President Museveni officially inaugurated the six-day Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices Forum (SEACJF) conference on Tuesday.
The event, which commenced on Monday and will conclude on October 5, 2024, is themed “Enhanced Access to Justice: Underscoring Reform in African Jurisdiction.”
Museveni urged African states to connect justice with prosperity and African values.
According to President Museveni, justice can only thrive organically when certain conditions are met. He emphasized that growth and prosperity are essential for delivering timely and inclusive justice, as they provide the financial resources needed for the state to support the judiciary, improve family incomes, enhance livelihoods, promote universal education, and foster peace and security.
He also warned African countries against exporting natural resources to foreign nations, stating that this practice has kept African countries impoverished despite their abundant natural resources.
Justice Mike Chibita, the Chairperson of the SEACJF Organizing Committee, explained that the forum, established in 2003, brings together justices and judges from 16 member states, with Uganda hosting this year’s event.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) serves as a platform for exchanging ideas on the latest legal developments, including environmental and cyber laws. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for members to discuss challenges such as case backlogs and explore the use of technology to expedite judicial processes.
Justice Chibita also announced that Uganda’s Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny Dollo, has extended invitations to Chief Justices from non-member states, including South Sudan, Burundi, and Somalia, as well as the President of the East African Court of Justice. These invitees will have the opportunity to observe the forum and potentially join as members.
