Describing the current political situation in Uganda as dire and in a downward spiral, City Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has tipped Nkumba University Law students on defiance. Lukwago who was speaking at the 12th Annual Lawyer’s Day that was held on Friday at the Nkumba University Grounds urged the law students and the general public to rise up and begin demanding for the change they deserve.
Lukwago said that President Museveni’s system of governance is anchored on fraud, thuggery and corruption and urged the law students and general public to redeem the situation. Lukwago who was speaking under the theme “The Independence of the Judiciary At Cross Roads With Other Arms of Government” noted that the independence of the Judiciary is still a myth and an illusion adding that President Museveni and his government have no respect for the rule of law.
Lukwago urged the law students to avoid clubbing and wasting time and instead concentrate on reading books in order to be informed citizens.
Nicholas Opio, a renowned human rights lawyer, noted that many lawyers today are only interested in cracking deals to accumulate wealth, drive posh cars and sleep in posh houses. He said that having an independent judiciary is an uphill task because many judges and magistrates earn peanuts and have to crack deals plus pocket bribes to survive.
Francis Harimwomugasho, the Nkumba University Law Students Association Patron, noted that because of the corrupt judiciary many people no longer want to report cases to court and have resorted to mob justice. He blamed religious leaders for failing to castigate leaders who engage in corruption.
Francis Harimwomugasho revealed that Uganda faces a very big challenge because President Museveni has broken all the promises that took him to the bush adding that people have given up and are yearning for change. He urged the law student to spend their times pro-actively and learn to network.
