JUST IN: Museveni Appoints New Supreme Court Judges

Uganda’s President Gen Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni has appointed new judges (Justices) of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. Museveni said the new justices were appointed on recommendations of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

On October 31, Museveni wrote to Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among announcing the appointment of justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, and asking Parliament’s Appointments Committee, whose Chairperson is the Speaker and head of the legislative arm of government, to vet and approve the appointees.

In his letter titled ‘APPOINTMENT OF JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME COURT AND COURT OF APPEAL,’ Museveni wrote: “The above matter refers. In Exercise of the powers vested in the President by Article 142 (1) of the 1995 Constitution, I have, acting on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, appointed persons listed below as Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, respectively… I hereby, forward their Names and CVs to Parliament for approval.”

Museveni then went on to name the judges he has appointed to the Supreme Court as: Justice Madrama Christopher Izama, Justice Stephen Musota, and Justice Elizabeth Musoke. In the same breath, Museveni has appointed Oscar John Kihika as a Justice of the Court of Appeal. You can read the profile of Oscar Kihika, the Musician & Museveni’s NRM Lawyer Who Will Now Be a Court of Appeal Judge HERE.

Museveni copied his letter to Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, the Chief Justice, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Deputy Chief Justice Richard Butera, Chairperson of Judicial Service Commission, and Head of Public Service, also Secretary to Cabinet Lucy Nakyobe.

The appointment of new Supreme Court judges comes as Justice Esther Kisaakye is involved in a legal battle with Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo and Judiciary Secretary Pius Bigirimana for blocking her salary. (See Details Here and There).