Karuhanga Vows to Revolutionize Judiciary with Fresh Solutions

Advocate Elison Karuhanga, a candidate for the Uganda Law Society's nomination to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), has pledged to introduce innovative measures to address the longstanding challenges in Uganda’s justice system.

Speaking during an interview with the Nile Post, Karuhanga emphasized the urgent need to balance judicial independence with accountability while ensuring the efficient administration of justice.

Karuhanga proposes appointing qualified advocates as acting judges on a contractual basis to tackle the country’s overwhelming case backlog.

During his nationwide campaign, he observed alarming disparities, including districts where magistrates manage over 1,000 cases, leading to significant delays.

He argues that allowing advocates to temporarily assist in clearing case backlogs would alleviate pressure on full-time judges without overburdening the system.

“The system was made for the people, not the people for the system. It must be fairer and more efficient,” Karuhanga stated.

He also criticized the Supreme Court’s failure to issue a constitutional appeal judgment in four years, attributing it to severe quorum issues.

He highlighted the potential of technology, advocating for the use of virtual platforms like Zoom to conduct court hearings, especially in upcountry areas.

“We saw during the COVID-19 lockdown that Zoom worked for court cases. Why can’t we continue with that technology?” he questioned.

Karuhanga also stressed the need for transparency in judicial appointments and faster resolution of complaints against judicial officers.

According to current statistics, only 20% of complaints filed with the Judicial Service Commission are resolved, a rate he described as unsustainable.

Campaigning under the slogan “Nobody Can Stop Reggae,” Karuhanga likened the push for judicial reform to the unrelenting beat of reggae music, emphasizing the inevitability of change.

His bid to join the JSC comes at a pivotal moment as the Uganda Law Society prepares for its first-ever election of representatives to the Commission.

This decision follows years of debate and legal challenges over whether the Society’s council or its entire membership should nominate candidates.

Karuhanga views the elections as a significant step toward enhancing the independence, efficiency, and accountability of the justice system.

“Justice must beat like the drums of reggae,” Karuhanga declared, reaffirming his commitment to fostering a responsive, transparent, and fair judicial system.