Museveni urges African chief justices to link prosperity with justice delivery

President Yoweri Museveni has emphasized the connection between economic prosperity and effective justice systems, telling African Chief Justices that administering justice becomes more feasible when a country is thriving.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Southern and Eastern Chief Justices’ Forum (SEACJF) Conference held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala, Museveni noted that prosperous nations have the financial capacity to support their judiciaries.

“It is easier to work on issues of justice when the economy is growing and creating prosperity,” Museveni said.

He admitted that while justice can be pursued even in conditions of poverty, stability and economic growth significantly ease the process.

The conference, themed “Enhanced access to justice: Underscoring reforms in African judiciaries,” brought together legal experts from across the continent to discuss modern challenges and judicial reforms.

Museveni also underscored the importance of education in fostering a society that understands justice.

He advocated for universal education in Uganda, arguing that lack of knowledge and reliance on superstition often lead to societal tensions.

“Education will cause enlightenment… some tensions in society are caused by a lack of knowledge, superstition, and belief in witchcraft,” he said.

“In Uganda, we have been pushing for universal education so that everyone stays in school for at least 14 years to understand their environment.”

Reflecting on Africa’s history, Museveni warned the Chief Justices against the philosophical mistakes of past African leaders, which, he said, left the continent underdeveloped.

He compared society to medicine, noting that diagnosing issues correctly is critical to achieving prosperity and justice.

“When we came into power, we realized previous leaders focused on identity politics based on religion and tribe rather than economic interests, which left Uganda in turmoil,” he remarked. “We need prosperity, and that comes from producing goods or services, selling them, and ensuring that each adult participates in this cycle.”

Museveni urged African legal systems to blend beneficial aspects of European justice models with traditional African practices to ensure comprehensive justice.

Uganda’s Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, praised the forum for bringing together leaders from 16 African nations to tackle contemporary judicial issues.

He highlighted the progress made by the forum since its inception in 2003.

Justice Bheki Maphalala, Chief Justice of Eswatini and Chairperson of the SEACJF, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for Uganda’s hospitality and lauded his administration for improving the welfare of judicial officers, including salary increments and infrastructure upgrades.

The SEACJF Annual General Meeting, held during the conference, serves as a platform for sharing legal developments and addressing challenges such as case backlogs and the integration of technology in judicial processes.

Justice Mike Chibita, chair of the organizing committee, announced that Uganda had extended invitations to Chief Justices from non-member states, including South Sudan, Burundi, and Somalia, to observe the forum and potentially join as members.