Mr. Chief Justice,
I write to you today as a concerned Ugandan, and indeed, on behalf of many ordinary citizens who look to our Judiciary as the last bastion of hope and fairness. We believe in the promise of justice, in the idea that our courts are places where truth prevails and the innocent are protected. However, there’s a growing shadow over this promise, a shadow cast by the pervasive and increasingly public issue of corruption within the very halls of justice.
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The truth, Mr. Chief Justice, is that corruption in the Judiciary is stinking. It’s not a secret whisper anymore; it’s a loud, foul odour that ordinary Ugandans can perceive from a distance. We hear stories, witness delays, and sometimes even experience firsthand the subtle (and not-so-subtle) pressures that suggest money, not evidence, might be speaking loudest in some cases. From the alleged ‘facilitation fees’ to speed up a file, to questionable judgments that defy common sense, the perception that justice can be bought or sold is eroding public trust at an alarming rate.
And yet, in the face of this undeniable stench, your silence is very loud.
Your position, Mr. Chief Justice, is one of immense authority and moral leadership. When allegations of bribery, influence peddling, and unethical conduct within the Judiciary surface, the public expects a clear, firm, and unequivocal response from its head. They expect decisive action, investigations, and consequences for those found to be tainting the well of justice. Instead, what we often perceive is a chilling quietness, a lack of public condemnation or visible steps to root out this cancerous growth.
This silence sends a dangerous message. It can be interpreted in many ways: as indifference, as acceptance, or even, God forbid, as a sign that the problem is too entrenched to be confronted. This, Mr. Chief Justice, further damages the credibility of an institution that is meant to be beyond reproach. How can citizens believe in the integrity of a system if its leader appears unwilling or unable to address its most glaring flaw?
We understand that leading the Judiciary is a complex task. We appreciate the efforts to modernize some aspects of the courts and to improve efficiency. However, these advancements mean little if the fundamental principle of fairness is compromised by corruption. A judicial system that is efficient but corrupt is not justice; it is merely a faster way to achieve injustice.
Mr. Chief Justice, the time for silence is over. Ugandans are watching. We implore you to acknowledge the elephant in the room. Take a public stand. Initiate transparent and rigorous investigations into credible allegations. Empower oversight bodies and protect whistleblowers. Let there be visible consequences for those found to be corrupt, regardless of their position.
Your voice, raised against corruption, can inspire confidence and rekindle hope. Your decisive actions can begin the long but necessary process of sanitizing our Judiciary and restoring its rightful place as a beacon of truth and fairness for all Ugandans.
The future of justice in Uganda, and indeed, the faith of its people in their governing institutions, rests heavily on the actions you choose to take now.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Ugandan Citizen
