By Benjamin Jumbe & Ritah Kemigisa
Former Supreme Court Judge George Kanyeihamba has said that the state of Uganda’s Judiciary is worse than it was during the colonial rule.
In his assessment of Uganda as the country commemorates her 55th Independence anniversary, Justice Kanyeihamba cites issues of incompetence and corruption which he says have reached levels never seen before.
“This trend can be reversed if more independent judicial officers are appointed.
Meanwhile as Uganda celebrates 55 years of independence today, the opposition Democratic Party says although the country is seen to have attained political independence, it still remains in captivity.
Its Secretary General Gerald Siranda says Ugandans are in captivity under the NRM regime, as reflected in what he calls the partisan nature of today’s celebrations.
Siranda says the president can only make Ugandans feel independent if he comes out to declare that he will not run in 2021 and that he will not tamper with article 102(b) of the constitution to lift the presidential age limit.
The minister for the presidency Esther Mbayo recently defended government saying the celebrations taking place in Bushenyi district are a national event are all Ugandans regardless of political affiliation are welcome.
She warned the opposition and civil society against staging parallel events, saying they would be dealt with according to the law.
Meanwhile government is asked to address the growing feeling of political uncertainty among the populace.
Speaking to KFM, Ramathan Goobi a senior economist says if this is not nipped in the bud, investors will continue to shun the country.
Goobi says that rather than throw the country into turmoil with the controversial age limit debate, key players in the political arena should instead focus on how a president’s life after retirement can be catered for.
Members of the private sector too have spoken out saying there is no reason to celebrate this day because the country is not yet economically independent.
The executive director Private Sector Foundation Uganda Gideon Badagawa says the country’s level of indebtedness is unbearable so it’s pointless to celebrate 55 years of independence yet the country cannot solve such problems.
He is now calling for mobilization of more resources if the country is to become economically independent and wean off the donor community.
Government has however often outlined achievements registered over the years in sectors like health, education and infrastructure, as true reflection of the level of independence.
The 55th independence anniversary celebrations are currently underway in Bushenyi district where his Highness The Aga Khan is as special guest.
The Aga Khan is among the 10 individuals to be awarded medals at the event in recognition and appreciation for his contribution to the country’s development.
The Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa medal is Uganda’s highest civilian honour.
The celebrations are running under the theme “Uganda’s freedom must be anchored in the spirit of hard work, resilience and commitment,”
