Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo wants to talk about letting judges work past 70. He spoke at Deputy Chief Justice Flavian Zeija's ceremony. Owiny-Dollo said older judges offer valuable wisdom. He started as a High Court judge in 2008 and will retire next January. High Court judges currently must step down at 65.
President Museveni praised Richard Buteera, who served 44 years. He agreed with Zeija about changing inheritance laws. Zeija criticized how families must use the Administrator General for estate disputes. Museveni suggested bringing back clan-led talks to solve family problems. He told a story about helping a farmer who lost land despite court orders.
Museveni asked why armed men took over the farm when the courts said to keep things as they were. He stressed that only courts can approve evictions. The president asked the acting principal judge to look into this case. He said he lacks the power to remove someone without a legal process. Museveni worries about people taking the law into their own hands.
Owiny-Dollo praised Zeija as hardworking and with strong values. He said Zeija handles the real burden of the judiciary. The Chief Justice mentioned new courts across Uganda. Wakiso district, with two million people, finally has judges. They opened courts in Entebbe, Lugazi, and Patongo for remote areas. More courts will come after they hire new judges.
Uganda will host Chief Justices from around Africa in May. They will discuss ways to settle disputes outside courtrooms. Owiny-Dollo thanked Museveni but asked for better buildings, computers, and cars for judges. He wants to improve how courts work throughout the country.
President Museveni praised Richard Buteera, who served 44 years. He agreed with Zeija about changing inheritance laws. Zeija criticized how families must use the Administrator General for estate disputes. Museveni suggested bringing back clan-led talks to solve family problems. He told a story about helping a farmer who lost land despite court orders.
Museveni asked why armed men took over the farm when the courts said to keep things as they were. He stressed that only courts can approve evictions. The president asked the acting principal judge to look into this case. He said he lacks the power to remove someone without a legal process. Museveni worries about people taking the law into their own hands.
Owiny-Dollo praised Zeija as hardworking and with strong values. He said Zeija handles the real burden of the judiciary. The Chief Justice mentioned new courts across Uganda. Wakiso district, with two million people, finally has judges. They opened courts in Entebbe, Lugazi, and Patongo for remote areas. More courts will come after they hire new judges.
Uganda will host Chief Justices from around Africa in May. They will discuss ways to settle disputes outside courtrooms. Owiny-Dollo thanked Museveni but asked for better buildings, computers, and cars for judges. He wants to improve how courts work throughout the country.
