A commission of inquiry maybe established to inquire into matters of major public interest and concern. The scope of such a commission is determined by its terms of reference.
The land probe commission was established by the President of Uganda to inquire into matters to do with land. This was after very many people had called out for the President’s help.
Since it’s establishment, the commission has handled different cases but very many Ugandans have clearly stated that nothing tangible has come out of this very expensive venture. During this time, we have seen very many illegalities including acting in subjudice, acting in disrespect and lack of decorum.
We have seen the chairperson of the commission lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire order for arrest of witnesses to forcefully get statements from them yet these witnesses retain the same privileges and immunities as witnesses before courts of law.
The chairperson has used this commission to belittle very many people who have appeared before the commission, she has insulted and treated them in the most disrespectful manner. The story of the Hon Minister Betty Amongi is still fresh on our minds.
This commission should be a place where everyone is accorded a fair hearing. The harsh and arrogant tone used by the leaders of the commission should be regrettable.
While appearing before the land commission today the Attorney General was disrespected. When he tried to raise concern about how the commission was proceeding as usual the authoritative and ever loud Learned Justice burst out of proportion and disrespectfully dismissed the learned Attorney General from the probe.
For the utterances by the Deputy Attorney General, we can only say the lady Justice has been served in equal currency.
As Ugandans we call upon the lady Justice to lower her voice. It should be substance over form. “Tubele bakakamu” as the young people say.
This is not the first commission neither will it be the last to be established by the President. And you are not the only presidential appointee, stop using the head of State as sand you hide your head under after mistreating others.
