Today at Nakasero, I met Mr. Aliko Dangote and we discussed the proposed East African regional refinery.
I informed him that from the very beginning, we have always opposed the export of raw materials without value addition. That is why Uganda delayed oil production because we insisted on first having a refinery. Without refining our oil, it would not make economic or strategic sense to simply export crude oil while others benefit from the finished products.
I, therefore, welcomed the idea of a bigger regional refinery because our objective is African integration and shared prosperity. We cannot continue operating as fragmented and weak markets. If East Africa works together, such projects become more viable and beneficial to our people.
Uganda is ready to support the regional refinery initiative while also continuing with the development of our own refinery in Hoima.
The Judiciary has honoured retired Judicial and non-Judicial Officers for their distinguished service to the administration of justice, at a retirees’ dinner held yesterday at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala.
Presiding over the ceremony, the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, who represented the Chief Justice, hailed the retirees for their dedication and integrity, noting that they leave behind a lasting legacy of experience, institutional memory and jurisprudence that will guide future generations.
“Congratulations upon retiring honourably into private life. You have worked hard to earn this prestigious status. As the Judiciary, we remain indebted to you, and your good works will continue to speak beyond generations,” Justice Dr. Zeija said.
He commended the Judiciary for recognising both Judicial and non-Judicial Officers, emphasising that justice delivery is a collective effort in which every officer plays a critical role. He also observed that not all public servants live to see retirement, encouraging the honourees to consider themselves fortunate.
On life after retirement, the Deputy Chief Justice encouraged retirees, especially former Judicial Officers, to support the Judiciary’s expanding Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programme, including mediation, arbitration, reconciliation and plea bargaining, noting that these mechanisms benefit greatly from experienced and respected professionals.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus, Justice Richard Buteera thanked the Judiciary leadership for institutionalising a culture of appreciating retiring officers. He observed that judicial work often attracts little public gratitude, yet officers derive fulfilment from faithfully discharging their constitutional duty.
Justice Buteera also commended the Judiciary’s reforms, particularly the growth of mediation, which he said has helped restore relationships, reduce appeals and improve public confidence in the justice system. He urged retirees to remain ambassadors of the Judiciary wherever they go.
The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, described the dinner as a deliberate pause to honour officers whose service strengthened the administration of justice. She noted that while Judicial Officers make difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions, non-Judicial staff provide indispensable support that makes justice accessible to court users.
“The legacy of our retirees is reflected not only in law reports, but in disputes resolved, rights protected and institutions strengthened,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary / Secretary to the Judiciary, Dr. Pius Bigirimana, thanked both retired and serving officers for their contribution, likening the Judiciary to an engine whose many parts must work together.
Dr. Bigirimana encouraged officers to plan early for retirement and congratulated Justice Buteera on his election to the United Nations Appeals Tribunal, describing it as a blessing to both the individual and the country.
The Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya, noted that the retirees served at different levels and in diverse capacities, but were united by a shared commitment to the rule of law and service to the people.
Retired officers were presented with certificates and gifts in recognition of their service. Among those honoured were Justice Richard Buteera, Lady Justice Alexandra Nkonge Rugadya, former Head of the Land Division, and Lady Justice Henrietta Wolayo, former Resident Judge of Luwero.The event was attended by serving and retired Judicial Officers, Judiciary administrators, support staff, family members and well-wishers, and was moderated by HW Olupot Pascal, Magistrate Grade I, assisted by Mr. Apuuli Babigumira, Public Speaking Coach.
To create sanity in issuing nomination documents, a small regulatory change should be adopted requiring presidential aspirants to pay part of the 20 million nomination fee upfront, forfeited if they don't return the nomination forms.
With 121 individuals who have so far picked nomination forms for the presidency, do you think there should be a law to regulate who qualifies to contest for the presidential seat?
Courtesy photo.
#NBSLiveAt9#NBSUpdates
@kiuvarsity numbers in the last 20 years:
About 4,500 doctors trained. Out of these, 2,500 received bursaries.
Overall, the university has graduated nearly 80,000 students. 30,000 of them on bursary.
Over 2,000 graduate during the #KIU31stGrad#KIU25thAnniversary
Congratulations, Calvary FC (@calvaryfcm) on your double victory in the @FUFABigLeague and promotion to the StarTimes Uganda Premier League! 👏
Your topflight debut has surely been calling for a while now. 🤙
#StarTimesUPL
So, apparently, 80% of EPS fines are going to a Russian firm called Joint Stock Company Global Security.
Yes, you read that right. 🇷🇺💸
🔹 Who’s negotiating these contracts on our behalf?
🔹 And let’s be honest… Who even are these guys? “JSCGS”
https://t.co/WlWTNzq8aD
White smoke! The 133 Cardinal electors gathered in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel have elected the new Pope. He will appear soon at the central window of St. Peter’s Basilica.