"Justice Starts with the Right to Information
& Basic Access for the Public to Jurists"
- Justice Musa Ssekaana
The right of access to information has emerged as one of the most significant rights in modern times. Critical in harnessing open governments that are accountable, transparent and therefore efficient, the right of access to information is also vital in the enhancement and realization of all other rights-be it Civil Political Rights or Economic Social Cultural Rights. Above all, increased access to information promotes trust and public participation in decision making, which is a strong democratic benchmark.
This notwithstanding, the right of access to information is still far from being fully realized and appreciated in many developing countries. In the case of Uganda, it is noteworthy that the country is among the only four African countries that have an access to information legislation. Additionally, the country’s Constitution makes specific provision for the right of access to information under Article 41. (See Uganda Constitution 1995.)
Surprisingly, whereas Uganda appears to be more progressive in making this right fully realized, most provisions of the Access to Information Act remain unimplemented. Cabinet which is charged with the role of approving Regulations to facilitate implementation of the Act is yet to execute this mandate. Although not all the provisions of the law are dependent on the regulations, there is in the first place, a false impression that the implementation of the Access to Information Act wholly depends on the Regulations. Secondly, the greater public who stand to benefit from this information remains ignorant about the existence of this right, which is largely looked at as more of a media right hence low demand from the public. This is so notwithstanding the fact that most custodians of public information are either adamant to release this information or ignorant of their obligation to provide such information.
The most striking challenge to the right of access to information however remains the archaic and inconsistent laws still prevalent on the statute books. These laws act as a cloak for duty holders to unjustifiably withhold information, further limiting access. It is submitted that unless these laws are harmonized with both the Constitution and the Access to Information Act, full access to information will remain a myth.
Excerpt from: AN ANALYSIS OF LAWS INCONSISTENT WITH THE RIGHT OF ACCESS TO INFORMATION a study by Human Rights Network (JULY 2010)
Recognition from The Clerkship Students 2020-2021
Appreciation from Los Angeles County District Attorney
Excellence From The Bench Award -Uganda Law Society Award Winner 2021
Member of the Commonwealth Magistrates' and Judges Association
CMJA - Commonwealth Magistrates' and Judges Association has been working since 1970 to help and support Judges and Magistrates throughout the Commonwealth. Our aims are to to advance the administration of the law by promoting the independence of the judiciary and to advance education in the law, the administration of justice, the treatment of offenders and the prevention of crime within the Commonwealth.
Nothing on this site is intended to be legal advice and you should not treat it as legal advice. All information and opinions shared are for informational purposes only. The material may not apply to all jurisdictions.
(L-R) Minister Mao, Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo and Justice Musa SSekaana.
Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo celebrated reduced case backlog in the judiciary. He made the revelation while presenting the Judiciary annual performance report for the financial year 2022/2023 at the High Court…
The head of the Civil Division of the high court Judge Musa Ssekaana has castigated lawyers who influence judges with intent to bribe which he said is contrary to judicial professional ethics and integrity.
Ssekaana who was attending the 18…
Read more
Hon. Justice Musa Ssekaana addressing the Tax Appeals Tribunal
KAMPALA - High Court judge Musa Ssekaana has implored members of the Tax Appeals Tribunal to
reduce case backlog and to ensure consistency in their decisions to keep the economy sound…
The theme of this year's Memorial Day celebration was, "Benedicto Kiwanuka: Enhancing Judicial Accountability, Transparency and the Rule of Law."
On the celebrations held at the High Court grounds on Thursday 21st September
Read more
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has advised the 11 newly sworn-in High Court judges to be transparent if they want to sustain their careers. Museveni made the remarks on Thursday, August 17, while presiding over the judges’ swearing-in at State House…
High Court Uganda - Civil Division held a meeting with URSB top management Registrar General and Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver- Mercy Kainobwisho,
Read more
The Civil Division of the High Court recently held a Court Users Meeting to receive the stakeholders’ comments and views and deliberate on how the Division can improve.
The meeting was chaired by the Head of Division, Justice Musa Ssekaana…
Read more
The Acting Principal Judge, Musa Ssekaana, this morning of 25th April 2023 is chairing a high level breakfast meeting on sessions for Sexual and Gender Based Violence(SGBV) Phase Six at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
The sessions are in response…
Read more
At a breakfast meeting brought together by key stakeholders from the three arms of Government and members of Civil society to deliberate on matters road safety in the country, the acting principal judge Justice Musa Ssekaana hinted that the judiciary…
Read more
At about a year old, the insurance appeals tribunal is in the process of building the capacity to carry out its work. In a key training session, the members of the tribunal have been cautioned to make careful decisions bearing…
A Public lecture presentation to; The East Africa’s Emerging Public Interest Advocates Programme, at the MS TCDC in Arusha – Tanzania 1st March, 2023
By
Hon. Justice Ssekaana Musa
Read more
Judges of the High Court have been taking part in the 11th Annual Taxation Training for Honorable Judges of the High Court and members of the Tax Appeals Tribunal at the Serena Hotel, Kigo.
The tax and legal experts have…
28TH NOVEMBER 2022
My Lord…
Read more
The Guest of honor, The Honorable Principal Judge
The Justice of Court of Appeal
The Judges of…
Read more
As celebrations to mark the 10th year of implementing the Small Claims Procedure (SCP) take shape, the Initiative’s performance has improved.
In its sixth annual performance report launched earlier today, it was revealed that through the Procedure, a total of…
The Chief Justice, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo presided over the official opening ceremony of the Induction of the 17 newly appointed Acting Judges of High Court at Imperial Golf View Hotel, Entebbe early morning on Thursday 16th November 2022.
…
Read more
Various Judicial Officers, senior administrators, support staff and invited guest at the Judiciary Heath awareness camp
The Judiciary HIV Committee in partnership with the Uganda Aids Commission held today 29th September 2022 a health awareness camp for its staff at…
Read more
Story courtesy of THE INDEPENDENT | The Court of Appeal in Kampala has advised jailed lawyer Male Mabirizi to seek pardon from the court that sent him to prison to serve an 18 months imprisonment for contempt of court.
The…
Read more
The people of Buganda and well wishers around the world were celebrating Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II 29th Coronation anniversary on Sunday 31st August 2022. Roars of giant drums punctuated by ululations of joy and chants of "long live our…
The core functions of the Judiciary are:
Succession law in Uganda deals with the management, administration, distribution and acquisition of property and rights of a deceased person. This is either in accordance with the deceased person’s wishes which are usually expressed in a will or in accordance…
…
Read more
The Chief Justice, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo presided over the launch of new Rules and Practice Directions that will guide the civil, criminal and bail practice.
Among the The Rules and Practice Directions that were launched are;
The Judicature…
In this paper, Hon. Justice Ssekaana analyses the role of the court in balancing…
Read more