Supreme Court Judge Leaves Ugandans Surprised After Siding With Them in a Rare Move

Supreme Court Judge Christopher Izama Madrama has stunned Ugandans by openly supporting their right to criticize judges and judicial decisions, in a rare move.

Speaking at the launch of the Uganda Law Focus Journal at the Law Development Centre (LDC), Madrama emphasized that judicial officers are public servants who must be held accountable.

“There is nothing wrong with Ugandans or lawyers analyzing and scrutinizing court decisions,” he said, adding that no judge should take offense at being criticized.

His remarks come amid a heated national debate, especially with Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Isaac Ssemakadde facing legal trouble for criticizing Justice Musa Ssekaana.

Madrama, who also chairs the LDC Management Committee, was officiating the launch of the journal, a prestigious publication that had been dormant since 2002.

The journal, first published in 1972 under former Vice President Edward Ssekandi’s tenure as LDC Director, has been revived under Dr. Pamela Kalyegira’s leadership.

It focuses on key legal issues, including property rights in cohabitation and constitutional powers of the ODPP.

Dr. Kalyegira praised the journal’s return, saying it signals LDC’s renewed commitment to legal scholarship. Other speakers at the event echoed this sentiment.

Madrama’s remarks have sparked debate, with many Ugandans applauding his stand as a step towards judicial accountability in Uganda’s evolving democracy.