PRESIDENT MUSEVENI SWEARS-IN NINE NEWLY APPOINTED JUDGES

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today presided over the swearing-in
ceremony of nine (9) recently appointed judges at State House,
Entebbe.
In his address during the ceremony, the President emphasized the
importance of the role these judges will play in upholding the law and
ensuring justice for all Ugandans.
He made a compelling appeal for a justice system that aligns with
Uganda’s cultural and historical context, stressing the need for a legal
framework that reflects African traditions rather than relying solely on
Western models.
The ceremony saw the official swearing-in of Hon. Justice Muzamiru
Mutangula Kibeedi, the Justice of the Supreme Court.
Also sworn-in as Justices of the Court of Appeal were, Hon. Justice
Ssekaana Musa, Hon. Lady Justice Sabiiti Cornelia Kakooza, Hon. Lady
Justice Stella Alibateese, Hon. Lady Justice Florence Nakachwa, Hon.
Justice Byaruhanga Jesse Rugyema, Hon. Justice John Mike Musisi,
Hon. Lady Justice Ketrah Kitariisibwa Katunguka, and Hon. Lady Justice
Nambayo Esta.
These appointments, made by President Museveni on February 7, 2025,
are expected to enhance the judiciary’s efficiency in delivering justice.

President Museveni noted that justice is often defined according to
societal norms and circumstances.
Citing historical practices such as wife inheritance among the
Banyankore, he explained that such customs were once considered a
form of social security for widows and their children. However, with
societal evolution, some traditions need to be reviewed and phased out
where necessary.
Reflecting on Uganda’s political journey, the President underscored the
role of freedom fighters in shaping the country’s constitutional
framework.
“In the 1960s, we, the freedom fighters, argued that justice should be
tailored to our own society, not imposed upon us by European
standards. That is how we have been able to understand truth and
justice,” he said.
The President also addressed Uganda’s judicial approach to crime and
punishment, particularly the death penalty.
He pointed out that traditional African societies adhered to strict
principles of justice, often demanding full accountability for crimes such
as murder.
“In African traditions, if you killed my brother, you had to face revenge.
This aligns with the Old Testament’s ‘an eye for an eye’ principle.
However, the modern legal system insists that execution is not a
solution, opting for long imprisonment instead. This does not sit well with
many communities,” he said.

The President expressed satisfaction with the adoption of Alternative
Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, calling on the legal fraternity to
embrace a mindset that better understands the Ugandan people.
“It is not your primary responsibility as lawyers, but it would be helpful if
legal professionals understood our people's perspectives. That way,
when we enact legislation, it will be well received,” he urged.
President Museveni further reiterated his long-standing opposition to
granting bail for capital offenders, calling it a mistake that must be
addressed.
“The Banyankore have a saying: ‘Aleileyo yagalika’ meaning, he stole
and returned from prison unbothered. People are fed up with this. It is
provocative and must stop,” he stressed.
On the role of military courts, President Museveni defended their
jurisdiction over both soldiers and certain civilian cases.
“The military courts serve two key purposes: first, to maintain discipline
within the army, and second, to handle cases involving armed criminals.
If a soldier commits an offense, handling it through civilian courts would
undermine military discipline,” he explained.
President Museveni cited the example of the cattle rustlers and
Karachunas who were tried in the military courts.
“I hear there are 3,000 of them now, and this process helped remove
them from circulation, giving them a chance to reform,” he noted.
The President also questioned why some Western nations criticize
Uganda’s use of military courts for civilians in armed-related offenses
while simultaneously endorsing values contrary to African traditions.