The chief justice, Bart Katureebe has condemned the act of those who attended the sentencing of academic and government critic Dr Stella Nyanzi who assaulted the Judge during the proceedings.
In a letter issued on Saturday the Chief Justice described the incident in which unknown persons hurled a water bottle at the presiding Grade One Magistrate, Gladys Kamasanyu as uncivilised, offensive and disrespectful of the sanctity of the court.
“This kind of thing is not acceptable…we condemn this kind of hooliganism in the strongest possible terms. We hope the culprits are quickly identified and brought to book,” Katureebe noted.
The chief justice stated that the judiciary is working hand in hand with relevant authorities to ensure that there is adequate security for all judicial officers.
He noted that he has already instructed the minister for Justice and constitutional affairs, Kahinda Otafiire to treat the matter with urgency and present it to cabinet.
“I have already asked the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to raise the matter of Court security as a matter of urgency in Cabinet,” he stated.
On the same note, the president of Uganda law society Peter Kinobe who is equally concerned about the matter said that the government needs to build a court room that meets international standard.
He said the attack was a violation of the sanctity of court.
“We have on several occasions condemned this act whether by government or by private individuals,” he said.
He noted even though the incident was a sign of discontent an attack on the judge was uncalled for and legal procedures must be followed.
“You imagine all of us come up and start fighting just because we are discontented, there are procedures to be followed,” he said.
The Judiciary’s Permanent Secretary, Pius Bigirimana, also expressed his concern at the assault of a magistrate noting that judicial officers need protection as they perform their duties.
He noted that the law gives dissatisfied parties a right to appeal any judicial decision up to the Supreme Court.
