President Museveni has asked judicial officers to remain courageous and make firm decisions based on the Constitution, the law and evidence, even when their rulings may be unpopular.
The President said judges and magistrates should be able to discharge their duties without intimidation, arbitrary interference or fear of personal repercussions.
He made the remarks on Wednesday in a speech read by Vice President Jessica Alupo at the 9th Benedicto Kiwanuka Memorial Lecture in Kampala.
‘The person who goes to court must know that the judicial officer deciding his or her case can reach a firm and constitutionally grounded decision without looking over his or her shoulder to ask what personal consequences may follow from that decision,’ Mr Museveni said.
He said while courage is necessary for judicial officers, the country must also strengthen institutions and safeguards that enable them to exercise their responsibilities independently.
‘The answer to the tragedies of the past is not simply to tell judicial officers to be courageous. Yes, courage is necessary,’ he said.
‘A judicial officer must be free to make a decision that is firm even when that decision may be unpopular, provided it is grounded in the Constitution, the law, and the evidence,’ he added.
Mr Museveni said the government would continue supporting the Judiciary through the recruitment and retention of skilled personnel, improvement of infrastructure and digital transformation if it is to achieve this agenda.
He also pledged continued support for institutional safeguards that enable judicial officers to make decisions independently.
‘That is why I supported the increase in salaries for Judges and Magistrates some years ago,’ he said.
The President said Justice Benedicto Kiwanuka’s story remains a reminder of a period in Uganda’s history when institutional weaknesses exposed even senior judicial officers to severe personal consequences.
‘Would you be prepared to make such a sacrifice?’ he asked, reflecting on the circumstances surrounding Justice Kiwanuka’s disappearance.
Justice for all
Chief Justice Flavian Zeija said the annual memorial lecture should prompt Ugandans to reflect on whether the country is carrying forward Justice Kiwanuka’s vision.
‘We remember him because he stood for principles that remain fundamental to a democratic society. He believed in the Rule of Law. He believed that all persons, institutions and entities, including the State, are subject to the law,’ Justice Zeija said.
He said Justice Kiwanuka also believed in the protection of human rights and freedoms and in the independence and integrity of the Judiciary.
The Chief Justice said access to justice requires more than merely having courts physically present.
‘Justice for all therefore requires more than the physical presence of Courts. It requires accessibility to all courts, requires procedures that are understandable, requires timely determination of cases, requires judicial officers who are independent, impartial and courageous,’ he said.
He added that advocates must uphold professional ethics while investigators and prosecutors should conduct their work professionally and fairly.
Former Chief Justice Dollo honoured
Former Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo was honoured with the Benedicto Kiwanuka Chief Justice Award 2026.
Justice Dollo, who retired earlier this year after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70, said the commemoration should serve as a reminder of the responsibility bestowed on anyone holding judicial office.
He said honouring the legacy of Justice Kiwanuka should also prompt judicial officers to reflect on the ‘sacred responsibility’ imposed on them by law.
Justice Kiwanuka, Uganda’s first Black Chief Justice, served from June 27, 1971, until he was abducted from his chambers at the High Court on September 21, 1972, by soldiers during the regime of former President Idi Amin. He was never seen alive again.
He is remembered for his commitment to truth, justice, impartiality, judicial independence, the rule of law, and protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.
One of his most cited cases involved British businessman Daniel Stewart, who had been detained without trial. Justice Kiwanuka granted a writ of habeas corpus despite opposition from the government, affirming the Judiciary’s authority to scrutinise executive action.
The annual commemoration is ordinarily associated with September 21, the anniversary of Justice Kiwanuka’s abduction. This year’s memorial lecture was held on September 16 under the theme: ‘Justice for All: Carrying Forward Justice Benedicto Kiwanuka’s Vision.’