President Yoweri Museveni has commended Chief Justice Flavian Zeija for his firm stance against corruption and delays in Uganda’s judicial system.
Museveni made the remarks on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of Deputy Chief Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi at State House Entebbe.
“I congratulate the Deputy Chief Justice, Moses Kazibwe Kawumi and I also salute the aggressive spirit of the Chief Justice in fighting corruption,” Museveni said.
“I am glad that you are making progress in fighting corruption and addressing the issue of lack of substance in judicial processes. I am also happy with the promotion of alternative dispute resolution, which saves time and resources,” he added.
Museveni Cites Past Challenges in the Judiciary
The President said the judicial system faced major weaknesses before the National Resistance Movement came to power.
He cited corruption and excessive focus on technical procedures as some of the problems that undermined justice.
“When we were fighting in the bush, we had two major problems with the judicial system. One was corruption in the courts, where people could influence outcomes through bribery. The second was the lack of substance, where too much time was spent on procedures rather than delivering justice,” Museveni said.
Museveni also reflected on traditional African justice systems. He said they combined punishment, reconciliation and restoration.
“If a member of one clan killed someone from another and if the clan of the one who was killed did not want revenge, there were mechanisms for compensation, accountability, reconciliation and forgiveness. It ensured justice while maintaining social harmony,” Museveni said.
The President welcomed the rise of younger judicial officers. He said the shift reflected a changing Judiciary.
“When we had just assumed power, many judges were older than me. Now it is the reverse; I am the oldest while most of you are young. That is a positive development,” Museveni said.
Zeija Urges Kawumi to Continue Digitisation
Chief Justice Zeija congratulated Museveni on his recent re-election. He also thanked him for making timely appointments in the Judiciary.
Zeija said the appointments had strengthened service delivery and improved access to justice.
He congratulated Kawumi on his appointment and urged him to build on reforms already made in the office of Deputy Chief Justice.
“I left that office as a paperless court. I encourage you to continue with the digitisation agenda and strengthen the systems we have put in place,” Zeija said.
The Chief Justice said the Judiciary was working on an integrated judicial management system. He said the system would link courts and improve efficiency across the institution.
Zeija also raised concern over past weaknesses in court case listing. He said old cases used to remain unresolved for decades while newer matters received priority.
He warned that such practices created room for corruption.
“There must be a clear and transparent criterion for case allocation and listing. Cases should be handled fairly and according to established procedures,” Zeija said.
Judiciary Eyes Environmental Justice Unit
Chief Justice Zeija also proposed the creation of a specialised unit to handle environmental and infrastructure-related disputes.
He said environmental justice was becoming increasingly important to national development.
Zeija assured the President that the Judiciary remains committed to making justice accessible to all Ugandans.
He also said the courts would continue expanding alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, which he described as effective and amicable.
The ceremony was attended by Attorney General Sam Mayanja, Justice minister Norbert Mao, Judiciary commissioners and other senior judicial officials.
Kawumi Pledges to Uphold the Constitution
Deputy Chief Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi thanked President Museveni for appointing him to one of Uganda’s highest judicial offices.
“I will work tirelessly to serve the people of Uganda and uphold the Constitution,” Kawumi said.
He pledged to strengthen Judiciary systems and support digital transformation across the institution.
Kawumi also commended the President’s continued stand against corruption. He promised to fight corruption within the judicial system.
Before his appointment, Kawumi served as a justice of the Court of Appeal.
