Museveni urges judges to extend responsibility beyond courtroom

President Museveni on Friday urged judges to extend their responsibility beyond the courtroom and the parties appearing before them, making decisions that reflect the broader societal values of fairness, equity, and justice.

In a speech read by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at the launch of the New Law Year 2025 in Kampala, the president reminded judges that some disputes brought before the courts are emotionally charged, involving the distribution of estates and ownership of family property. These cases, he said, require a sober judicial mind that considers the rights of all beneficiaries, especially widows and orphans.

“In deciding these cases, the courts must be sensitive to the rights of all beneficiaries, especially the most vulnerable ones such as widows and orphans,”  Museveni said in a speech read by Nabbanja.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Norbert Mao revealed on Monday that the government will table the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Bill in Parliament. This bill, he explained, aims to leverage ADR’s proven effectiveness in resolving disputes and decongesting prisons. The bill will also address the proposed increase in the jurisdiction of chief magistrates.

Written by Ruth Anderah