The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Nobert Mao has cautioned Judicial Officers to be aware of lawyers who want to compromise their integrity.
While speaking at the Uganda Judicial Officers Association (UJOA) Inaugural Dinner on Friday at the Supreme Court in Kampala, Mao said that sometimes lawyers and others seeking justice can blackmail Judicial Officers.
Mao emphasized the importance of balance in handling cases and further warned the Judicial Officers against misinformation, disinformation, and malice.
Mao also encouraged Judicial Officers to persevere despite public criticism including those from the Cabinet, noting that their decisions remain referenced even after they are long gone and dead.
Pius Bigirimana, Permanent Secretary of the Judiciary, expressed joy seeing the dinner take place in the new Supreme Court building, attributing its completion to teamwork.
He gave a brief history of the steps taken from groundbreaking to completion and acknowledged the efforts of retired Judicial Officers, including Chief Justice Emeritus Bart Katureebe, Principal Judge Yorokamu Bamwine, and Lady Justice Esta Nambayo.
Bigirimana further appreciated Chief Registrar Sarah Langa Siu for selecting Seyani Brothers construction company, which helped save 8.5 billion shillings on some of the materials that would have been a little more expensive, had the Judiciary used other contractors.
He emphasized unity among Judicial Officers and urged them to recognize their value and not underestimate themselves.
He further said that he hesitated to attend UJOA functions but eventually developed a good relationship with the organization shortly after they showed him a court ruling in which they had withdrawn a case against him over his administrative decisions.
Supreme Court Justice Catherine Bamugemereire the Chairperson of the Auspicious Committee, unveiled UJOA’s new logo, following a rebranding effort.
She explained that the old logo which is more than 50 years old was blunt due to its limited colour scheme in only blue and white and couldn’t offer proper representation.
She said after researching all African judicial logos, the committee added new colours, ensuring the logo reflects Ugandan heritage and African brethren.
Professor Lillian Tibatemwa, representing the Chief Justice, acknowledged the significance of UJOA’s rebranding and the first female president, Lady Justice Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya.
Tibatemwa humorously allowed Gen Z (youth) attendees to address her as “Guys” instead of “Professor” or “My Lord,” referencing a social media post about Gen Z already being in court and calling judges by informal titles.
UJOA President Lady Justice Olive Kazaarwe recognized past presidents and appreciated the association’s members. She emphasized the importance of normalizing friendship within the Judiciary, across hierarchies.
The event was attended by hundreds of Judicial officers who subscribe to their umbrella Association including the Chief Registrar HW Sarah Langa Siu.