NRM inherited a poor state, we will grow together - Museveni tells new Judges

He says that although he sympathises with the need for resources in executing their duties, they should appreciate how far the country has come from the failed state NRM took over.

Museveni made the remarks during the swearing-in ceremony for the new judges, including new heads of the High court and Commercial Court.

According to him, for the last 36 years of the NRM government, justice has been supreme despite economic challenges. Even in the bush during the war to take over power, "two NRA fighters who killed civilians during the bush war were tried and faced public execution," he said.

In the same way, he asked the judges to be patient and wait for funding which he assured them will come as the economy takes stride, not just for the judiciary but all government arms.

In the meantime, he asked for cooperation in observing justice to reduce the conflict that has grown between the public and the justice system.

New orders

He added that he has been disappointed with the state of execution of justice in the country over the past years.

“The rights of our people are supreme and can never be compromised and full accountability must be there especially the capital offenders. The concept of bail for capital offenders was causing us problems because the security forces and the population were getting agitated as courts were releasing well known and seasoned capital offenders,” he said.

He appealed to them to do a better job than their predecessors to reduce backlog of cases in court and free up blocked resources in the Commercial Court. It is estimated that due to the small staff, more than Shs7 million is stuck in the Commercial Court and the lands division.

Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, applauded Museveni for ensuring fair representation in the new appointments in the religious, regional and gender degree.

The new judges

The sixteen new judges are Mary Ikit, Douglas Singiza Karekona, Susan Kanyange, Samuel Emokor, Flavia Matovu Nassuna, Patricia Kahingi Asiimwe, Bernard Namanya, and Thomas Ocaya Ojele Rubanga. Others include: Grace Harriet Magala, Collins Acellam, Allan Paul Nshimye Mbabazi, Patricia Mutesi, Christine Kaahwa, George Okello, Celia Nagawa, and Faridah Shamilah Bukirwa.