A Critique of the Independence of the Judiciary in Light of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION ............................................................................................................................. i

APPROVAL ................................................................................................................................... ii

DEDICATION ............................................................................................................................... iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................................................. iv

LIST OF LEGISLATION ............................................................................................................... v

LIST OF CASES ............................................................................................................................ vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................................................. vii

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................................................ ix

ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................... X

CHAPTER ONE ........................................................................................................................... 1

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ................................................................................. 1

1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... I

1.1 Background of the study ........................................................................................................... 2

1.2 Statement of problem ................................................................................................................ 4

1.3 Purpose of the study .................................................................................................................. 5

1.4 Research objectives ................................................................................................................... 5

1.5 Scope of the study ..................................................................................................................... 6

1.5 .I Geographical scope ................................................................................................................ 6

1.5.2 Content scope ......................................................................................................................... 6

1.6 The Significance of the Study ................................................................................................... 6

1.7 Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 7

CHAPTER TWO ........................................................................................................................ 10

LITERATURE REVIEW .......................................................................................................... 10

2.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. I 0

2.1 Related Literature .................................................................................................................... I 0

CHAPTER THREE .................................................................................................................... 14

LEGAL FRAMEWORK ON INDEPEDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY IN LIGHT OF THE

CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA, 1995 ............................................... 14

3.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 14

3 .I International instruments ........................................................................................................ 14

3.1.1 The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, 1998 ................................................ 14

3.1.2 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 .............................................................. 14

3.1.3 United Nations Human Rights, 1985 ................................................................................... 15

3.1.4 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1976 ............................................... 15

3.1.5 The Treaty Establishing the East African Community, 1999 .............................................. 16

3.2 Domestic Laws ........................................................................................................................ 17

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3.2.1 The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda ....................................................................... 17

3.2.2 The Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2011 .............................................................................. 18

3.2.3 The Judicial Service Act Cap 14 .......................................................................................... 19

3.2.4 The judicial service commission .......................................................................................... 20

3.2.5 The role of the judicial service commission in upholding the independence of the judiciary

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CHAPTER FOUR ....................................................................................................................... 24

GENERAL FINDINGS ON THE INDEPENDENT OF THE JUDICIARY IN UGANDA. 24

4.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 24

4.1 The role of the Government and other non-government organizations in judicial process .... 25

4.1.1 Appointment of Judicial officers ......................................................................................... 25

4.1.2 Corruption ............................................................................................................................ 26

4.1.3 Remuneration and Welfare of Judicial officers ................................................................... 27

4.1.4 Political Influence ................................................................................................................ 28

4.1.5 Discipline of the judicial officers ......................................................................................... 28

4.1.6 Delay in deciding cases ........................................................................................................ 29

4.1.7 Economic influence ............................................................................................................. 29

4.1.8 Physical insecurity of judicial officers ................................................................................. 29

4.1.9 The role of court bailiffs, court clerks, and other officers of court ...................................... 30

4.1.10 The Uganda police ............................................................................................................. 30

4.2 Instances where the Executive arm of Government has interfered with the Judiciary ........... 31

4.3 The attitude of the people towards the Judiciary .................................................................... 33

CHAPTER FIVE ........................................................................................................................ 35

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ........................................................................ 35

5.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 3 5

5.1 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 35

5.2 Recommendations ................................................................................................................... 36

BIBLIOGRAPHY ......................................................................................................................... 38