Constitutional Court hears 14 pending matters in one-day session
The session is being presided over by a panel of five justices led by Deputy Chief Justice Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi. Other members of the panel are Lady Justice Hellen Obura, Justice Dr. Asa Mugenyi, Justice Jesse Byaruhanga, and Lady Justice Stella Alibateese.
The Constitutional Court has commenced a one-day special session to hear and determine 14 constitutional matters as part of efforts to reduce the backlog of pending cases and ensure timely delivery of justice.
The session is being presided over by a panel of five justices led by Deputy Chief Justice Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi. Other members of the panel are Lady Justice Hellen Obura, Justice Dr. Asa Mugenyi, Justice Jesse Byaruhanga, and Lady Justice Stella Alibateese.
According to the cause list issued by the Court’s Deputy Registrar, HW Mugala Jane, the matters before the Court include Chemisto Shuaib Kubai v Attorney General, an application seeking a review and setting aside of the Constitutional Court’s ruling and orders in Constitutional Application No. 16 of 2022.
The applicant argues that the decision was made without jurisdiction, or alternatively seeks its review to clarify that judicial officers serving in acting capacity or on probation are entitled to security of tenure. The applicant also wants the Court to declare that a stay of execution granted in the earlier matter does not allow for the removal of judges serving on probation and seeks the reinstatement of Lady Justice Bukirwa Farida as a High Court Judge pending the determination of Constitutional Appeal No. 7 of 2023.
The Court is also hearing Jalongo Okello & Another v Attorney General, where the petitioners are challenging Section 10 of the Constitution Magistrates Courts Standards Utilities Wildlife Division Directions, Legal Notice No. 12 of 2026.
The petitioners contend that the provision, which gives exclusive jurisdiction over wildlife cases to Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Court, violates constitutional provisions on equality, fair hearing, and judicial independence.
Other cases listed for hearing include Obirai Andrew Francis v Attorney General, Caroline Naggoli v Uganda Revenue Authority & Another, H/W Kenneth Gimugu v Attorney General, National Peasants Party (NPP) v Attorney General & Another, and Katumba John v Electoral Commission, among others.
Petitioners and their legal representatives are present in court as the proceedings continue. The special session is expected to contribute to faster resolution of constitutional disputes before the Court.
