Benedicto Kiwanuka Memorial Lecture: CJ Dollo Calls for Harmonised Public Branches
Chief Justice Alfonse Owinyi-Dollo has called for greater cooperation among Uganda's government branches during the seventh annual Benedicto Kiwanuka Memorial Lecture.
He emphasized that the judiciary, legislature, and executive must work harmoniously to foster meaningful national progress.
The lecture, held in honor of Benedicto Kiwanuka—the first Ugandan Chief Justice who was killed in 1972 for defending the rule of law—served as a reminder of the importance of unity in governance.
Addressing judges, lawyers, and legal scholars, Chief Justice Dollo defended recent meetings between himself, the president, and the speaker of Parliament, clarifying that such interactions are essential for discussing national issues.
“Meeting with the president and the speaker is not criminal,” Dollo stated, dismissing concerns that these engagements threaten judicial independence.
He stressed that collaboration between government arms should not be misinterpreted as collusion or intimidation.
Reflecting on Kiwanuka’s legacy, Dollo noted that the former Chief Justice was targeted not only for his criticism of those who violated the rule of law but for his unwavering commitment to upholding it.
This year marks 54 years since Kiwanuka’s assassination, and the judiciary continues to honor his dedication to justice.
The Chief Justice also highlighted ongoing challenges in Uganda's judiciary, such as case backlogs, limited funding, and a shortage of judges. Despite these difficulties, he reported progress, including a budget increase from Shs 198 billion to Shs 400 billion and the expansion of High Courts across the country. The number of judges has also grown to 160, reflecting efforts to bolster the judiciary’s capacity.
Keynote speaker Dr Zahara Nampewo, a legal scholar, commended the improvements but urged for a deeper assessment of how the judicial system serves Ugandans.
Nampewo emphasized that legal reforms must have tangible benefits for the public.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, representing the president, acknowledged the nation's challenges while affirming that Ugandans have the right to voice their concerns.
However, she warned against the influence of manipulation and hidden agendas in public discourse.
The Benedicto Kiwanuka Memorial Lecture continues to be a significant platform for reflecting on the former Chief Justice's legacy and the ongoing pursuit of justice, rule of law, and institutional harmony in Uganda.
