His remarks come amid reports of judges facing undue pressure from individuals dissatisfied with legal outcomes who bypass the proper appeals process and instead petition the President.
"If you lose a case, for God's sake, appeal. Don't write to the President accusing the judge of all sorts of things,' Mao stated. These comments were made during the release of the annual Justice Law and Order Sector report in Kampala, where Mao emphasized the importance of upholding judicial independence.
Mao criticized the growing trend of people threatening judges with petitions to the President. He cited the case of a judge currently under suspension due to claims of bias.
The situation arose after a Cabinet minister bypassed the legal system and lodged a complaint with the President over a case involving the Muslim Supreme Council.
Mao argued that such actions undermine the integrity of the judiciary and the legal framework, urging the President to redirect these complaints to the courts, where proper channels like the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court exist to address grievances.
The Minister also encouraged judges to stand firm against intimidation, acknowledging that errors are an inherent part of judicial work, as judgments are formed from interpretations of facts and law.
He further urged judges to make decisions promptly, as delays could erode public trust and lead to accusations of bias. "Make a quick decision," he advised, underscoring the importance of timely justice,' he advised.
The issue has been further complicated by recent controversies involving Justice Faridah Bukirwa. Appointed in an acting capacity by President Museveni, Justice Bukirwa faced backlash after her decision to allow three Muslims to convene a General Assembly for the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).
UMSC leaders alleged her orders contravened their constitution, sparking high-profile petitions against her, including one from First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga.
However, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) dismissed Kadaga's petition, stating it lacked merit. After thorough investigations, the JSC concluded the complaint against Justice Bukirwa, which accused her of bias and abuse of authority, was unfounded.
Mao's remarks underscore the pressing need for judicial independence in Uganda. By addressing these issues head-on, he aims to reinforce public trust in the legal system and ensure that judges can carry out their duties free from external interference.
Sam K Nkurunziza
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/uganda-s-minister-of-justice-and-constitutional
