The Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki has defended the multiple geographical jurisdictions in which Magistrate Justine Atukwasa moved to try cases involving Forum for Democratic Change President, cases involving Dr.Kizza Besigye.
This follows complaints by the Uganda Law Society on how the Nabweru court Magistrate Justine Atukwasa moved in to preside over Besigye’s case in Nakasongola, and laiter in Kasangati.
Chief Justice, Benjamin Odoki
Nabweru Court Magistrate Justine Atukwasa was moved from Nabweru Court in Wakiso District almost 100 kilometres away, to Nakasongola Court where she was supposed to hear the bail application of Dr Kizza Besigye.
Odoki who sounded authoritative said that the transfer and deployment of magistrates is administrative and the judiciary is responsible for the multiple jurisdiction areas since the procedures permit it.
He challenged the Legal fraternity to read the relevant administrative policies under the sector.
Odoki advised members of the Uganda Law Society to always report any errors and inaccuracies that need to be changed for the good of the judiciary.
After receiving the petition from the Uganda Law Society President Bruce Kyerere, the Chief Justice promised the group of agitated lawyers to re-examine some of the complaints filed against the judicial officers.
Assuring hundreds of lawyers about the independence of the judiciary, Odoki further promised the lawyers that the Judiciary through the Justice Law and Order Sector will convene a justice forum where all issues of concern in the justice system and the brutality of security agencies during the recent protests will be discussed.
The Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki appealed to the lawyers to call off the sit down strike and use dialogue to ensure the rule of law in Uganda.
In their petition, the President of Uganda Law Society, Bruce Kyerere said that the brutal crackdown of Walk to work demonstrators by security agencies in the past 3 weeks, which they say is a signal that the Uganda is off truck in regard to rule of law and constitutionalism.
The lawyers also said that they have resolved to offer free legal services to all victims of walk to work protests.
BY ISAAC SENABULYA