March 21, 2021

UGANDA LAW SOCIETY’S STATEMENT ON UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT AT

SUPREME COURT ON 18/03/2021 INVOLVING HON. JUSTICE ESTHER KISAKYE

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) is greatly concerned about the unfortunate incident that took place recently
at the Supreme Court when Hon Justice Esther Kisakye addressed the media, accusing the Chief Justice-
Hon.Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo of allegedly confiscating her file containing her dissenting ruling in the
Robert Kyagulanyi Presidential Elections Petition and thereafter ordering the switching off of the court’s
microphones among others.

Although there are several versions of what transpired at the Supreme court, the ULS as an institution
mandated amongst others to advise Government and the public on matters of law, good governance, and
the administration of justice in the country; is deeply disturbed by the public show of disharmony which is
an indictment on the integrity of the highest court in the land.

The Judiciary is the third arm of government with the Supreme Court being the Highest Appellate Court.
As such, the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality is expected of this court.
Moreover, the Judicial Code of Conduct requires all judicial officers to at all times and in every respect be
of upright character and ensure that their conduct is above reproach in the view of a reasonable fair-minded
and informed person.

The ULS accordingly advises as follows;

a) That the Justices of the Supreme Court foster consensus and where there isn’t, accommodate and
treat dissenting opinions respectfully.

b) That the Judiciary at all times utilize internal dispute resolution mechanisms to address
misunderstandings and disagreements, so as to hold the integrity and sanctity of the courts of law.

c) That the Judiciary is reminded of its duty to dispense justice with the utmost professionalism,
independence, and for the aspirations of all Ugandans.

With the above in mind, the ULS has recommended a team of Senior Counsel to engage with the members
of the Supreme Court towards resolving this matter amicably. In addition, the ULS also implores Ugandans
to desist from making rash judgments and utterances in public that might affect the reputation, integrity,
and independence of the Judiciary as an institution.

For God and My Country

Pheona Nabasa Wall - President