Not All of Us Are Corrupt – Chief Justice Katureebe

The Chief Justice of Uganda Hon Bart Katureebe Magunda has called on Ugandans to stop referring to the whole institution of the Judiciary as corrupt.

If Ugandans are interested in fighting corruption in the Judiciary, Katureebe advised, they should point out individuals who they have proof that engage in soliciting bribes so that disciplinary action can be taken against them.

Speaking at the Judiciary’s End of Year party on Friday evening, Katureebe said some judicial officers, being human beings who come from the Ugandan public, the happen to have poor characters which end up being generalized by the public as characters of the whole institution, which is unfair.

He therefore advised the public with proof of officers who have solicited for bribes to report them to concerned authorities so that these bad apples can be eliminated from the good ones.

Some of the Judicial staff at the end of the year party

Having clocked retirement age, Justice Katureebe also appreciated the judiciary staff for supporting him throughout his four years as Chief Justice, which he said, has enabled him to achieve a lot.

 

“Whatever has been achieved in the judiciary has been as a result of team work, that’s why my office door is ever open for all judicial officers to come in”

He also appreciated the retiring officers for their distinguished service they have rendered to the Judiciary and called on those that will be replacing them to be ready for new challenges and responsibilities ahead of them.

Minster for Justice and Constitutional affairs Hon Kahinda Otafiire promised to convince the Cabinet as well as fellow legislators to ensure that they solve understaffing in the Judiciary by increasing the number of judges from 60 to 82

Minister of Justice and constitutional affairs Hon Kahinda Otafiire sharing light moments with Deputy Chief justice Alifonse Owinny Dollo at Judiciary end of year party

He also advised the judges while conducting their duties to do it basing on their judicial oath of administering justice without fear or favour rather than bending the laws for some individuals

The Permanent Secretary for the Judiciary Pius Bigirimana appreciated the judicial staff for the cooperation they have shown him in the few months he has spent in the Judiciary as he promised to drive this arm of government to another level

“If it means supporting judicial officers to perform their mandate I will do it and nobody will stop me because am unstoppable”

He also reported that while working with other stake holders in government, the ban which was on judiciary regarding the purchase of vehicles was lifted and promised to ensure that all staff don’t face transportation problems again

At this event the retired judicial officers at all levels of Supreme Court, High court judges, Registrars and support staff were rewarded for their distinguished service they have rendered to Judiciary.