"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)

High Court of Uganda Justice Musa Ssekaana, Judiciary Uganda

WELCOME ABOARD

It is a great honour and pleasure to have you here on this website. This website aims to bring together some informational  guide to court procedures and a complete compilation of all my rulings and judgements for case study and reference. With a focus on assisting law students, lawyers and members of the bar, the website provides comparative overviews of, as well as additional notes on my issued rulings and judgements on the background of case precedents. 

This website aims to advance the right to information by:

  • Enabling the right to information by linking various judicial and law sites as a resource for free legal research and information. 
  • Promoting the development of jurisprudence at the national and regional levels.
  • Promoting the engagement of the public to interest itself with Judicial and law proceedings through free access to Law documents, materials and information.
The Clerkship Students award High Court of Uganda Justice Musa Ssekaana, Judiciary Uganda

Recognition from The Clerkship Students 2020-2021

High Court of Uganda Justice Musa Ssekaana, Judiciary Uganda Los Angeles County Attorney

Appreciation from Los Angeles County District Attorney

Uganda Law Society Awards High Court of Uganda Justice Musa Ssekaana, Judiciary Uganda

Excellence From The Bench Award -Uganda Law Society Award Winner 2021

Hon Justice Musa Ssekaana Member of the Commonwealth Magistrates' and Judges Association

Member of the Commonwealth Magistrates' and Judges Association

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.

MY BLOG

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.

CIVIL DIVISION ENGAGES USERS

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…

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REMEDIES IN JUDICIAL REVIEW

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

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SHS 14 BILLION RECOVERED THROUGH SCP IN ONE YEAR

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…

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KABAKA'S 29TH CORONATION ANNIVERSARY


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…

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LIST OF JUDICIAL OFFICERS AS OF JULY 2022


The core functions of the Judiciary are:  

  • Administer justice through resolving disputes between individuals, and between the State and individuals.   
  • Interpret the Constitution and the laws of Uganda.   
  • Promote the rule of law and contribute to the maintenance of order…
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A GUIDE TO WILL WRITING IN UGANDA


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…

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LAUNCH OF NEW GAZETTED RULES AND PRACTICE DIRECTIONS


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…

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NEW MAGISTRATES TRAINED IN SMALL CLAIMS PROCEDURE (SCP)

On Thursday, the Principal Judge, Dr Flavian Zeija, officiated at a two-day training on Small Claims Procedure (SCP) for the newly recruited Magistrates Grade One. 

The training was held under the theme, "Small Claims Procedure as a means to improve…

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COUNTERING ABUSE OF INSOLVENCY PROCESSES: A JUDGE'S PERSPECTIVE

Uganda Registration Service Bureau (URSB) held its 5th Insolvency Conference at Mestil Hotel. The conference provided a platform for discussions on a broad range of insolvency issues, practical experiences and perspectives, where Hon. Justice Musa Ssekaana also presented a Judge's…

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