that decision may be unpopular, provided it is grounded in the Constitution, the law, and the evidence,” he stated.
The government, he added, is committed to supporting the Judiciary through enhanced recruitment, infrastructure development, and digital transformation, alongside continued backing for institutional safeguards. He referenced past salary increases for judges and magistrates as part of this commitment.
The lecture also served as a moment to reflect on the legacy of Justice Benedicto Kiwanuka, Uganda’s first Black Chief Justice, who was abducted and disappeared in 1972. Chief Justice Flavian Zeija remarked that Kiwanuka stood for principles of the Rule of Law, human rights, and judicial independence.
“Justice for all therefore requires more than the physical presence of Courts. It requires accessibility to all courts, requires procedures that are understandable, requires timely determination of cases, requires judicial officers who are independent, impartial and courageous,” Justice Zeija said.
Former Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo was honored with the Benedicto Kiwanuka Chief Justice Award 2026, reminding attendees of the profound responsibility that comes with judicial office. The annual commemoration reflects on Kiwanuka’s unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and impartiality, even in the face of extreme adversity.