Uganda’s Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, has hailed President Museveni describing him as the leading personality in the revival and expansion of the East African Community (EAC).
He made the remarks while presiding over the closure of the 2nd Annual East African Court of Justice Judicial Conference held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala on Friday, 28th October, 2022.
He called upon the regional judicial officers to ensure a robust and effective judiciary to enable the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) to effectively exercise its mandate to sustain the rule of law in the community.
He said Uganda will always make their contribution.
“We believe that with a strong Judiciary of each member state and of the community that sustains the rule of law will be in a much better position to sustain the principles and purpose of which we have come together as a community,” Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo said.
The first Deputy Prime Minister also Minister in charge of East African Community Affairs, Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, advised that in order to make strides to integration, the community needs to enhance cooperation in legal matters for credential purposes.
Hon Justice Nestor Kayobera, Judge President of East African Court of Justice who hails from Burundi, extended greetings from the President of Burundi and the chair of the East African community H.E Évariste Ndayishimiye.
He commended President Museveni for championing East African Community Integration saying it will go a long way in helping the East African Court of Justice deliver on its mandate.
“You are such an unremittable high personality and a resource in our community. I’m sure through your words of wisdom, we will continue to break the records as our community in having an east African court of justice that continues to deliver with higher standards,” Mr Kayobera said.
The Ugandan Minister in charge of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Nobert Mao, thanked President Museveni for promoting equality in the provision of social services.
“Your Excellency, you have promoted justice for all and equality of opportunity in Uganda. A country that cannot provide health care and free Education for all to its citizens cannot claim to be providing equality of opportunity. Nobody should fall under a certain line of life; the World Bank calls it below the poverty line. I believe in Uganda we shall reach a tipping point,” Hon Nobert Mao said.
He also urged the judicial officials that while making their court decisions, they should not forget about the historical context of the societies they operate from.
“Our traditional beliefs really do matter. The Judiciary does not operate in isolation.”
Meanwhile, the Director General of International Development Law Organization, Mrs Jan Beagle, revealed that as a firm they enjoy the relationship they have with EACJ which has helped them to promote rule of law in East Africa.
“We should ensure that the law is more inclusive and accessible to all people. For example, in Uganda we have been supporting resolutions to overcome disputes thus restoring peace. We also provide legal services to vulnerable Ugandans and other East African members to access the legal assistance they need,” she said.
Following the conclusion of the conference, the East African Court of Justice shall hold its annual rotational court sessions during the month of November at the Commercial Court of Uganda premises in Kampala.
The event was also attended by the Chief Justice of Kenya, Her Lordship Martha Koome, the Chief Justice of South Sudan, His Lordship Chan Reec Madut, the Chief Justice of Burundi, His Lordship Emmanuel Gateretse, the president of the East African Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera, Attorney General, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, among other dignitaries.